What Are The Best Apps For Students With Dyslexia?

There are always going to be some students who have a harder time grasping concepts than their peers. However, for some students, the difficulty goes much beyond a simple failure to grasp the information. The challenges of dyslexia can make even the most basic academic tasks, like memorisation or reading aloud, a formidable obstacle for students.

There are several strategies you may use as a teacher to help your students who struggle with dyslexia. In order to help your dyslexic kids compete on an even playing field, we have compiled a list of strategies, apps, and tools that can be used in the classroom.

Students who struggle with dyslexia can gain a lot from employing electronic aids. Dyslexic kids can benefit from the use of a variety of apps and technologies that can aid them in reading, writing, and other areas. You can help your dyslexic pupils succeed in the modern classroom by giving them access to the following apps and resources. Experience the best in private school education. Visit https://www.oakleighgrammar.vic.edu.au/ now to learn about our exceptional faculty, diverse curriculum, and supportive community.

Reading Apps

Some of our children still prefer to listen to a text even after we have helped them overcome their dyslexia using research-based reading strategies. Audio is a more effective method of learning for some people. Many of the apps in this group function as text-to-speech readers, converting written text into audible speech for the user.

Reading is made more enjoyable and productive using text-reading apps, especially those which highlight phrases as they are read aloud. Optical character recognition (OCR) programmes can take a picture of text and turn it into editable text, and there are apps that can read PDF documents aloud (OCR). 

ClaroPDF

Simple text-to-speech technologies have difficulty with PDF files because they are simply photographs of documents. ClaroPDF is a piece of software that can read text from images and highlight key passages in time with the reading. Unlike other OCR software, it doesn't mess with the document's formatting when converting text. Integration with Dropbox, synchronised highlighting, text-to-speech, annotation capabilities, and the option to add video and audio notes are all included.

Google Play Books

In order to deliver uninterrupted text-to-speech with synchronised highlighting, this excellent e-book app for Android smartphones connects with the operational system's TalkBack accessibility feature. Google Play Books is not exclusive to Android; it is also accessible on iOS; however, the "Read Aloud" feature is not included in the iOS version. The text-to-speech ("Read Aloud") feature is built in, and it highlights text at the appropriate time while reading aloud. 

Learning Ally 

Human narrated audiobooks are available at a low price from Learning Ally. Users with dyslexia (or visual impairments) can use the mobile phone app to view and listen to books in the Learning Ally collection after acquiring an annual membership. Support for VOICEtext books (human narration timed to printed text) is included, as are options to customise the font size, colour, and other formatting features. If you want to provide your kids access to Learning Ally, read this page for information.

Voice Dream Reader (text-to-speech)

Users of Apple's iOS platform love using Voice Dream Reader, and the software is currently in beta testing for Android. It has a number of visual and aural settings that allow the user to personalise their reading experience. Voice Dream can sync with Bookshare, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Project Gutenberg so that it can read text from these services as well as other apps. It comes equipped with an internet browser that can parse out the text from web pages without all the extraneous nonsense that can be found on many sites.

Natural Reader (text-to-speech)

When it comes to translating text into speech, NaturalReader is very similar to ClaroSpeak. There is the option to copy and paste text from other programmes into a new document. For extended reading material, the app offers automatic scrolling. In addition, it contains a built-in web browser that can selectively parse text from websites for simpler reading. Integrated web browser, Dropbox support, and text-to-speech functionality are all included.

Talk

For students with Android devices, the Talk app provides a simple text-to-speech application. It is able to comprehend several forms of written material, including email messages, news articles, and web content. Features synchronised highlighting, text-to-speech, and a variety of visual and auditory customisation options, as well as the option to transfer text as audio files.

Web Reader (text-to-speech)

Web Reader is a text-to-speech reader for the web and blogs.

Writing Apps

Students with dyslexia may also have problems with writing, a condition known as dysgraphia. Causes of dysgraphia range from motor difficulties to vision impairments to processing difficulties. Word prediction, transcription, context spelling and grammar checking, and word retrieval tools are just some of the ways in which writing apps streamline the writing process.

