How Memory Impacts Math Learning in Kids
Early Childhood Education
Sep 25, 2025
Explore how different types of memory influence children's math learning, and discover effective strategies to enhance their skills.
Memory is a key factor in how children learn math. Here's a quick summary of how different types of memory contribute to math skills:
Working Memory
Lets children hold and process information while solving problems (e.g. two-step calculations in mental math).
Long-Term Memory
Supports quick recall of math facts (like the multiplication table), reducing mental effort.
Visuospatial Memory
Helps in writing numbers, understanding geometry and spatial reasoning.
Verbal Memory
Becomes important for formal math learning as kids grow older.
Key Age Milestones
Ages 5–6: Visuospatial short-term memory predicts early math abilities.
Ages 6–7: Visuospatial working memory supports both informal and formal math tasks.
Ages 7–8: Verbal memory plays a bigger role in advanced math learning.
Challenges and Solutions
Memory Issues: Over 80% of kids with working memory difficulties face learning disorders like dyscalculia.
Strategies: Break tasks into steps, use visuals, and practice regularly to strengthen memory.
Digital tools like Funexpected Math combine memory exercises with interactive math games, boosting learning by up to 3x faster.
Memory is the foundation for math success. With focused strategies and tools, kids can overcome challenges and excel in math.
Memory Types That Support Math Skills
Several memory systems work together to help a child grasp math and excel. Each type of memory plays a role in building different math abilities.
Working Memory and Math Calculations
Working memory has three components that play a role in math performance:
Central executive: Helps kids switch between tasks and update information as needed.
Phonological short-term memory: Stores verbal number information, like math instructions or equations.
Visuospatial short-term memory: Holds visual and spatial details, such as a mental image of a math problem.
Research shows that these components account for about 56% of the differences in children's math abilities. There’s also a moderate connection between working memory and arithmetic skills [5][3]. However, while working memory is key for processing math in real-time, mastering math facts depends heavily on long-term memory.
Long-Term Memory and Math Facts
Long-term memory enables a kid to quickly recall basic math facts, such as addition or multiplication tables. This automatic recall reduces mental effort, allowing for faster problem-solving. Using a combo of visual, auditory, and hands-on methods can strengthen long-term memory for math facts [6].
Visual Memory and Geometry
Visual memory is especially important for geometry and spatial reasoning. According to research, strong visuospatial memory improves geometric problem-solving. In a study teaching trapezoids, children reached 60.5% accuracy after one hour of visual-focused instruction [7].
Also, studies reveal that 62–85% of children with ADHD experience working memory challenges [5]. This emphasizes the importance of tailored strategies to help students who struggle with memory-related issues.
Memory Growth and Math Skills
Children's memory development plays a key role in shaping how they learn math.
Memory Changes by Age
There’s a clear pattern in how children rely on different types of memory as they grow. Between the ages of 6 and 7, visuospatial working memory becomes essential for tackling more complex math problems. By ages 7 to 8, verbal short-term memory takes on a larger role in supporting formal math learning [2].
This shift shows how children move from visual and spatial strategies - like counting on fingers or mental number line - to more abstract, verbal methods that allow for quicker arithmetic [2]. These changes lay the foundation for more advanced math strategies as they progress in school.
Memory Skills and Math Success
Working memory and arithmetic skills have a moderate correlation (r = 0.312) based on data from 46 studies involving over 11,000 participants [3].
Verbal working memory has a stronger link to arithmetic success than visuospatial working memory [3].
As a child grows, the relationship between memory types and math skills shifts. While the influence of visuospatial memory stays steady, the role of verbal working memory tends to decrease with age [3]. These trends help guide classroom strategies and interventions.
Memory Issues in Math Learning
Memory challenges can strongly impact a child's ability to learn math. According to studies, over 80% of children with working memory difficulties also have a disorder like dyscalculia [1].
Memory Problems and Math Disabilities
Children struggling with memory often face specific challenges in math.
Number Processing: Tasks like counting backward from 11 can be tough as they require holding multiple numbers in working memory [4].
Complex Operations: Activities such as mental multiplication become difficult due to limited working memory capacity [1].
