Embedded Files
The resources on this page describe some functions of technology available in LCPS which support reading. This list is not exhaustive. Additional options are available.
Text-to-Speech
Text-to-Speech
Text-to-speech allows users to hear text read aloud. This is useful for anyone learning to decode text, improve comprehension of text, and expand vocabulary. Text-to-speech allows for learners to read with their eyes and/or their ears.
Text-to-speech allows users to hear text read aloud. This is useful for anyone learning to decode text, improve comprehension of text, and expand vocabulary. Text-to-speech allows for learners to read with their eyes and/or their ears.
Listen to text read aloud to increase comprehension and learn new vocabulary.
Read&Write for Google Chrome is an extension for the Chrome browser available for anyone in LCPS to use. The Play and Hover Speech feature allows text to be read aloud with highlighting.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
iOS devices, such as iPads, have built in accessibility features called Speak Selection and Speak Screen which allows users to hear text read aloud.
Apple has offered built in text to speech options for years.
Simplifying TExt
Simplifying TExt
Text simplification invites learners to customize the presentation of material in a way that makes it easier for that individual to access.
Text simplification invites learners to customize the presentation of material in a way that makes it easier for that individual to access.
Reduce the amount of visual clutter and customize fonts, spacing, colors and more to improve readability.
Read&Write for Google Chrome is an extension available in the Chrome browser for anyone in LCPS to use. The Simplify Page tool removes visual clutter from web pages and places the simplified text into a new tab. The amount of text displayed can be adjusted using the + and - icons. Visual contrast can also be customized (black on white, white on black, blue on yellow, and yellow on blue). Different fonts can also be selected.
The Screen Masking tool tints the screen and provides a reading light window that follows the cursor to help improve focus and visual contrast. Users can customize the foreground and background colors, reading light height, and more.
Screen masking encourages concentration on text and content.
Replace complex words with more descriptive terms to learn what they mean.
This free website simplifies text pasted into it. Complicated or challenging words are replaced with words or phrases which are more easily understood.
Newsela.com is a resource available to secondary English Language Arts teachers. Articles are presented to learners using four different reading levels. Learners are invited to decode at one level and use text-to-speech to listen to it at another reading level.
Newsela has mastered the ability to offer the same information on multiple skill levels.
Picture Support
Picture Support
Pictures can help learners understand the meaning of words.
Pictures can help learners understand the meaning of words.
Read&Write for Google Chrome is an extension the Chrome browser available for anyone in LCPS to use. The Picture Dictionary allows a user to hover over a word to receive a visual representation of that word.
audiobooks
audiobooks
Audiobooks help learners access text without the need for fully developed decoding skills.
Audiobooks help learners access text without the need for fully developed decoding skills.
Library Resources provides Tumblebooks Library, TumbleBook Cloud, and Biblioteca TumbleBook (Spanish) which offer different books for all grade levels, many with illustrations, animations, audio, video, and more.
Mackinvia is a library of books which includes audiobooks and eBooks. Users can search by category, author, subject, or topic. Audiobooks are audio only with no text. eBooks are read aloud with text highlighting and choice of voices and speed. Text size and background color can both be customized. Users can add notes, highlights, and bookmarks.
Loudoun County Public Library has an extensive collection of ebooks and audiobooks for kids, teens, and adults, with a choice of languages that are available to Loudoun County residents who have a library card.
There are a wide variety of freely available podcast which feature both fiction and non-fiction in audio.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Page updated
Report abuse