Ginger Page

When pupils make common mistakes like misusing homonyms, for example, standard spell-checkers may miss those mistakes. A word processor featuring a contextual spelling and grammar chequer, Ginger Page is called "Ginger." To find mistakes, it analyses sentences as wholes. Additionally, it contains a one-of-a-kind rephrasing feature that offers alternative wording suggestions. features such as text-to-speech for proofreading, a dictionary, and thesaurus, as well as contextual spell and grammar checking are included.

SnapType Pro

Students with dyslexia may experience difficulties when using workbooks and photocopied worksheets. Unfortunately, many common OCR (Optical Character Recognition) procedures destroy the formatting of fill-in-the-blank and matching exercises. Because of this issue, it is challenging to use AT to input replies. SnapType addresses this issue by allowing users to superimpose text boxes on top of digital images of paper-based workbooks. Then, the class can utilise a keyboard to type in the answers.

Co: Writer

When you need some help with spelling, word prediction is one of the best tools to employ. Co: Writer is a great way for children to practise their phonics skills while getting much-needed support. The keyboard in the app can guess the word you're trying to type after you've written a few letters. Predictions are made based on how effectively pupils are able to sound out words they cannot spell correctly, as well as the context of individual phrases.

Spell Better

Spell Better is a rudimentary word processor that helps with spelling by proposing words as they are entered, similar to other word prediction programmes available on iOS. Two distinct qualities make it stand out, though. First, the software can help kids learn new words by providing a pronunciation and dictionary explanation when they tap and keep a choice in the word prediction box. Second, before making a choice, students can hear all of the word prediction options read aloud.

Audio Dictionary

A fast, user-friendly, and extensive American English dictionary and thesaurus featuring over 75,000 audio pronunciations. You may quickly and effortlessly travel between words as you learn their meanings thanks to the dictionary's fast searching, extensive definitions, alternatives, derived words, examples, and wonderful user experience.

Dragon Anywhere

If you prefer speaking to typing, you can substitute Dragon Dictate with Dragon Anywhere, a voice recognition tool that displays the text you've spoken. It's compatible with all the major social media platforms. Not a lot of room for customisation, but a wonderful and cheap entry point into the world of text-to-speech software.

Typ-O HD

If you're having trouble keeping track of what you're writing about, let this app do the heavy lifting with its word prediction and advanced spelling mistake model. Typ-O is smart enough to spot the most typical typos and even offer up some potential replacements.

Ghotit Real Writer

People with writing difficulties like dysgraphia and dyslexia can use Ghotit Real Writer to improve their written English and have their texts proofread for errors.

Unlike other writing aids, this one provides advanced word prediction that takes into account grammar and phonetics as well as the ability to fix misspelt words, homonyms, and punctuation errors.

Key Characteristics:

• Spellchecker that takes into account spelling patterns and phonetics;
• Word prediction using knowledge of grammar and phonetics;
• For those who write phonetically or creatively, there is now a word-prediction tool that provides quick corrections.
• Enhanced spell checker and grammar chequer;
• Efficient editor;
• Talk back to your writing (voice feedback); mark passages in two colours;
• Totally separate text editor;
• Compatible with other iPad apps for importing and sharing text;
• Dictionary integration;
• English dictionaries from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa;
• Appropriate for use with AirPrint.

Crazy Cursive Letters

First things first: this cute artistic teaching tool is aimed to improve kids' cursive writing skills. Instead of writing the same phrases over and over on lined paper, students can practise their writing by tracing words and letters onto colourful backdrops, like the skies or a cake. Its interface is bright and colourful in an effort to make learning to write and expanding one's vocabulary more fun and engaging.

What makes this app beneficial?

• One must physically trace over the letters.
• The letter-tracing activity is made more enjoyable with the addition of sound effects.
• Words are broken down into their component phonemes and spoken.
• All those different colours and patterns will keep the student interested.
• When tracing, the player is directed by arrows, and misspelt words are deleted 
• The player is encouraged by the game's success indicators, which are displayed visually.
• You can add your own words to the list of the 100 most commonly used ones (sight words).
• The student's cursive handwriting will improve as a result.

Students who struggle with reading and writing, such as those who are dyslexic, can benefit greatly from learning to write in cursive.

Similar to how bike stabilisers assist a youngster establish their balance, cursive writing can help a child who struggles with reading and writing learn to form letters correctly and consistently. The child's spelling will improve with practise, as will their writing speed and the consistency of their letter spacing.

