An Inclusive Program to Strengthen Working Memory
Magrid is an inclusive, research-based learning application designed to support children in developing core cognitive abilities such as working memory. With over 3,000 interactive activities, Magrid provides structured opportunities to practice holding, processing, and using information, skills essential for learning math and thriving in the classroom.
The program is sensory-friendly and self-paced, allowing children aged 4–7—and students with additional needs up to age 12—to engage independently and effectively.
What is Working Memory?
Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind for short periods of time. It is essential for tasks like following multi-step instructions, solving problems, organizing thoughts, and staying focused during learning.
When working memory is weak, children may forget instructions, lose track of steps in a problem, or struggle to organize ideas. This can affect not only math learning but also reading comprehension, writing, and everyday routines. Strong working memory supports attention, reasoning, and problem-solving, making it a foundational skill for academic success and independence.
How Magrid Helps Develop Working Memory
Magrid benefits both neurotypical children and those with special educational needs. For children with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences, working memory is often an area of weakness that directly affects academic progress. Magrid’s intuitive, language-free design provides targeted practice in this crucial skill while building confidence and making learning accessible.
Magrid doesn’t just teach math, it weaves working memory practice into every step of learning. Many tasks require children to remember simple instructions, hold visual information in mind, and apply it moments later, which directly strengthens their memory capacity. Unlike passive learning tools, Magrid gives children active, repeated opportunities to train this vital skill while staying engaged in problem-solving.
Here’s how Magrid targets working memory:
● Holding and applying instructions – Children see or hear a sequence they must remember and use shortly after, training the ability to hold information briefly while acting on it.
● Visual and language-free design – Intuitive instructions reduce overload, allowing children to focus on memory demands rather than decoding text.
● Repetition with variation – Core memory skills are reinforced across multiple contexts, strengthening transfer to real-world tasks.
● Math + memory integration – By practicing math concepts through memory-based activities, children strengthen both academic and cognitive abilities simultaneously.
Magrid is backed by research from the University of Luxembourg and the University of Tübingen, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving early mathematical and cognitive learning. The program is designed to also support the development of broader cognitive skills such as attention, working memory, and executive function.
Working Memory Specific Activities in Magrid
Working memory acts like a mental workspace—holding and using information just long enough for children to follow directions, solve problems, or learn something new. Strong working memory supports reading, math, and attention, helping children stay focused and engaged.
● In daily learning, it underpins focus and self-regulation, making it easier to follow instructions and complete tasks.
● In math, it allows children to keep track of numbers and problem-solving steps in their head.
● In reading, it helps them remember letters, sounds, and words they’ve just encountered to build fluency and comprehension.
Magrid introduces a variety of problem solving based working memory activities that grow with the child’s ability. These tasks provide repeated, engaging opportunities to strengthen different aspects of working memory.
The Specific Working Memory Tasks in Magrid:
Matching Diagram Coloring
Children observe a color pattern in one diagram and replicate it in another location on the screen. This simple yet powerful exercise trains the ability to hold visual information briefly and apply it accurately.
This step requires looking at the model at the top and identifying which section of the larger shape should be marked in green.
After selecting the correct green section on the larger shape, the exercise continues with other shapes.
Visual Color Memory
A simplified activity where children recall where a specific color appears on the screen. By keeping the visuals uncluttered, this task introduces memory practice in its most accessible form.
This step requires observing the model at the top and noting which section of the shape is highlighted in blue.
In this phase, the model disappears, and the task requires recalling from memory which section was originally colored.
After selecting the correct blue section on the shape, the exercise continues with additional patterns to remember.
Color Fill Memory
Children view a diagram with colored sections for a few seconds, then reproduce it on a blank version. As they progress, diagrams become more complex, challenging them to retain and apply multiple pieces of information at once.
This step requires observing the two colored squares at the top and noting which color appears in each position.
In this phase, the colors disappear, and the task requires remembering which top square matched the color now shown at the bottom.
After selecting the square that matches the bottom color, the exercise continues with new color combinations.
Character Placement Memory
Several detailed characters appear on the screen briefly, and children must recall both which character it was and where it was placed. This task strengthens both identity memory and spatial recall, important for higher-order problem-solving and classroom learning.
This step requires observing the characters and noting which character is placed in each of the three squares.
In this phase, the characters disappear, and the task requires recalling where each character was positioned.
After identifying the character shown and tapping the square where it originally appeared, the exercise continues with new character placements.
By blending these varied exercises into engaging gameplay, Magrid ensures that children are not only building math understanding but also training the very cognitive systems that make learning possible.
For Teachers
Magrid is simple to integrate into preschool and elementary classrooms. Its memory-focused activities align with core skills in numeracy, problem-solving, and sequencing. Students can work independently, giving teachers flexibility to focus on small groups or provide targeted support. Short daily sessions (10–15 minutes) have been proven highly effective and prevent learning overload.
The teacher dashboard tracks student performance, highlights progress in both math and cognitive skills, and identifies areas where additional support may be needed. By embedding working memory practice into math lessons, Magrid helps teachers strengthen foundational learning skills without adding extra workload.
For Parents
At home, Magrid offers children an enjoyable way to strengthen working memory while practicing math. The clear, visual instructions mean children can navigate activities independently, giving parents peace of mind that screen time is both productive and purposeful.
Parents can use the dashboard to see their child’s progress in both math and memory skills, making it easy to celebrate achievements and notice growth over time. With its sensory-friendly and uncluttered design, the app provides a calm space where children can focus and persist.
Building Confidence Through Working Memory
Working memory is at the heart of learning, from following directions to solving multi-step problems. By strengthening this skill, Magrid helps children become more confident learners who can stay organized, follow through on tasks, and succeed academically.
For both neurotypical children and those with special needs, Magrid provides an inclusive and effective way to build working memory while making math engaging and accessible. Through consistent, research-backed practice, every child can strengthen this essential skill and unlock greater independence in learning and life.
