Working Memory- Working memory is the access to immediate memory that can be called upon in an instant. The process is associated with being able to work with multiple facets of this memory and call on it right away. This appears in education as students deal with different work variables such as time, teacher expectations, dealing with group members, and the actual task. An individual with a poor working memory often has difficulty remembering directions, or rules to a game despite repetition.
Ask 3 then me/ 3B4T/ C3B4ME
Whatever you call it, implementing a strategy where students are to ask 3 of their peers prior to coming up to the teacher for help. This strategy builds the abilities of the students to work with their peers and use meaningful methods of communication, but also develops the self-regulation aspect of using those around you when acceptable to better understand what is going on. This strategy works fantastic when a hand gesture of some sort can be established (i.e. hold up 3 fingers) so that the students know to go ask their peers before asking the always busy teacher. This strategy will follow the students outside of school as they create healthy relationships with those who they can use to ask for assistance when in need.
Strategy Booklet
This strategy is very flexible in the sense that this strategy can work for any student in your class, for any subject. A strategy booklet is self explanatory in the name; it is a booklet that students can refer to in order to help them find strategies that work for them. A strategy booklet can be used for students that get frustrated easily to where they are directed to their booklet and find a calming down tactic that will work for them such as counting to 10, writing their thoughts down on a piece of paper, etc. This strategy can also be used for reading or math, where if students are having difficulties with how to add, subtract, multiply or even having troubles reading a large word, they can turn to their strategy booklet to advise them without turning to a teacher. This strategy is great as you are able to use it with any student or subject and you are also working on the child's memory throughout the year, having a resource to where the student can recall their strategies whenever it is needed.
How did these strategies work for you? Was there a better way of implementation or any information that we forgot? Please use the comment section below to provide us and our users with more information about this toolbox.