A child with short-term memory deficits would likely have the most difficulty with which task?

A child with short-term memory deficits would likely struggle most with following multi-step oral directions. This task requires the ability to hold multiple pieces of information in working memory at once to complete each step sequentially. Short-term memory is critical for recalling the specific instructions given and for organizing them in a way that allows the child to perform the desired actions accurately.

In contrast, tasks such as reciting the alphabet and recognizing sight words typically rely on long-term memory or are based on rote learning and familiarity, which may not be significantly impacted by short-term memory deficits. Self-correcting written work might also be challenging, but it often allows for additional time and prompts to review the work, which can alleviate some of the pressure on short-term recall. Following multi-step directions, however, demands immediate recall and execution of information, making it particularly challenging for a child with short-term memory limitations.