Module 29

Working Memory Training Exercises

Structured exercises to strengthen working memory across ages, with progression guidelines

Working memory is the brain's scratchpad -- it holds and manipulates information in real time. It's trainable, but gains require consistent, progressive practice.

Exercise	Age	How to Do It	Duration	Progression
Forward Digit Span	3+	Say a sequence of numbers. Child repeats them back. Start with 2 digits.	5 min	Add 1 digit when they get 3 correct at current length
Backward Digit Span	5+	Say a sequence. Child repeats in reverse order. Start with 2 digits.	5 min	Much harder. Expect 1-2 fewer digits than forward span.
Verbal N-Back	6+	Read a list of words. Child claps when they hear a word that matches the one N items back. Start with 1-back.	5-10 min	1-back → 2-back → 3-back. 2-back is challenging for most children.
Visual Pattern Memory	4+	Show a pattern of colored blocks for 5 seconds. Child recreates it from memory.	5-10 min	Increase pattern complexity: more colors, more blocks, shorter viewing time
Story Recall	4+	Read a short paragraph. Child retells with as many details as possible.	5-10 min	Longer stories, more specific detail questions, add a delay before recall
Dual-Task Training	7+	Combine two tasks: sort cards by color while counting backward by 2s.	5 min	Increase difficulty of either task independently
Simon Says (Extended)	3+	Play Simon Says with increasingly long chains of actions (touch nose, spin, jump).	5-10 min	Add more steps per round. Add a delay between instruction and action.
Mental Math Chains	6+	Give a starting number, then a chain of operations: '3... plus 2... times 4... minus 1.' Child gives final answer.	5 min	Longer chains. Mix operations. Use larger numbers.
Kim's Game	4+	Place 5-10 objects on a tray. View for 30 seconds. Cover. Child names all objects.	5 min	More objects, shorter viewing time, ask what's missing after removing one
Follow Multi-Step Directions	3+	Give 2-3 step instructions: 'Put the cup on the table, then close the door, then clap twice.'	Throughout the day	Add steps gradually. 2 steps at age 3, 3-4 steps by age 6, 5+ by age 8.

Training Principles

1Practice daily: 10-15 minutes, 5 days per week, for at least 5-6 weeks to see gains.
2Progressive difficulty: Increase challenge only when current level is mastered (80% accuracy).
3Transfer is limited: Working memory training improves working memory tasks. Evidence for transfer to academics or IQ is mixed.
4Make it fun: If it feels like drilling, compliance drops. Gamify it.
5Track progress: Write down the level achieved each session so you can see improvement.

What Training Can and Can't Do

Working memory training can improve performance on working memory tasks, but don't expect it to raise IQ scores broadly. The biggest real-world benefit is in following multi-step directions and holding information during reading and math.