Explore digital tools to support literacy (years 1-13)
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Supporting reading and writing’
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Offer text-to-speech tools
Offer text-to-speech tools
Offer text-to-speech tools to read text aloud and support comprehension. Free text-to-speech tools are available across all computer operating systems.
Offer digital tools to all learners
Offer digital tools to all learners
Take a universal approach to offering access options and support.
Make common digital tools available to all students across the curriculum.
![7130 [Examples-of-universal-supports.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Examples-of-universal-supports__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.jpg)
Utilise digital storytelling tools
Utilise digital storytelling tools
Storybird, a free digital story writing tool, has improved student literacy at Te Kura o Kutarere by providing pictures as a support and removing the barriers created by writing by hand.
Use graphics and mind maps
Use graphics and mind maps
Encourage students to use online mindmapping tools such as Popplet to capture thoughts and ideas before writing.
![5280 [Popplet-mindmap.PNG]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Popplet-mindmap__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.PNG)
Use audio books
Use audio books
Audio books support learners to access information and develop comprehension skills.
Audio books can be used to:
- increase engagement and motivation and prevent frustration
- introduce learners to books above their reading level
- model fluent reading
- introduce new genre that might not otherwise be considered
- support new vocab
- customise books (by speeding up or slowing down narration).
For audio resources, explore:
- Sign language e-books
- Ready to Read Instructional Series
- Junior Journal Instructional Series
- School Journal Instructional Series
- School Journal Story Library
- Overdrive access to audio books from your local library
- Sunshine online e-books.
Useful resources
Useful resources
Engaging reluctant writers using e-learning tools
A slideshare presentation by New Zealand learning with digital technologies facilitator Catriona Pene, containing a wide range of easily-accessible, online resources and apps for improving writing.
Publisher: Catriona Pene
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Support reading and writing”:
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Current page Explore digital tools to support literacy (years 1-13)
Return to the guide “Curriculum accessibility”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Curriculum accessibility
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Reduce barriers for year 1 to 8 studentsShow suggestions for Reduce barriers for year 1 to 8 students
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Reduce barriers for year 9–13 studentsShow suggestions for Reduce barriers for year 9–13 students
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Support reading and writingShow suggestions for Support reading and writing
- Review reading and writing strategies (years 1-6)
- Review reading and writing strategies (years 9-13)
- Explore digital tools to support literacy (years 1-13)
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Utilise differentiation and adaption approachesShow suggestions for Utilise differentiation and adaption approaches
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Use hybrid learning approachesShow suggestions for Use hybrid learning approaches
