Development of working memory in reading

Working memory, a crucial component of cognitive functions, plays a fundamental role in effective reading. In the case of people with dyslexia, the development of working memory can present unique challenges. In this session, we will explore the relationship between working memory and reading, identify common challenges faced by people with dyslexia, and provide specific strategies to strengthen this capacity, thus improving the reading experience and text comprehension.

Introduction to Working Memory

• Definition and Functions: Working memory is the ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information in order to perform cognitive tasks. In reading, it involves remembering letters, words and sentences while actively processing new information.

• Simultaneous Processing: Working memory facilitates the simultaneous processing of information, allowing readers to retain previous words while decoding and comprehending subsequent words. It is essential for fluency and comprehension.

Challenges for People with Dyslexia

• Impact on Decoding: People with dyslexia may face challenges in decoding, which requires a strong working memory. Difficulties in retaining and manipulating information efficiently can affect reading speed and accuracy.

• Childhood and Adolescence: The development of working memory is progressive and continues throughout childhood and adolescence. For people with dyslexia, it is crucial to understand how this evolution affects their reading ability and what strategies can be applied at each stage.

Adaptive Strategies in Childhood

• Mnemonics Games: Introducing mnemonic games, such as associating images with words or using rhymes, can be beneficial in childhood. These fun activities strengthen working memory in a natural way.

• Decoding Practice: Improving decoding is essential to reduce the workload on memory. Specific exercises that focus on the phoneme-grapheme relationship help to automate this process.

Strategies during Adolescence

• Visual Organization: Providing visual tools, such as outlines and graphics, helps organize information in memory. Teenagers with dyslexia can benefit from visually structuring the infor