A mind map puts one big idea in the middle of the page and links everything else to it. Instead of long lines of text, your child sees the shape of a topic at a glance: what the main parts are, how they connect and what to tackle first.

For children who find reading and writing effortful, that matters. A mind map uses keywords, colour and pictures rather than sentences, so there’s less to write and less to hold in mind while planning. It also plays to visual strengths, which many children with literacy difficulties have.

Why mind maps help

Talamo reports often suggest a simple version for younger pupils: put the task or story idea in the middle of a page, add two or three branches with pictures and key words, then let the child explain the plan aloud and refer back to it while they work. For older pupils, the suggestion grows into a one-page plan showing the main goal, the important sections and what needs to happen next.

The thinking behind both is the same. When the plan is on the page, your child’s working memory doesn’t have to carry it, and there’s more room left for ideas.

Activity 1: Story sequencing map

This helps your child order the events of a story, whether they’re planning their own writing or retelling a book they’ve read.

You’ll need: plain paper, coloured pens and the story or idea.

1. Write the story’s title or main idea in the centre.

2. Add three branches: beginning, middle and end.

3. On each branch, add a quick sketch and one or two key words.

4. Ask your child to tell the story aloud using only the map.

5. Keep the map beside them while they write.

Why it helps: the order of events is visible, so your child can concentrate on telling the story rather than remembering what comes next.

Activity 2: Vocabulary builder map

This turns a tricky new word into a small web of meaning, sound and spelling.

You’ll need: paper, coloured pens and a word from homework or reading.

1. Write the new word in the middle, splitting it into syllables or useful parts.

2. Add branches for what it means, a sentence using it, a related word and a quick drawing.

3. Mark the tricky part of the spelling in a different colour.

4. Revisit the map briefly over the next few days.

Why it helps: linking a word’s meaning, sound and spelling gives your child several ways to remember it.

Activity 3: Revision mind map challenge

A short, timed challenge turns revision into active recall rather than rereading.

You’ll need: paper, coloured pens and a timer.

1. Write the revision topic in the centre.

2. Set a timer for five to ten minutes.

3. Your child adds everything they can remember: facts, dates, words and examples.

4. Check against their notes together and add what’s missing in a new colour.

5. Try again in a few days and see how much more they remember.

Why it helps: pulling information out of memory is one of the most effective ways to learn it, and the new colour shows exactly what needs more practice.

Adapting mind maps for different ages

• Younger children: keep it to a few branches, with pictures doing most of the work. You can write the words while they draw.

• Older primary pupils: encourage them to choose their own key words and to group ideas by colour.

• Secondary pupils: use mind maps to plan essays and revise whole topics, linking branches to past exam questions.

Digital options

If handwriting is a barrier, digital mind-mapping tools let your child drag, colour and rearrange ideas without starting again. Some can also read text aloud. Check with school which tools they already use, so your child can work the same way in both places.

Find out more

Our help centre has more on mind mapping, and the British Dyslexia Association has a free webinar introducing mind maps. If you’d like to understand what’s behind your child’s difficulties with reading and writing, find out about our dyslexia screener for parents.