Techniques to boost memory and planning skills

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Building Confidence Habits Through Memory and Planning

Parents focused on helping their teens develop confidence habits often wonder how to encourage better memory and planning without adding extra stress. Many families notice their high schoolers feeling anxious about upcoming assignments, tests, or even remembering to bring materials to class. These worries can chip away at a teen’s self-assurance. The good news is that practicing techniques to boost memory and planning skills can help students not only remember information but also feel more in control of their workload. When your child experiences small wins in organization and recall, their confidence grows—helping them feel capable both in and out of the classroom.

Definitions

Memory is the ability to store and recall information when needed. Planning skills refer to organizing tasks and time, setting goals, and following through on steps to achieve them. Both are key parts of executive function, a set of mental processes that help students manage their learning and daily life.

Understanding Emotional Barriers: Why Memory and Planning Can Be Hard

Many parents notice that their high schoolers forget assignments, miss deadlines, or struggle to create effective study schedules. These are not signs of laziness or a lack of motivation. In fact, experts in child development note that the teenage brain is still developing key areas responsible for memory and executive function. Stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed can further disrupt these skills. For example, a student who is worried about an upcoming exam may have trouble remembering what they have studied, even if they prepared. Emotional barriers, like low confidence or fear of failure, can cause students to avoid planning altogether, creating a cycle of procrastination and forgetfulness. By understanding that these challenges are common and solvable, parents can support their children with patience and empathy.

Techniques to Boost Memory and Planning Skills: A Parent’s Guide

Introducing your child to practical techniques to boost memory and planning skills can make school feel more manageable and less stressful. Start by choosing one or two strategies below to focus on, and encourage your teen to try them consistently for several weeks. Celebrate progress, no matter how small.

• Chunking Information: Help your child break up large assignments or study material into smaller, manageable pieces. For example, studying vocabulary in groups of five words instead of all at once.
• Visualization: Encourage drawing diagrams, mind maps, or timelines to visualize what they are learning. This makes information easier to remember and see connections between ideas.
• Written Planners: Using a paper planner or digital calendar helps teens plan ahead for tests, projects, and extracurriculars. Review the planner together weekly to set priorities.
• Checklists: Making daily or weekly checklists supports both memory and organization. Crossing off tasks gives a sense of accomplishment that boosts confidence.
• Teach “Self-Talk”: Practice phrases like “I can do this” or “Let me double-check my list.” Positive self-talk helps reduce anxiety and supports memory retrieval.
• Regular Review: Encourage your child to review notes or flashcards for a few minutes each day, rather than cramming before a test.
• Organized Study Spaces: Set up a consistent, clutter-free spot at home for studying. Keep necessary supplies nearby to minimize distractions.

Many teachers and parents report that students who use these techniques to boost memory and planning skills feel more prepared and less anxious over time. For more ideas on supporting organization, see our organizational skills resources.

Memory & Organization in High School: What Parents Should Know

High school can be a turning point for students as academic expectations increase. Teens face complex projects, multiple classes, and extracurricular commitments. To improve study memory in high school, it is important to teach both memory strategies and organizational routines. Encourage your child to use color-coded folders for each subject, set phone reminders for due dates, and review goals together at the beginning of each week. Talk about how stress or lack of sleep can affect memory. Remind your teen that building these habits is a process, and it is normal to need reminders and support from adults.

Executive Function: The Foundation for Memory and Planning

Executive function is the mental toolkit students use for planning, remembering instructions, and managing time. Strengthening executive function means giving your child repeated opportunities to practice decision-making, problem-solving, and organization. Praise effort as well as results, and encourage your child to reflect on what study methods work best for them. When parents focus on techniques to boost memory and planning skills, students are better equipped to set goals, stick to routines, and handle setbacks with resilience. For additional guidance, our executive function page offers further strategies.

Frequently Asked Parent Question: What if My Child Gets Frustrated?

It is common for teens to feel frustrated when they forget something important or fall behind. Remind your child that everyone—adults included—sometimes struggles with memory and planning. Share your own examples of overcoming forgetfulness or learning to manage a busy schedule. Validate their feelings, then help them identify one small step they can take. For instance, “Let’s set a reminder together for your science project,” or “How about we review your planner for five minutes after dinner?” With encouragement and consistency, these techniques to boost memory and planning skills can become helpful habits rather than sources of stress.

Tutoring Support

Every student’s learning journey is unique, and sometimes a little extra guidance can make all the difference. K12 Tutoring is here to partner with families, providing personalized support to help students develop effective techniques to boost memory and planning skills. Our tutors understand the emotional challenges that can make organization and recall difficult and work with students to build confidence, independence, and lasting study habits.

Further Reading

• Making It Stick: Memorable Strategies to Enhance Learning
• Tips for Developing Organizational Skills in Children
• 10 Strategies to Enhance Students’ Memory

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].