What Is Phonological Memory?
Helping your child overcome reading difficulties can be challenging. One crucial aspect that impacts reading and learning is phonological memory. In this article, we’ll explore what phonological memory is, its importance, and provide you with practical strategies to support your struggling learner.
What is Phonological Memory
Working memory forms the foundation of learning and cognitive processes. It helps us hold and manipulate information in our minds. One component of working memory is phonological memory. Phonological memory is the ability to immediately process and recall sounds stored in your short term memory. When you hear new information, your brain needs something to do with it or it disappears.
For example, think of a time when someone introduced themselves to you. You all start chatting and within minutes of talking, you completely forgot their name. It evaporated from your phonological memory. If you had repeated their name several times or were able to make an association to their name (they share the same the name as your mother), you probably would have remembered it..
Phonological Memory and Literacy
In the context of reading, phonological memory plays a vital role. Reading is turning letters into sounds so deficits in phonological (sound) memory can be challenging for learners. Individuals with dyslexia often face specific challenges related to deficits in phonological memory.
Reading:
Children must tie sounds to letters when decoding words. Phonological memory deficits can affect a child’s ability to remember the correct sound for each letter. It can also affect a student’s ability to hold each sound in the correct sequence and read the word accurately.
Spelling:
Phonological memory aids students in making the correct letter-sound associations, as well as remembering the words they are supposed to spell. Deficits in this area make spelling one of the most challenging tasks for dyslexic students.
Comprehension:
Think of a student trying to read a paragraph. They are able to decode every word but forgot the first few sentences they read by the time they are done. They finish the paragraph, unsure of what they just read because they couldn’t retain everything in their short-term, phonological memory.
Vocabulary:
Phonological working memory allows us to store and retrieve new words in our memory. A student with deficits in this area might struggle to remember new vocabulary, recall the words when needed, or connect the appropriate meanings.
Set Your Child Up For Success
As a parent, you can play a significant role in supporting your child’s phonological memory development.
Here are some practical strategies:
Multisensory Instruction: By incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements, children can better process and retain information. It will be fun to see if one mode resonates with your child more than another and use it to their advantage!
Chunking and Breaking Tasks: Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks helps children navigate complex tasks. It is easier for them to process and hold smaller pieces of information in their memory.
Teach Concepts Through Experiences: Use experiments and projects to help your child learn new information. Allow them to be a part of the learning instead of just observe it. It will help embed information into their memory.
Memory Strategies and Mnemonics: Using mnemonic devices or visualization techniques can support learners in retaining and recalling information. A popular example for the mathematical order of operations is Please (parenthesis) Excuse (exponents) My (multiplication) Dear (division) Aunt (addition) Sally (subtraction).
Visual Cues: Creating visual cues such as concept maps can help auditory information stay in your child’s memory. It creates another association and can help the information be more “sticky.”
Repeat and Review: Give your learner several opportunities to repeat and review the new information. It is more likely to stay embedded in their memory if they have multiple exposures to it.
Discuss: Discuss what is retained, and review what is forgotten with your learner. Your child might provide some valuable insight into what works for them if they were asked to analyze their own behavior.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. How does phonological memory impact reading and learning?
Phonological memory is closely tied to reading and learning abilities. It helps children hold and manipulate phonemes (individual sounds) in their minds, aiding in decoding words, understanding word structures, and comprehending text. Difficulties in this area can hinder reading fluency, spelling, and overall language development.
Q. Should I collaborate with my child’s teacher or seek professional support?
Collaborating with your child’s teacher is highly beneficial. Share information about your child’s phonological memory difficulties and work together to implement appropriate accommodations and modifications in the classroom. Seeking professional support from dyslexia therapists, reading specialists, or educational psychologists can also provide valuable guidance and interventions tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Q: Can phonological memory difficulties be improved in learners?
Yes, phonological memory difficulties can be improved in learners. While there may be some inherent limitations, targeted interventions and strategies can help strengthen memory skills. With appropriate support and practice, dyslexic learners can enhance their phonological memory efficiency and minimize the impact of working memory challenges on their reading and learning abilities.
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