These dyslexia activities give children simple, practical ways to stay calm and focused during revision. Research shows that dyslexic learners often experience higher exam stress because tasks demand more working-memory load and sustained decoding effort. These activities lighten that pressure while helping your child feel more prepared at home.

Activity 1: Colour-Chunked Revision Cards For Calmer Reading 

Colour-chunking helps reduce cognitive load by breaking long or dense text into manageable sections. For dyslexic learners, this acts like a visual scaffold: it separates information, lowers reading pressure, and makes key ideas easier to recall. Studies on working memory show that structured text supports better retention because there’s less simultaneous decoding required.

Why it helps:

Colour cues create a multisensory prompt, making it easier to track ideas and stay engaged. This technique mirrors support strategies commonly used in classrooms for learners who benefit from multisensory games and visual organisation.

Materials Needed:

• Revision cards or paper  

• Three to four coloured highlighters  

• Optional: sticky tabs for marking longer passages

Steps

1. Write or print a short chunk of revision material on each card.  

2. Assign each colour a meaning (e.g., key term, example, explanation).  

3. Highlight each part using its assigned colour.  

4. Read through the card slowly, pausing after each colour section.  

5. Finish by summarising the main idea in one sentence.

Activity 2: Memory-Boost Micro-Breaks During Exam Prep 

Micro-breaks help stabilise attention and reduce the build-up of stress. Research shows that short rest periods improve focus, especially for tasks with heavy working-memory demands—like reading comprehension or multi-step exam questions. Dyslexic learners often benefit from predictable, low-pressure routines that give the brain a moment to reset.

Why it helps?

Micro-breaks interrupt the cognitive fatigue that makes tasks feel overwhelming. This aligns closely with memory exercises recommended by educational psychologists and supports steadier revision without burnout.

Materials Needed

• Timer or phone  

• Three break prompts: stretch, breathe, or step away  

Steps:

1. Set a 10–12-minute timer for revision.  

2. When the timer ends, take a 60–90 second break doing one calming action.  

3. Avoid switching to a phone or distracting screen.  

4. Return to the task for another short revision block.  

5. Repeat for 3–4 cycles.

Activity 3: Read–Say–Write Loops To Build Processing Confidence 

Read–Say–Write is a short fluency routine that strengthens retrieval and helps children practise holding information in mind. It’s especially effective when dealing with exam-style sentences or vocabulary that requires repeated exposure. Research on reading fluency shows that practising words across modalities (seeing, saying, writing) accelerates recall and boosts confidence.

Why it helps:

This loop anchors learning through repetition without overwhelming the learner. Dyslexic pupils often respond well to fluency drills that break down text into predictable parts and reinforce meaning step by step.

Materials Needed:

• Notebook  

• Pen or pencil  

• A list of exam terms or phrase

Steps:

1. Read a term or short sentence aloud.  

2. Say it again in your own words.  

3. Write it down once or twice.  

4. Cover the text and try to explain it back.  

5. Repeat for 5–7 items.

Supporting Stressed Pupils

The NHS reminds us that exam stress is extremely common, and that pupils often show it through changes in sleep, mood, appetite or motivation. A calm routine, predictable breaks, movement, and plenty of reassurance can make revision feel safer and more manageable. The British Dyslexia Association adds that dyslexic learners may feel extra pressure because exams demand sustained reading, memory and processing.

Their guidance highlights the importance of structured revision, multisensory strategies, and using any available Access Arrangements, such as rest breaks, extra time or readers, to level the playing field. Together, NHS and BDA advice emphasise early support, open conversations, and small, consistent habits that protect wellbeing during exam season.

Conclusion:

These simple dyslexia activities help your child revise in calmer, more structured ways, especially when exam pressure rises. Try one activity per day and keep sessions short and encouraging. To Learn how Talamo can help support your child, visit our website here.

References:

Brett, D. T., Baxendale, S., & Cullum, M. (2019). Working memory and dyslexia: A review of the literature. Frontiers in Psychology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6808376/

Joint Council for Qualifications. (n.d.). Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments. https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-reasonable-adjustments/

Snowling, M. J. (2006). Language skills and learning to read. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39(4), 336–345. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00222194060390040101

British Dyslexia Association. (n.d.). Exams: Support for children who are dyslexic. https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/children/exams

NHS. (n.d.). Help your child beat exam stress. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-beat-exam-stress/