WHY DID HE KNOW HOW TO DO IT AT SCHOOL BUT ‘CAN’T REMEMBER’ NOW??
You know the scenario….. you have just spent the past 20 minutes following the agreed upon ’homework schedule.’
A favourite snack has been eaten …..
The timer indicating it is ‘time to start’ has just beeped.
MULTISTEP PROBLEM ….
‘WHAT DO I DO NEXT’??
You have checked the agenda and have that sinking feeling…..
Even though there is a very positive note from the teacher saying class went well….
Today’s homework is a math worksheet….
It doesn’t take long until the tears of frustration begin (for both you and your child)……
While in class he seemed to understand the steps required to complete the work … but now…
‘I don’t know’ or ‘I forget’ are the answers you keep hearing and are beginning to feel like he just wants you to do the work for him…..
BUT…. He really truly do not remember how to do it and believe me….
As frustrated as you are….. he is more frustrated! Not to mention the feelings of being incompetent and dumb.
WORKING MEMORY
You have heard the term working memory many times ….. how does it impact your son/daughter’s experience at school?
In a word ….. HUGELY!
Working memory is involved in so many areas of life in general, not to mention it’s requirements for a successful school experience.
Working memory is the combination of remembering (or storing) information, while manipulating (or using) that same information.
HOW CAN I HELP HIM, WITHOUT DOING THE WORK OR GETTING INTO MAJOR BATTLES??
In order to compensate for a weak working memory, it is imperative that there are strategies and accommodations in place BEFORE that all too familiar battle over whether or not he/she can actually remember how to complete the math problems.
Ensuring that homework assignments and expectations are provided in writing is imperative….
Depending on your child’s specific learning style, there are other accommodations that should be (but often are not) included on their IEP.
An important service that I offer my clients is a full review of current IEPs and the supporting assessments so that I can suggest accommodations that might be of significant help but are not on the IEP.
For more information…. Click on the ‘contact me’ on my website. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook so you don’t miss any new tips I offer!
Until next time… Remember… You CAN succeed with ADHD!