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Replaces the Don Johnston Tools: Snap&Read and Co:Writer
CMCSS had utilized the Don Johnston tools since 2020. These tools included Snap&Read for read aloud and translation and Co:Writer for supporting the developing writer with predictive text. Don Johnston tools were purchased by TextHelp.
The district purchased Read&Write from TextHelp in the fall of 2024. The Read&Write Chrome Extension offers all of the same tools as Snap&Read plus many more very powerful tools that will enable all learners. Familiarity is important as it makes transitioning to a new product easier and TextHelp is very similar to the Don Johnston tools. This web page illustrates how the Snap&Read and the Read&Write menu items are similar, a comparison charts of the old product and the new product, how the new menu looks, and suggestions on using the new menu tools.
Chrome Extensions
Chrome Extensions
Read&Write contains all the tools that Snap&Read had plus a few more. Screenshot is an extension within the Read&Write menu selections which allows for images to be read aloud. Both Read&Write and Screenshot are loaded on all student laptops. Teachers may download the extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
Read&Write
Read&Write
Check out the Comparison Chart
Check out the Comparison Chart
The following charts detail the comparison of our previous Snap&Read and the latest Read&Write menu items. Notice the similarities between the products which means it will be easily adapted by our students.
Additional Helps for the Menu Items
Additional Helps for the Menu Items
In this section, you will find two additional ways to learn more about the Read&Write menu items. There is something for everyone. First is a "Feature Tour" inside the TextHelp Academy. This tour features a series of videos about each menu item. Next is a Hot Spot or a Thinglink. All the flashing icons contain more information. Hover your mouse to see a preview and click your mouse to open the information.
Read&Write Feature Tour - Videos
Read&Write Feature Tour - Videos
After examining the Comparison Charts, take a moment to check out TextHelp's "Feature Tour". If you are looking for more detail about a menu item, this tool allows you to select an item and watch a well-crafted video explaining how to use it effectively with students.
After examining the Comparison Charts, take a moment to check out TextHelp's "Feature Tour". If you are looking for more detail about a menu item, this tool allows you to select an item and watch a well-crafted video explaining how to use it effectively with students.
Click the link above.
Read&Write Feature Tour - Hot Spot
Read&Write Feature Tour - Hot Spot
If watching a video is not your style, check out this ThingLink. Any flashing icon on the image contains information. Hover your mouse over the icon and if this is something you want more information about, click the icon. All icons contain readable information and many will also contain a video.
If watching a video is not your style, check out this ThingLink. Any flashing icon on the image contains information. Hover your mouse over the icon and if this is something you want more information about, click the icon. All icons contain readable information and many will also contain a video.
Read&Write for ELL
Read&Write for ELL
Read&Write for Google Chrome offers a variety of features that cater specifically to the needs of multilingual students, helping them thrive in a diverse learning environment.
Click on the name of the tool to see a video about that tool.
This feature allows students to hear text read aloud in their native language or English, enhancing comprehension and supporting bilingual literacy. It's a great way to bridge language gaps while building reading fluency.
The Translation tool offers instant translation of words and phrases, helping students understand new vocabulary and context in their native language. This is particularly beneficial for students who are just beginning to learn English.
This tool allows students to build personalized vocabulary lists with definitions, translations, and images, facilitating more focused and individualized language learning.
Helping students write in English and their native language, word prediction suggests relevant words based on the context of what they are writing, supporting both writing fluency and language development.
Where to get the Extension?
Where to get the Extension?
Teachers
Teachers
Teachers can download the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Use the directions below to access the download page and how to download the extension to a teacher assigned CMCSS laptop.
Students
Students
The Chrome Extension has been loaded onto ALL students' assigned laptop.
First time login as a student is different that all future logins. Use the document below as a guide.
Pin an Extension
Pin an Extension
Pinning an extension makes it readily available on the Chrome's menu bar.
After downloading the extension, click the puzzle piece in the upper right corner.
Scroll to locate the extension, Read&Write for Chrome.
Click the pushpin.
Now the extension is readily available.
To use, click the Read&Write icon on Chrome's toolbar.
The Read&Write Chrome extension icon.
Where to Start?
Where to Start?
If you are looking for a place to start with your students, try using one of the following for your initial test. Click on the item to access a video about how to use it.
If you do not know what would help a student initially, start with:
If you do not know what would help a student initially, start with:
(click the underlined words for more information on how to use the tool)
Text to Speech - reading support
Talk&Type (Speech to Text) - writing support
Picture Dictionary - word identification
Voice Note - verbal responses
Read&Write Tutorials
Read&Write Tutorials
The company, TextHelp, has created two tutorials if you are looking to increase your learning. Each tutorial will take approximately one hour to complete. The learning involves some reading as well as videos detailing specific learning. If after completing a tutorial and you have questions, please contact the Instructional Technology Specialists.
Hover over the tutorial and click the arrow in the upper right to open the page. The lesson contains an overview of the menu items, a link to a video, a training guide that allows you to practice with the tool, and usage tips.
If you have questions about using any of the features in Read&Write, contact an Instruction Technology Specialist.
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