Compensatory Online Reading Supports

One of the advantages of the recent explosion in digital applications and software has been the development of several useful online compensatory reading supports for reluctant and struggling readers. We look at a few favourites below.

1. TUMBLE READABLES - An online collection of read-along books for elementary, middle school and high school students.  Features of the collection include:

• very good selection of book titles including Canadian titles
• engaging hi-low Canadian titles for middle and high school students (i.e. Orca Soundings fiction collection) including graphic novels and classics
• includes mature themes and current issues not found in other book collections
• read-along, text to speech function; digital voice is effective
• cannot be used as an independent 'text to speech' application unlike 'Kuzweil' for example
• auto and manual read aloud play, however, reading speed is not adjustable
• text features available: online dictionary, rewind feature, text font and size can be manipulated for struggling readers and the visually impaired
• allows teachers to add explanatory notes within texts to provide additional individual student support; students can submit book reviews online - both similar to Kurzweil
• easy to use interface
• identifies Lexile value of books so teachers can track student progress
• provides online quizzes which assesses comprehension 
• lesson plans provided

Summary: A very useful online compensatory reading collection for all grade levels, especially for middle and high school.  Aside from the read aloud feature which benefits reluctant and struggling readers, this site offers a comprehensive, engaging and motivational middle and high school book collection that will be welcome by students and teachers alike. Also, the Lexile level will allow for tracking progress with assessment data.

Sign up for a 30 day free trial at
http://www.tumblebooks.com/tumblereadable/
Tumble Readables

2. TARHEEL BOOKS -  An online collection of read aloud books for beginning readers of all ages and create original books too.  Features include:

• books contain engaging current pop culture topics in both fiction and non-fiction appealing to various grades/ages ex. rap music
• very visual with large colourful photography
  
• allows you to write your own book; allows teachers to differentiate course material by creating and publishing their own on-line books using uploaded  photos or authorized pics from 'flickr'
• students can write and create their own books online
• books are rated: C - caution and E - elementary so as to caution younger readers about more mature content intended for teen readers
• titles are searchable by: topic, audience rating, type, reviews, language, favourites
• read aloud feature is optional
• several languages 
• also works with iPads
• easy to use interface
• magnified text for visually impaired
• unfortunately voice is computerized therefore distracting to listeners

 Summary: This reading support has dual literacy tools. A useful free read-along collection of books on a variety of engaging topics aimed at beginning readers of all ages, that also allows teachers and students to create and publish their own books online.

Sample the book titles at
 http://tarheelreader.org/

Tarheel Reader

               
3. RAZ-KIDS - An online guided reading program with animated, interactive e-books for K-6. Features include:

• books are leveled based on common A-Z reading program with 27 levels of difficult; teachers can differentiate reading instruction for each student
• books are divided into alphabetical categories so it's easy to select a level of books ex. 'J' level books
• able to track student progress
• printable worksheets and lesson plans for teachers
• ability to download titles
• content aimed at K-6 elementary grades
• read aloud capability
• animated books are engaging for students
• vocabulary and pronunciation support
• includes quizzes that practice comprehension
• students can record themselves reading along with text to practice and improve fluency - engaging and motivational
• easy to use interface
  

Summary: A comprehensive program of leveled books which allows teachers to track student progress while providing compensatory support to struggling and reluctant readers in the elementary grades as well as individual students in higher grades.

Try the book titles online at
http://www.raz-kids.com/
Raz-Kids

 

               
4. Natural Reader - A limitless text to speech application for all ages. Features include:

• converts text in MS Word, web pages, PDF files and e-mails into speech
• manipulative voice features include a selection of reading voices from which to choose; replay; change speed, etc
• speech can be saved to an audio file or burned onto CD for repetitive or later use
• the 'MiniBoard' toolbar is a floating tool that can interact with various text applications without obscuring the screen
• don't have to copy and paste text as is the case with other text to speech apps
• read-along book titles are endless due to independent nature of this application
• limitless application for daily life functions i.e. reading directions, recipes, e-mails, web pages, etc. 

Summary:  This independent 'floating' application has limitless uses for struggling or reluctant readers or those with visual impairments, not only with school texts but any text, thereby supporting authentic literacy across the curriculum.

Try out the free version online at

http://www.naturalreaders.com/index.htm
Natural Reader