Standards for Children

• Children should have certain memory capabilities by age six.numbers image by Amer Delibasic from Fotolia.com
  
  Until the age of six, the auditory digit span corresponds with the child's age. For example, a one-year- old can remember one digit, a two year old can remember two digits and so forth. At the age of six, a child would then be expected to have a span of six, which is right at the range for the average adult. A useful way to remember the average span is that phone numbers consist of seven digits, the adult average.
  
  

Auditory Span and Phonics

• Reading skills are linked to short term memory.reading image by max blain from Fotolia.com
  
  In order to really succeed with phonics skills, a child should have a score of six or higher. For example, children may struggle with reading longer words because they cannot remember the first part(s) of the word. In order to help solve the problem, parents can read out loud to their children, encourage them to expand their vocabularies, practice memorization skills and listen to higher level language on tapes with headphones.
  
  

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

• The scale measures a number of factors including short term memory.test image by multimartinator from Fotolia.com
  
  Another method of testing a child's short term memory is through the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, a standardized test developed for assessing the cognitive abilities of anyone age two or older. There are four sections, one of which is Short Term Memory, which assesses sequencing skills, short term memory and concentration using a series of tests involving sentences, numbers and pictures. A score of 100, with a standard deviation of 16, is considered normal range. The other sections are Verbal Reasoning, Abstract/Visual Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
  
  

Other Treatment Options

• Games help build a child's memory.games image by Patrizier-Design from Fotolia.com
  
  Short term memory problems do not only affect how children read, but also how they speak and learn in general. Spending time with other children, as opposed to in front of a computer or television, is productive in stimulating better memory growth. Parents can also purchase and encourage the use of memory games and activities such as matching cards, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and other trivia games.
  
  

Complications

• Always ask a doctor's advice.Doctor image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com
  
  A sudden drop in memory capability or a continuous string of forgetfulness could be a sign of a serious problem, and the child should be taken to the doctor immediately. While parents should not panic, as the short term memory problem might not be very serious, it can potentially be indicative of a form of dementia.