3 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Teen’s Working Memory

Working memory is like the brain’s notepad, it allows students to hold on to information long enough to use it. Whether it’s remembering multi-step directions, solving math problems, or following a teacher’s instructions, strong working memory is key for learning and independence.

If your teen struggles with directions, forgets what they just read, or loses track of steps in a task, they may need support strengthening this skill. Here are three simple ways parents can help.

1. Teach Systems for Organizing Information

Help your teen create reliable ways to hold and manage information, like note-taking systems, color-coded folders, or digital planners. Encourage them to write down assignments and ideas as soon as they hear them. Visual organization helps transfer thoughts from short-term to long-term memory.

2. Use Memory Aids and Cues

Tools like sticky notes, phone reminders, and checklists are more than organizational hacks, they’re powerful working memory supports. Visual cues take pressure off the brain’s “mental workspace,” freeing up attention for problem-solving and creativity.

3. Practice “Chunking” Information

Chunking means breaking big tasks or information into smaller, meaningful parts. Instead of remembering a list of 10 vocabulary words, group them into categories. Instead of tackling an entire essay, focus on the introduction first. This helps the brain process and retrieve information more efficiently.

Partnering With Minkus Educational Solutions

At Minkus Educational Solutions, we partner with parents to strengthen executive functioning and working memory skills through individualized tutoring and coaching. Serving families in the north side of Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Skokie, Highland Park, and Lake Forest, we help students become confident, organized, and successful learners, in school and beyond.