Your kindergartner develops and uses his memory in many different ways, including during everyday activities. Everything from sensory explorations to repeated experiences trigger the development of memory skills. Often the best way to help a child remember something and open pathways to future learning experiences is to have him get involved in an activity. It could be doing a science experiment, washing dishes, feeding the cat, or making birthday cards, for example. If your child’s got his hands in the project, it will stick with him.
MEMORY AND LEARNING
Your child remembers how to set the table because you once did it together. The more conversations you have, the better he learns to pay attention, to recall information, and to express his ideas verbally.
In terms of academics, your 5- to 6-year-old is at a stage of development where counting by rote or reciting the alphabet from memory is also very valuable and a skill of great pride. This type of memory comes from repeated practice, and it connects to learning in an equally valuable way. The ability to remember basic number and letter facts is essential to developing higher-level math and reading skills. For example, your child’s knowledge of the number sequence allows him to begin learning addition and subtraction. The same thing happens with reading. Your child will quickly be able to decipher words when he is familiar with the look and sound of each letter.
Your child’s senses are important doorways to storing memories. It’s helpful to provide him with multisensory experiences throughout the year. As you prepare for holiday celebrations, point out different textures, colors, sounds, and smells. You’ll be helping your child build a memory of how to do these activities—and how wonderful they are—that he can use and share in the future.
