Some theory…

Memory plays a vital role in social, emotional and cognitive functioning. Souvenirs develop the identity, guide thought and decisions, influence emotional reactions and allow a person to learn. There are several ways of dividing the concept of memory. We distinguish short-term memory (STM0 and long-term memory (LTM). Short-term memory, also referred to as the working memory, allows us to mentally retain some information for a few seconds. It is essential to learning because it acts like an executive centre for processing data and storing it in the long-term memory. The long-term memory serves to build knowledge. The long-term memory also serves to recall events throughout a person’s life.

How to stimulate the child's development through play...

To develop the child’s working memory, you must place the emphasis on observation. Before beginning a game, take the time to examine each card, each game board and even the decor. Ask the child if he remembers the last game played. Together, remind each other of entertaining past events. In a memory game, describe out loud the position of the card turned face up. “The first lion cub card is near you.” Reduce to a minimum the amount of information to retain at the same time. Ask the child what pair, character or image he wants to focus on. During a game, ask the child if he recalls a past event where he might have seen a dog, his grandfather, watched Toc Toc Toc on television, etc. This way you bring the child to refer to his long-term memory and become more involved in the game.

To learn more

Soprano, M. (2009). La mémoire de l’enfant; développement normal et pathologique, France : Elsevier-Masson. http://www.mamanpourlavie.com/vie-scolaire/apprentissages/4038-developper-la-memoire-des-enfants.thtml

Developed by Audrey Leblanc and Mélanie Martel, psychoeducators ©2011, Groupe Formation Intervention inc., Montréal.