Numerical Knowledge Predicts Working Memory in a Sample of Monolingual and Multilingual Children

Verbal working memory is related to academic success, yet the role of experience in WM development is unclear. This study tested whether numerical knowledge enhances WM performance on the Backward Digit Span task in 259 linguistically diverse 4–7-year-olds. Numerical exposure, recognition, and literacy predicted WM performance, highlighting context-specific influences.