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If you've ever found yourself wondering why your child forgets instructions moments after hearing them or seems to struggle with multi-step tasks—even when the concept itself isn't new—this episode is for you.
We're talking all about working memory today, what it actually is, and how it affects both everyday routines and academic learning at home. As homeschool parents, we have the unique opportunity to notice these patterns up close: the moments when simple directions get lost, math problems fall apart, or reading comprehension just "isn't sticking." But what if these aren't just habits or temperament, but signals about how your child's brain is managing information?
In this episode you'll hear about:
- Overview of LearningRx and Focus on Working Memory
- Explanation of LearningRx's work in cognitive training.
- Introduction to the Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory of intelligence.
- Definition and Fundamentals of Working Memory
- Working memory as an "information bucket" with different capacities.
- Distinguishing between those with small and large working memory "buckets."
- Importance of holding and releasing information, and implications for learning disabilities.
- Identifying Working Memory Issues in Everyday Life
- Parental phrases indicating working memory struggles ("so forgetful," "I just told you…").
- Evolution of Approaches: Compensation vs. Training
- Historical reliance on compensation strategies in education.
- Modern views on brain plasticity and potential for skill-building.
- Cognitive Skill Building: Research and Methods
- Difference between the short-term workaround (accommodations) and long-term skill-building."
- Demonstration of a Working Memory Training Game
- Real-time working memory game between Sandra Zomalis and Sarah Collins.
- Auditory vs. visual working memory, and why targeting auditory skills can be crucial.
- The Role of Intensity and Processing Speed in Training
- Use of metronome to increase challenge and automaticity.
- Processing speed as another key automatic processing skill.
- Interrelation between processing speed and working memory—importance of training both together.
- Building Trust and Emotional Safety in Cognitive Training
- How LearningRx prioritizes relationship and rapport between trainer and student.
- Advice for parents on evaluating providers—importance of one-on-one model and program research.
- Addressing Parental Concerns: "Are You Trying to Fix Me?"
- Services at LearningRx for both children and adults.
Links and Resources From Today's Show
Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, CTC Math. You can check out their FREE trial here.
Connect With Our Guest, Sandy Zamalis
Sandy Zamalis is the Executive Director and owner of LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg, where her passion is helping struggling learners of all ages discover confidence and success. A former homeschooling mom, Sandy found her calling in cognitive training after witnessing the frustrations of students falling through the cracks. Today, she leads two thriving centers, empowering children and adults alike to overcome learning struggles and build the strong cognitive foundation everyone deserves.
