Digits recall game: Working memory programme

The digits recall game is part of the working memory programme designed to help deaf children develop their working memory skills.

This game should be introduced only when a child has reached a level in the words recall game or the colours recall game that is too challenging. The digits game offers a change of context and allows the child to keep practising rehearsal strategies in a different format.

Getting started

• Open the Digits Recall Game (Levels 1 to 7) in slideshow mode so you can click through each screen.
  • Document

    Digits Recall Game Levels 1-7.pdf (394.06 KB)
• Have the record sheet ready to complete for each child during the session.
  • Document

    Digits Recall Game - record sheet.pdf (29.93 KB)

How it works

Structure

• There are 7 levels (called “spans” on the activity sheets) for children to work through.
• Each level starts with a practice question followed by 6 questions.
• For each question, the child is shown a series of number strings.
• They won't know which string they'll be asked to recall.
• At each level, the task gets harder. At level 1, they are asked to recall the last digit of one string. At level 2, they are asked to recall the last two digits. This goes all the way up to level 7 which asks for the last 5 digits.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Show a number string and allow the child time to rehearse it.
2. Click the slides to show the next string – repeat until the question slide appears (with a question mark).
3. The child must then recall the last part of the string they just saw.
4. Click again to show the beginning of the string, and the child must say the missing digits.
5. Finally, click once more to show the correct answer.
6. Sometimes the child will need to recall the first string, sometimes the last, or any one in between – so they should rehearse each one just in case. (If you look on the recording sheet, you can see if it will be the first, second, third and so on, but the children will not know beforehand.)

To pass a level, the child needs to answer 4 questions correctly in one game session.

Teaching the rehearsal strategy

• Encourage the child to use their fingers to help remember the order of digits – just like in the words game.
• After each number string appears, give the child time to repeat it silently (rehearse).
• At various points, the slide will ask: “What helps you remember?” Prompt the child to describe their memory strategy. This builds self-awareness of memory strategies.

Teacher feedback

• Be encouraging! If they struggle, ask them what strategy they could use.
• There are no 'Well done' slides, so make sure you give positive feedback yourself.
• If they mix up the digits order, help them think about using fingers, spacial memory, or repeating the digits in order.

Progress and tracking

• Use the record sheet to keep track of each child’s progress.
• Always start the next session at the level they last attempted.
• Once they get 4 trials correct, they move up. If not, repeat the level.
• You’ll know they’re ready to move on when they quickly reach 4 correct trials.