Learning to read: the role of working memory
with Dr Sarah Moseley
3 November 2022: 9 am – 12 noon
Working memory is crucial in how effectively pupils engage in learning activities.
The amount of working memory available can depend on many factors, including emotional state, wellness, physical ability and levels of sensory input.
Sarah will consider the vital role of working memory in learning to read, identifying effective strategies to support and improve memory difficulties and reading.
9 am Admission and virtual tea/coffee to start the session!
9:05 am Introduction and warm-up activity
9.10 am Session 1: How we define working memory and understand our memory processes
In this first session, Sarah outlines what working memory is and its role in learning to read, including:
What is working memory?
The role of working memory in learning
The specific issues learners with complex needs experience with working memory and how this impacts their learning
How to recognise the traits and behaviours associated with poor working memory
Break out room activity: Think of a learner in your classroom who appears to have difficulty with working memory. Consider how they present in class as a student and how these issues may impact both their progress and that of their classmates.
10.30 am Coffee
10:45 am Session 2: How to support learners’ working memory in the classroom
Next, Sarah considers how we can support the learner’s working memory in the classroom. This practical session will include:
How to identify indicators of working memory difficulties and possible solutions for these
Teacher-based strategies and resources to reduce learners’ cognitive load
How to support learners to develop an awareness of when they need further support with memory
Ideas and help to reduce stress and anxiety in the classroom
Chat task: Discuss how you have supported a learner you know with their working memory.
11.15 am Session 3: Wider strategies to support learners working memory: short-term interventions and longer-term strategies
In this final session, Sarah looks at broader strategies to support learners with their working memory. Including:
What to include in a long-term, planned approach
Which short-term interventions are best?
How to use technology to enhance working memory in learning to read
11.45 am Q & A
12 noon Plenary, thank you and goodbye!
This course will be appropriate for classroom practitioners from special schools and colleges, mainstream settings with specialist SEN provision and early years settings, and working with pupils with severe/complex learning needs and autism, or both.
Dr Sarah Moseley has over 25 years of experience working in special and mainstream education, from teaching assistant to Headteacher. In addition, she has a solid research background, including a master’s degree and PhD in Special Education, focusing on teaching reading for pupils with SEND and inclusion. Sarah has presented nationally and internationally at conferences and is a published author.
Sarah’s PhD centred on teaching reading to pupils with SLD and the impact on their feelings as learners. Her research focused on six special schools across the UK with pupils aged 11-14 years and found positive results from including all pupils in a reading curriculum.
The following resources will be available in your account for one week after the course date: a digital recording of this event, any resources shared/signposted during the session and a transcript of Zoom chat.
Each place costs £60 plus VAT (£72 in total.)
You can choose to pay by credit card for this booking. You can also request an invoice by confirming your booking by entering a Purchase Order Number on the booking form.
To make a group booking, please select the number of places you wish to book using the drop down menu in the ‘Book event’ section. Select ‘next.’ Complete the requested fields and the name and email addresses of those wishing to attend. If you don’t know the email address for any delegate, you can email this to lois@hirstwood.com later.
‘It has been one of the best courses I have attended recently! Loved the enthusiasm’
‘It was very informative and has given me lots of further avenues to explore.’
‘The trainers are able to engage the listeners in an amusing way. Questions were answered promptly and links or resources are shared immediately.’
‘Practical ideas and a renewed understanding of sensory differences’
‘Learning about creating the learning environment and expanding use of sensory resources’
