Understanding sequential memory: Challenges and strategies for support

Sequential memory is the ability to remember things in a specific order. You may not realize it, but we use this skill all the time. Toddlers use it when they learn the alphabet. Adults use it to recall a bank account number.  

Some people seem to have a knack for remembering long strings of numbers. They may easily recall multistep directions for how to get somewhere. But other people can’t remember their computer password. Or maybe it’s hard for them to tell a story in order. Sequential memory can be especially tricky for people with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and language disorders. 

Trouble with sequential memory has nothing to do with intelligence. And it’s not because people just aren’t trying hard enough. Luckily, there are strategies that can help. 

Sequential memory is unique to humans.^1,2 This fact may even explain humans’ advanced thinking and language skills compared to those of other animals. 

Sequential memory is a big part of our everyday lives. It helps kids and adults with tasks in school, at work, and at home. Here are some examples:

• Reading and spelling: We need to understand the order of letters, sounds, words, and phrases to read and spell.

• Math: When doing math, we need to follow a specific order of operations, like multiplying before adding.

• Writing and speaking: When telling a story or writing a letter, we need to share our ideas in order. 

• Daily tasks: Everything from brushing teeth to making lunch involves remembering steps in order.

There are two main types of sequential memory: verbal and visual.

Verbal sequential memory involves remembering what you hear in order. For example:

• Repeating an address back after someone says it

• Following multistep instructions, like “go to the bus station, take the number 47 bus, and get off at Main Street”

• Remembering song lyrics 

Visual sequential memory is about remembering what you see in a particular order. For example:

• Remembering the order of letters in a word when spelling

• Recognizing a pattern of shapes or symbols

• Following a dance routine 

Someone who has trouble with executive function may also struggle with sequential memory. Executive function is a set of mental skills. We use it to plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage tasks. 

Executive function helps us:

• Stay organized

• Manage time

• Prioritize

• Follow directions

• Solve problems

One part of executive function is working memory. It helps us keep track of information in the moment. For example, working memory helps with being able to look at a recipe and then gather the ingredients.

Sequential memory is a type of working memory. It’s about holding on to information in order. This means not only looking at the recipe and gathering the ingredients, but also remembering the order of steps and when to use each ingredient. 

Trouble with executive function is common in people who learn and think differently. That means sequential memory is often a challenge, too. 

People with ADHD struggle with executive function, including working memory³ and sequential memory. Keeping multiple steps in their head in the correct order can be especially tough for someone with ADHD. They may even find it challenging to get ready for work or school in the morning. 

Someone with ADHD might leave home without remembering to pack their lunch or homework. Or they may get to their car before remembering to brush their teeth. 

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. It makes it hard to understand how sounds fit together in words. This affects reading and spelling. 

Sequential memory is key to remembering the sequence of sounds in a word. People with dyslexia are more likely to mix up syllables, letters, and sounds.⁴ They may read was as saw, or spot as stop. 

People with dyslexia may also have trouble with sequencing beyond reading, such as remembering the steps of physical activities, like dancing.  

Dyscalculia is a learning difference in math. People with dyscalculia have trouble working with numbers and understanding concepts like “bigger” and “smaller.”

Many people with dyscalculia struggle with sequential memory, which is essential for solving many math problems. They may have trouble with things like counting in sequence or remembering the right order of steps in a math problem.

A student with dyscalculia might mix up the steps when solving an equation, even if they understand each part on its own. 

Language disorders affect how a person understands or uses words. Putting information in order is key for both. 

If someone has a receptive language disorder, they might not always understand what others are saying. This makes it hard to follow step-by-step instructions or keep up with conversations. 

An expressive language disorder makes it hard to put thoughts into words. People may remember what they did last weekend, but struggle to tell you about it in the right order. 

The good news? There are strategies that can help with sequential memory.  Here are a few to try. 

1. Breaking it down 

Take a general instruction like “make dinner” and break it down into individual, simple sets. For example, instead of telling a child to clean their room, tell them the exact steps. “First, put the laundry in the hamper. Then, put the toys in the bins. Finally, make the bed.”

2. Using visual aids

Tools like checklists and picture schedules can help with sequential memory. A morning checklist placed in the bathroom can be a reminder to brush teeth, wash up, get dressed, and eat breakfast. It can help to number the steps.

3. Chunking

Break information into smaller “chunks.” For example, memorize phone numbers in groups of three or four digits before putting them all together.

3. Repeating it

There’s a reason flashcards are popular. While repetition shouldn’t be the only memory strategy you try, it can help make things stick. Making your own flashcards can make learning even more productive.⁵

4. Using mnemonics and songs

Rhymes, songs, and acronyms can make sequences easier to remember. For example, “i before e except after c” can help with spelling. “PEMDAS” is a common mnemonic to remember the order of operations in math.

5. Taking your time

It may seem obvious, but it’s even more difficult to remember information in order when it’s presented quickly.⁶ Go slowly.

6. Using multisensory learning 

For most people, having information relayed in a variety of ways can help it stick. For example, it can be helpful for a teacher to verbally give instructions and model the activity. Then have students practice or act it out.⁷

7. Taking notes 

Don’t rely on memory alone to keep track of things. Record or write down directions, numbers, or steps to solve a problem for later reference.

8. Storytelling and playing 

Games and storytelling can help flex the sequential memory muscle.⁸ Try “Simon Says,” story cubes, or memory card games.

Sequential memory is an important skill in everyday life. While trouble with it can make everyday tasks harder, some strategies can help. And with practice and support, this skill can improve. 

Sequential memory is the ability to remember things in a specific order, like the steps in a math problem or the letters in a word. It’s part of working memory, which helps us hold on to information while we use it. We rely on sequential memory every day for tasks like reading, writing, solving problems, and following routines.

There are two types of sequential memory. Verbal sequential memory helps us remember things we hear in order, such as spoken directions or song lyrics. Visual sequential memory helps us remember what we see in order, like dance moves or how to spell words.

People with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or language disorders often find sequential memory challenging. But these struggles have nothing to do with intelligence.

There are ways to help. Breaking tasks into smaller steps, using checklists, repeating information, using memory tricks like rhymes, and writing things down can all make a big difference.