How can I support memory and planning for struggling learners?

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Struggling Learners at Home

Many parents notice their children have a harder time remembering assignments, organizing materials, or planning out their days. If your child is a struggling learner, you are not alone. Struggles with memory and planning are common, especially for learners who need extra support in executive function skills. These challenges can lead to missed homework, forgotten instructions, and stress for both children and parents. The good news is that you can support memory and planning for struggling learners with simple, consistent strategies at home. By focusing on growth and celebrating small wins, you help your child build skills that last a lifetime.

Definitions

Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that help people plan, organize, remember, and manage tasks. Working memory is the ability to hold and use information in your mind for short periods. Organization is the ability to arrange materials, thoughts, and time in a way that supports learning and daily routines.

Understanding Executive Function: Why Memory and Organization Matter

Executive function skills are the foundation for learning, independence, and confidence. Experts in child development note that strong executive function skills allow children to follow multi-step directions, keep track of assignments, and adapt to changes. Many teachers and parents report that when children have trouble with memory or planning, they may feel anxious or overwhelmed at school and at home.

Struggling learners often benefit from extra support to build these skills. If your child finds it difficult to remember what to bring to a lesson, loses track of homework, or avoids planning ahead, these are all signs that they may need help in this area. Rather than seeing these challenges as failures, recognize them as opportunities for growth.

How Can I Support Memory and Planning for Struggling Learners?

One key way to support memory and planning for struggling learners is to make routines visible. Try using checklists, calendars, and visual schedules. For example, hang a whiteboard in a common area where your child can write down assignments or reminders. Color-coding folders and notebooks for each subject helps children quickly find what they need. Younger children can use picture cues or stickers, while older students might prefer digital planners or reminders on their phones.

Break tasks into smaller steps. Instead of asking your child to “clean your room,” list each part: “Put away books, pick up clothes, make the bed.” When you model this process, your child learns to approach bigger projects with less stress. This supports both working memory and organization skills.

Encourage your child to talk through their plans out loud. For example, before starting homework, ask, “What do you need to finish tonight? What should you do first?” This gives your child practice sequencing and self-monitoring. Over time, these conversations build confidence and independence.

When your child forgets something, avoid scolding. Instead, calmly revisit the steps together. For example, “I see you left your math book at school. Let’s look at your after-school routine and see where we can add a reminder.” This approach helps your child see that mistakes are part of learning and that together, you can find solutions.

For more strategies, see our organizational skills resources.

Grade Band Scenarios: Memory and Organization from Elementary to High School

Elementary School

In grades K-5, children are still developing the basics of memory and planning. Visual cues, such as charts by the door for “What I Need For School,” make daily routines easier. Packing backpacks together each night and reviewing the next day’s schedule builds habits that stick.

Middle School

Students in grades 6-8 face more complex schedules and longer-term projects. Encourage them to use assignment planners and to break big projects into weekly goals. Many parents find that setting regular “check-in” times each week helps students stay organized and reduces last-minute stress.

High School

In grades 9-12, independence becomes even more important. High schoolers can benefit from digital tools, like calendar apps and phone reminders, to track assignments and deadlines. Encourage them to set up a quiet workspace and use a checklist for daily tasks. If your teen tends to forget deadlines, help them set up reminders a few days in advance.

Practical Strategies to Support Memory and Planning for Struggling Learners

• Use Consistent Routines: Morning and evening routines help children know what to expect. This reduces anxiety and makes planning feel manageable.
• Try Memory Games: Simple games like “I packed my bag and brought…” can make memory practice fun. Board games that require remembering rules or sequences also help.
• Practice with Real-Life Tasks: Cooking, packing for a trip, or organizing a family event all provide opportunities to plan and remember steps together.
• Visual Reminders: Sticky notes, color-coded charts, and labeled bins make important information easy to see and use.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate when your child remembers something or completes a plan on their own, no matter how small the step.

To help learners improve planning, consider setting shared goals. For example, work together to plan a week’s worth of lunches or map out a step-by-step plan for a school project. These shared activities make planning more concrete and less overwhelming.

Common Mistakes Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)

• Doing everything for your child: While it is tempting to take over, it is more effective to guide your child and let them try.
• Assuming they “should know this by now”: Memory and planning are skills that develop at different rates. Give your child time and patience.
• Focusing on what went wrong: Shift the focus to what your child is learning and how they are improving, even if progress is slow.
• Not involving your child in problem-solving: Ask your child for ideas and involve them in creating routines and reminders.

When to Seek Extra Help

If your child’s struggles with memory and planning are causing significant distress, impacting their grades, or affecting their self-esteem, it may be time to seek additional support. Talk with your child’s teacher or school counselor to discuss observations and possible supports. If you homeschool, consider consulting with an educational therapist or tutor who specializes in executive function.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and commitment to your child’s growth. Small changes can have a big impact, especially with consistent support.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that every child learns differently. Our tutors work with families to address specific challenges and develop personalized strategies to support memory and planning for struggling learners. With patient guidance and proven tools, we help your child gain confidence, independence, and lasting skills for school and beyond.

Related Resources

• How to Teach Your High-Schooler Organization Skills
• 8 Working Memory Boosters
• How to Engage Elementary and Middle School Students’ Memory Processes

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].