For school-age children and teenagers, language memory strategies can help with recalling directions, lists, studying for tests, and other important information. It can be frustrating when a child or teen struggles to remember instructions for an assignment, or when they are asked to do a couple of chores at home and only remember the first one. Here are five helpful language memory strategies.
5 Language Memory Strategies to Try
1. Chunking
This strategy involves grouping information into smaller chunks so it is easier to recall. For example, if your child needs to remember to brush their teeth, wash their face, put their pajamas on, and put dirty clothes in the hamper, they could chunk the four tasks into two groups: “brush teeth, wash face” and “pajamas on, clothes in hamper.” Now there are two chunks to recall instead of four separate tasks.
2. Linking
The linking strategy works great for lists. It involves connecting items by imagining silly situations. For example, to link a grocery list of apples, milk, and bread, picture apples swimming in a glass of milk, then imagine milk pouring over bread like a waterfall. These silly images stick in memory far better than a plain list of items. You can even draw the silly pictures for extra reinforcement.
3. Semantic Mapping
This strategy can be drawn on paper or pictured in your head. It connects information within a topic on a web-like map, based on personal experience or how the information relates. For example, to recall animals that can camouflage, draw or picture a map with “camouflage animals” in the middle. Then draw lines out to each animal: arctic fox, arctic rabbit, chameleon, and tree frog. From there, connect the arctic fox and arctic rabbit because they both live in the arctic, and connect the chameleon and tree frog because they are both reptiles or amphibians. Overall, this helps the brain make connections, which makes information easier to recall.
4. Imagery
Picturing information as images or words in your mind can help commit it to memory. The more detailed the mental image, the more vivid it becomes. In addition, our specialists teach visualizing and verbalizing as a strategy for comprehension.
5. Rehearsal
Rehearsal simply means repeating information over and over in your mind to commit it to long-term memory. Start by practicing for short intervals, then gradually increase how long your child has to remember the information. You can also combine strategies. For example, use one of the methods above first, then rehearse the information you chunked, linked, mapped, or pictured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which language memory strategies work best?
It depends on the child and the task. Chunking helps with directions, linking helps with lists, and mapping and imagery help with school topics. Try a few and see which one sticks.
How long does it take for these strategies to work?
Most children need steady practice over time. Use the same strategy for a few weeks before deciding whether it helps.
When should I be concerned about my child’s memory?
If your child often forgets multi-step directions, struggles to study, or has trouble recalling information despite practice, an evaluation can show whether a language or memory difficulty is behind it.
How ETLC Can Help
While forgetfulness can be frustrating, these strategies can genuinely help when you practice and reinforce them over time. We teach exercises like these to help children reach their social, personal, and academic potential. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about executive functioning support at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- How to Help Your Child Succeed at School
- Practicing Planning at Home
- Attention and Executive Functioning
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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