Early Atlas

Skill

Holds Information in Mind

Child keeps a small amount of information active in memory and uses it to guide a short sequence of actions.

Ages 30–54 months

executive-function working-memory sequencing recall

Why it matters

Working memory is the executive-function capacity to hold and manipulate information over short spans. It lets a child remember a two- or three-step direction, recall where an object was hidden, and keep a goal in mind while acting, all of which support planning and early academic skills.

Builds toward this milestone

  • holds information in mind and manipulates it to perform tasks. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

What mastery looks like

  • Carries out a two-step direction from memory without reminders.
  • Recalls which of several covered items was hidden or removed.
  • Keeps a stated goal in mind while completing the steps to reach it.

How to observe it

  • After a two-step request, does the child complete both parts in order?
  • In a hiding or memory game, does the child remember the location after a short delay?

Accessibility

  • Pair spoken information with a picture, gesture, or object cue as a memory anchor.
  • Shorten the number of items to remember before gradually increasing the load.

Activities

Learn first

Evidence

Early Atlas