Mind mapping is a visual way to organise ideas, making it easier for dyslexic learners to connect thoughts and remember information. These dyslexia activities use colour, images, and keywords to strengthen working memory while keeping learning engaging and enjoyable.

What Is Mind Mapping and How Does It Help Dyslexic Learners?

Put simply, a mind map breaks a big topic into clear, manageable parts. Learners can spot links between ideas, group information and decide what to tackle first. Using colour, symbols, and short keywords reduces cognitive load and improves recall. It also encourages creativity, turning study sessions into interactive, multisensory games.

Activity 1: Story Sequencing Map

A story sequencing map helps learners arrange events in the correct order, boosting reading comprehension and sequencing skills.

Materials Needed:

• Blank paper or printable mind map template

• Coloured pens or pencils

• Story text or chapter book

Steps:

1. Write the story’s main theme in the centre of the page.

2. Add branches for key events in sequence.

3. Use images or symbols to represent each event.

4. Colour-code branches for characters, settings, or plot twists.

   
   

Why It Helps: Sequencing maps support memory exercises by providing a visual, logical flow of events.

Activity 2: Vocabulary Builder Map

A vocabulary builder map helps learners visually group related words and meanings.

Materials Needed:

• Printable mind map template

• Coloured pens or markers

• Vocabulary list

  
  

Steps:

1. Place the target word in the centre.

2. Create branches for definitions, synonyms, and example sentences.

3. Add doodles or symbols for each related word to aid recall.

4. Group similar words with colour coding.

   
   

Why It Helps: Organising words into categories supports reading fluency and makes phonics practice more engaging.

Activity 3: Revision Mind Map Challenge

A revision mind map challenge turns review sessions into a fun, timed activity.
Materials Needed:

• Blank paper or digital mind mapping tool

• Topic notes

• Timer

  
  

Steps:

1. Choose a revision topic and write it in the centre.

2. Set a timer for 5–10 minutes.

3. Add as many related facts, dates, or definitions as possible.

4. Review together and add any missing details.

   
   

Why It Helps: The timed element boosts focus while reinforcing memory exercises through repetition.

Tips for Adapting Mind Maps for Different Age Groups

Mind maps can be adapted for any age. For KS1, focus on simple images and minimal text. KS2 learners can include more detail and start categorising ideas. Secondary students benefit from adding exam-specific terms and linking branches to past paper questions.

Bonus: Digital Tools for Mind Mapping at Home

Free or low-cost tools such as Canva, Coggle, and MindMup make creating colourful, shareable mind maps easy. These platforms offer templates, icons, and export options, making them ideal for home learning exercises and collaborative projects.

Conclusion:

Mind mapping turns study sessions into interactive dyslexia activities that build memory, reading fluency, and organisation skills. Try one of these activities today and watch your learner’s confidence grow.

To learn more, head to the mind map page on the Talamo Wiki, or browse our other sections for more dyslexia activities and resources!

References and Resources

• Talamo. (n.d.). Mind mapping. In Talamo Wiki: Parents – Working memory. Retrieved from https://www.talamo.co.uk/wiki/parents/working-memory/mind-mapping

• European Educational Research Association. (2022, October 26). EFL teacher training: Mind maps. EERA Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.eera-ecer.de/efl-teacher-training-mind-maps/ matchware.com+3blog.eera-ecer.de+3blog.eera-ecer.de+3

• British Dyslexia Association. (2018, July 30). Why mind mapping is helpful for dyslexic learners – An introduction to mind mapping [Webinar]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lm63Z6EfBc