Short-term memory is defined as working memory. For example recalling the name of someone you just met or a phone number you just heard are short-term memory at work, according to the Natural Therapy Clinic. Long-term memory is the opposite, helping you recall events from days, weeks, months or even years back. Children with long-term memory problems may experience social anxiety or a feeling of deprivation, as important lessons and milestones are not retained.
Step 1
Associate words with objects or pictures for you child to easily remember. According to HelpGuide.org, images are easier to remember when they are vibrant, colorful and just plain fun. For example, associating a person's name with objects, such as a colorful leaf for Autumn, will help your child effectively utilize visual stimulation for memory retention.
Step 2
Allow your child plenty of sleep to improve long term memory. According to "Scientific American" magazine, a Harvard University study of 60 individuals showed that 76 percent of the subjects receiving adequate sleep showed improved long-term memory as compared with 34 percent who went with no sleep and showed long-term memory decline.
Step 3
Ask your child to repeat information that is being presented, suggests The Natural Therapy Clinic. For example, if your child is struggling with history homework or math, read to him the material and ask him to repeat key points to you several times throughout the day. Saying the information out loud helps boost visual learning.
Step 4
Teach your child rhymes to help her remember key facts. For example, the sentence Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally is an equation memorization tool. It explains how to break down a mathematical equation by instructing the solving of parentheses first, the exponent second, then multiplication, division, addition and lastly, subtraction.
Step 5
Help your child categorize her memories. According to the Natural Therapy Clinic, short-term memory allows for up to seven ideas or facts to be stored at one time. Categorizing pertinent information into four or five smaller ideas or facts will help her to retain the information without becoming overwhelmed.
