Literacy 4-6

Text-to-speech Software

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Overview

Transforming written text into audio supports learning by activating different parts of a learner's brain for comprehension. Providing tools so learners can choose to listen to a text supports individual strengths and needs.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how text-to-speech software helps students who struggle with reading. By using their Auditory Processing skills, these students are able to show that they comprehend complex reading material.

  • For learners with strong Auditory Processing skills, listening to, rather than reading, text allows them to draw on their strengths. Text-to-speech also supports Orthographic Processing by using Visual Processing skills to map visual stimuli to speech sounds.

    • Design It into Your Product

    Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.

    Learn how developers of Read&Write for Google used text-to-speech software in combination with other features to provide multisensory support for reading and understanding a text. Providing the ability to highlight words for an audio pronunciation with an accompanying visual activates verbal and visual Working Memory. Highlighting the spoken word in a different color from the yellow highlighted sentence strengthens Visual Processing skills through tracking.

  • Developers can easily provide text-to-speech as an option for all students. This audio support can help with comprehension and focus, even for students who do not struggle with Decoding. A teacher or developer can then provide visuals that further support comprehension of the text to bring visual Working Memory into action too.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

    Assistive Technologies & Disabilities

    Subtopic that includes research on the use and effectiveness of technologies for people with disabilities on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Natural Reader

    Free text-to-speech program that converts any text into spoken words

    Read&Write for Google

    Toolbar with text-to-speech as an added functionality for Google Docs

    Text-to-Speech Software

    Description of text-to-speech and questions to consider when selecting software

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Literacy
    Background Knowledge
    Genre Knowledge
    Morphological Knowledge
    Syntax
    Verbal Reasoning
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Attention
    Inhibition & Self-regulation
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Visual Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Emotion
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Physical Well-being
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status
    Vision

    More Multisensory Supports Strategies

    Audiobooks

    Audiobooks allow students to hear fluent reading and to experience books above their reading skills.

    Dictation/Speech-to-text

    Dictation can allow students with transcription difficulties to still participate in the writing process and generate ideas.

    Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Gestures

    Adding gestures and motions to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for recall and understanding.

    Manipulatives: Sentence Combining

    Full sentence manipulatives allow students to practice producing more complex Syntax and writing.

    Manipulatives: Sentence Construction

    Providing physical representations of parts of a sentence activates learners' mental processes.

    Mindfulness Breaks

    Short breaks that include mindfulness quiet the brain to allow for improved thinking and emotional regulation.

    Movement Breaks

    Brain breaks that include movement allow learners to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information.

    Music & Dance

    Connecting information to music and dance moves enhances Short-term and Long-term Memory by drawing on auditory processes and the cognitive benefits of physical activity.

    Physical Activity & Recess

    Research shows physical activity improves focus and creativity.

    Sensory Stimulation

    Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a vibrating pen, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.

    Sound-blocking Devices

    Using earplugs or headphones can increase focus and comfort.

    Tossing Activity

    Tossing a ball, beanbag, or other small object activates physical focus in support of mental focus.

    Visual Reading Aids

    Visual supports, like text magnification, colored overlays, and guided reading strips, help students focus and properly track as they read.

    Web-based Dictionary & Thesaurus

    Web-based dictionaries and thesauruses can serve as visual and audio resources for students to expand their Vocabulary knowledge.

    Word Processing

    Research has shown that students write longer pieces with stronger quality when they use word processing software.

    Word Sorts

    Word sorts are multisensory activities that help learners identify patterns and group words based on different categories.

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