"When we're able to automate a task it no longer requires working memory to function. Remembering what to do next takes up cognitive workspace - and that's not necessary." [10]
These issues demand targeted interventions. What can it be?
Help for Memory-Based Math Problems
Strategy | Implementation | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Task Breakdown | Break problems into steps | Eases mental effort |
Visual Aids | Use graphic organizers | Aids in visuospatial thinking |
External Tools | Use lists and reminders | Frees up mental capacity |
Routine Building | Establish consistent habits | Automates foundational tasks |
These methods reduce memory strain and help build essential math skills.
Chris Woodin's techniques, such as visualization and chunking, have shown success in lowering cognitive load and improving math fact recall [4].
Memory Practice for Better Math Skills
Memory training can significantly improve math abilities. A study from the University of Cambridge in January 2021 found that regular memory exercises, such as card games, led to a 15% increase in working memory capacity for children aged 7–9. This improvement translated into better math problem-solving skills.
What can parents and educators do to strengthen memory for math? Here are some proven ways:
Daily Practice: Repeated practice of math facts reduces the mental effort needed during problem-solving [8].
Multisensory Techniques: Combining visual, auditory, and hands-on activities strengthens both working and long-term memory [9].
Active Learning: Encourage children to teach math concepts to others. This boosts their recall and understanding [8].
"When the child becomes the teacher, they are switching into a more active role and thus enhancing their working memory skills." - Laine J., Author at Peak Academics [8]
Breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps is especially helpful for children with working memory challenges. This structured approach minimizes overload and supports their learning [1].
Digital Tools for Memory and Math
Digital tools are increasingly incorporating memory techniques into interactive learning experiences. When aligned with children's cognitive development, these tools can significantly improve both memory and math skills.
Apps that support memory can speed up math learning up to three times. The progress is achieved by combining active engagement with structured skill-building.
Feature | Memory Benefit | Math Learning Impact |
|---|---|---|
Interactivity | Strengthens working memory | Speeds up problem-solving |
Visual Explanations | Improves visual memory | Builds spatial reasoning |
Adaptive Difficulty | Balances memory load | Keeps engagement high |
Immediate Feedback | Reinforces memory retention | Quickly corrects misconceptions |
This approach forms the foundation for apps like Funexpected Math.
Funexpected Math: Memory-Driven Math Games
Funexpected Math is a standout example of a tool that utilizes memory-building techniques to enhance math learning without relying on rote memorization. The app supports understanding through visual aids and hands-on tasks. With over 10,000 interactive problems, it offers a rich learning environment [14].
"By providing a low-pressure and fun math experience, Funexpected has helped us reduce math-related anxiety and frustrations, which improves overall learning outcomes." - Eric, Tech Teacher, Academy at the Lakes [15]
Just two 15-minute sessions a week are enough for notable improvements in math skills. The app's success lies in its well-rounded approach to memory development:
Working Memory: The app's tasks adjust to match a child's individual cognitive abilities.
Visual Memory: The app features spatial exercises and engaging visuals.
Long-Term Memory: It reinforces concepts through varied activities and the spaced repetition method.
The surveyed educators rated the results of working with the app as follows [15]:
100% reported reduction in teacher workload
88% reported improvement in students' knowledge retention
88% noticed a boost in teaching efficiency
75% stated a decrease in attainment gaps
69% reported an increase in overall student performance
Conclusion:
Memory plays a vital role in developing math skills, and the working memory is a major factor in math performance [1].
Verbal working memory is particularly important for early arithmetic skills, although its influence decreases as children grow older [3].
Strategies to support different types of memory:
Memory Type | Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
Working Memory | Write down each step | Eases mental strain |
Visual Memory | Use graphic organizers | Improves spatial reasoning |
Long-Term Memory | Review before sleeping | Boosts information retention |
What else can you do as a parent? Break down challenging math problems into smaller, more manageable steps, and incorporate multi-sensory methods. This can strengthen the connection between memory and math skills [16].
Combined with consistent practice and quality digital tools, these techniques provide a strong base for mastering math.
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