Mindful Monday: More Working Memory Research For You!
Working memory research is evolving, and this week we're spotlighting two fascinating studies that expand what we know—and how we support growing brains.
A friendly reminder: research is a guide, not a rulebook. For every study that points one way, you can usually find three more pointing in another direction. That’s not a flaw—it’s the nature of science. It’s why we keep it in our toolbox, but never let it be the only tool we use. Because your child wasn’t in that research study. Their brain is uniquely theirs—beautifully, wonderfully different. We start by respecting your child as a whole person and honoring how their brain works. If what we see in these two studies matches what we see in your child, great—we’ve got more language and strategies to explain and support them. If it doesn’t, we still tuck that research away, and we keep getting curious. We keep learning the details of their unique inner world.
1. How Your Brain Really Holds Visual Memory
Summary: Researchers at NYU used fMRI to peek inside the working memory process—and what they found might surprise you. We’ve known for a while that our brains transform visual details of letters and numbers into sound-based or phonological codes, which are then processed in verbal working memory. But this study found, that instead of storing mental “snapshots,” the brain distills relevant visual information into abstract, line-like patterns. So whether you're remembering the tilt of a striped grating or the direction of moving dots, your brain transforms it into a simplified, coded memory format that’s sharply focused on what matters most.
Why it matters for the Functioning Brain:
Visual memory isn’t about recalling vivid pictures; it’s about the essence—the angles, movement, or intent.
This supports using clear, focused visuals (like diagrams, arrows, or simple icons) to help working memory by mirroring how the brain likes to encode information.
It reminds us to prioritize functional clarity over loaded detail—especially for learners whose executive functioning skills are still building.
My notes:
I often find my artists and vivid visual thinkers need much more detail in their visuals for it to “stick”
Whereas my “get to the point” kids get overwhelmed with too many details and get “lost in the weeds”.
Make sure you test a variety of visual types to see how your child works best!
2. Athletes and Working Memory: A Clear Advantage
Summary: A meta-analysis of 21 studies with over 1,400 participants showed that athletes consistently outperformed non-athletes on working memory tasks. Even more striking: when athletes were compared specifically to sedentary individuals, their working memory advantage increased significantly (about a 63% edge!). These findings were identified across different types of sports as well!
Why it matters for the Functioning Brain:
It’s not about elite status—it’s about movement. Physical activity appears to sharpen working memory across the board.
This validates incorporating movement breaks and physical routines into daily life—not just for fitness, but for cognitive support.
For families, it reinforces that playful bursts of movement (walking, dancing, obstacle courses) are powerful brain tools—not distractions.
My Notes:
Timing movement breaks can be critical to success - which also involves knowing your child well.
Some do well to move before a sit down task, others after, and some need a mid—task break.
The type of movement break matters too! Some leave the room to go jump on the trampoline… and never return. Others need to get away from the “work space” to truly experience a “mental break” too.
Putting It Together: Abstract + Active = Working Memory Support
These studies give us a clear, evidence-based roadmap for working memory support:
Build visuals that align with the brain’s style
Layer in physical activity throughout the day to recharge the brain’s capacity for holding and manipulating information.
Combine both, and you have a dynamic, brain-friendly strategy for strengthening executive functioning skill development.
Working memory isn't just about “holding info.” It’s about how the brain holds it—and what kind of prep and fuel it needs. With small tweaks—clear visuals and movement—we can make that mental holding room stronger and more sustainable.
Small shifts make a big difference.
Clear visuals, intentional movement, and curiosity about your child’s unique brain—that’s the recipe for growth this week.
You’ve got this, and they’ve got you.
Warmly,
Tara Roehl, MS, CCC-SLP 💛
Functioning Brain
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I’ve put together simple worksheets and playful exercises so you can bring working memory exercises to life with your child. Think of it as a little care package for your brain—print them out, pour some tea, and let’s explore together. Check out Tuesday and Friday’s posts last week, and a new one is coming out tomorrow!