Working Memory Isn’t Just About Remembering It’s About Functioning
You give the instructions. You watch students nod.
Then two minutes later… someone says, “What are we doing?”
It’s not laziness. It’s often a working memory issue.
Working memory is the part of the brain that helps students hold information in mind while doing something with it — whether that’s packing a bag, writing a sentence, or following steps.
This week in Thera-Scholars, we’re giving kids a simple way to see what their brain is trying to hold — with the Remember the Steps Sequencing Ladder.
Why This Matters:
Students with weak working memory:
- Forget instructions right after hearing them
- Lose track of multi-step tasks
- Struggle with writing, maths, packing, and transitions
- Often look like they’re not listening — but their brain is overloaded
When we support working memory, we help kids: ✅ Follow through
✅ Complete more tasks
✅ Feel successful (not constantly corrected)
How to Use the Tool:
🪜 Introduce the Sequencing Ladder as a visual scaffold:
Each step is a “rung” on the ladder that the brain climbs one at a time.
🎯 Practise with routines like:
- “Get your book, write the date, start your draft”
- “Push in chair, grab lunchbox, line up quietly”
- “Think of your idea, say it out loud, write it down”
🧠 Use it to break down tasks in writing, maths, or morning routines.
💬 Pair with classroom language like:
“Let’s put it on the ladder!”
“What’s step one?”
“Brain Boss loves ladders!”
What’s Coming:
🪜 Tuesday: Student visual – “Remember the Steps” Ladder Poster
📝 Friday: Dash’s Working Memory Journal – What steps did I remember?
Need help creating step scaffolds for specific students or routines? SHS can support your team with classroom coaching or 1:1 supports.
For more info:
Autism Thera-Scholars Teachers Community
📧 info@succeedhealthcare.com.au
🌐 www.succeedhealthcare.com.au
#SHS #SucceedHealthcareSolutions #NorthLakes #WorkingMemory #TaskSuccess #ExecutiveFunctionSupport