Mind mapping is a visual learning technique that works by encouraging the brain to form new ideas, from one core idea, and can help children to solve problems, organise their thinking, and make confident decisions. Computers are often used to support the learning of children with dyslexia, and mind mapping software helps dyslexic children by encouraging non-linear thinking and unrestricted brainstorming and learning. Add to that spelling and grammar checks and no handwriting anxieties, and mind mapping software becomes a valuable learning tool for helping dyslexic children to learn with freedom and confidence.
According to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA - www.bdadyslexia.org.uk), some of the symptoms of children with dyslexia at primary age typically include difficulties in their spoken and/or written language, problems with following instructions, poor concentration and forgetfulness of words. Visual learning techniques such as mind mapping are increasingly becoming recognised as a valuable learning tool to support various ages and abilities. With some people believing that the mind is divided into left- and right-hand sides, while others deem it to be a less organised structure, mapping encourages the use of a larger part of the brain which enables more effective thinking. Most people are either visual or kinaesthetic learners; visual learning facilitates the effectiveness of absorbing information.
Debbie Farnfield of the BDA explains that dyslexic learners tend to be good conceptual thinkers and are often very creative, however are less able to carry out analytical and logical tasks. Mind mapping software is particularly useful in this sense because it enables thoughts to be thoroughly formulated in a creative fashion that helps primary school children with dyslexia form their ideas with certainty, even if they suffer from low self esteem and low self confidence.
There are a number of mind-mapping software solutions available. For example, Kidspiration® (www.taglearning.com/inspiration) is a mind mapping solution for primary school age children which uses visual learning to strengthen word recognition, vocabulary and comprehension. Children can build conceptual understanding in maths, improve their reading and writing, express their creativity and develop critical thinking skills as they combine pictures and words to retell stories or compare literature. These picture mind maps can then be transferred to text outlines. In this way, pupils who struggle with literacy and communicating their thoughts in a linear way can pour all their ideas onto the page, re-organise them, link them up, and then transfer to a text view which shows their ideas in a structured story or argument. Teachers have commented on how this can raise the self-esteem of students who struggle with reading and writing.
With dyslexic pupils often finding it a challenge to communicate ideas orally, being able to use mind mapping software enables ideas to be communicated quickly and without restriction, which can motivate pupils and improve their confidence in their learning.
As ICT increasingly becomes acknowledged as a valuable tool for supporting SEN learners, it is apparent that mind mapping software plays an important role in this. It acts as a positive way to enable dyslexic learners to present and value their own input, which is an important and significant role in their overall development.