Due to the size of the letters, this software works best on a tablet with a large display, such as an iPad or Nexus.

Note Taking and Study Skills Apps

Apps are available that facilitate the creation of multimodal notes and electronic flashcards, both of which can be utilised to facilitate efficient, self-directed learning.

Flash Cards Deluxe

Electronic flashcards have several advantages over traditional index card flashcards. Students who have trouble reading can benefit greatly from text-to-speech software, which can read flashcards aloud to them. Perhaps the most comprehensive flashcard programme is Flashcards Deluxe. There's built-in text-to-speech, and you can make cards with several sides, as well as add pictures to each one. Features text-to-speech, reversible flashcards, Dropbox and Google Drive for iOS connectivity, and Quizlet sync.

Quizlet (flash card app)

The Quizlet community has developed millions of flashcards covering thousands of topics, and you can use those to study or share knowledge. The app can verbally present your flash cards. Numerous entertaining review activities.

Note Taker HD

Notetaker HD is a convenient place to store and organise your sketches, diagrams, and other handwritten content. PDF files can be annotated, and you can resize text to fit the screen or arrange your notes however you like.

Using your finger or a stylus made for the iPad, you can create new pages in Note Taker HD. Depending on how big of a picture you want to draw, you can either write straight on the paper or have your "ink" reduced in size. Unlike with a pencil, you won't have to worry about making precise movements to create each letter on the screen. If you keep writing, Note Taker HD will append your new text to the existing one. It contains a built-in eraser, which can be used by dragging a finger across the screen to remove the "ink" underneath it, and undo and redo buttons that allow for multiple levels of undo and redo.

Mental Note

Students can make their own personalised, multimodal notes with the help of Apple's Mental Note app. Students can record voice notes, do sketches, and insert photographs in additional to writing or dictating text. It has a variety of templates to choose from for your notepaper, syncs with Dropbox, allows you to password-protect your notes, and lets you use tags to organise your notes.

Notability

Notability is an alternative software for multimodal note-taking.It has a tonne of settings and features including highlighting, highlighting in colour, voice recording, and rich-text formatting. Photos, Web video, and post-it notes are just some of the media that students can upload. As soon as you're done taking notes, you can upload them to a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive and view them from any device, anywhere in the world.Multisensory note taking capabilities, such as audio recording and a variety of note-taking formats, are included.

Phonics Genius

Every possible phonetic combination is presented in a high quality and entirely engaging way in Phonics Genius, a flashcard-style app designed to help kids discover letters and sounds and their relationship to words. Phonics Genius is an excellent tool for helping children develop phonemic awareness, but it works best with children who are already beginning to read.

This free game features a lion character named Leo that teaches and tests fundamental multiplication skills. Rather than simply providing practise problems, this programme actually teaches the concept of multiplication. The children's knowledge is tested afterwards in the form of a race involving Leo the Lion and another animal. When a math question is followed by a pause for a response, both students and teachers/parents can participate in the say-it-aloud activity. The math-learning software for students with dyslexia is a great resource.

The Read&Write software provides a virtual keyboard and a variety of other handy features for usage on the iPad and Android. The software is made to help kids improve their reading and writing skills by giving them the tools they need to work through literacy tasks on their own.

Assisting children with dyslexia as soon as possible is essential for boosting their self-esteem and motivation to learn and avoiding the development of lifelong struggles.

Math Apps

ModMath

ModMath is a flexible tool for helping students learn everything from the rudiments of arithmetic to the intricacies of algebra. Instead of writing down arithmetic problems by hand, you may just touch the screen of your iPad and enter them in. The integrated touchpad will allow you to complete the exercises. Furthermore, the homework doesn't require the use of a pencil at all because it can be printed, saved to cloud computing like Dropbox, or emailed.

Algebra Touch

Algebra in a tangible form, where users can manipulate variables and generate their own problems to test their understanding of course material. $2.99

Visual Multiplication Table

This software provides a visual aid for learning multiplication by presenting visually-rich multiplication tables.

Montessori Numbers

This fantastic game was developed by the same people who brought you the popular Montessori Crosswords and is geared on helping young students improve their numeracy using the Montessori method. The player is guided through the basics of counting, addition, subtraction, and decimal notation through a variety of tactile and auditory exercises. It has a clean, bright aesthetic that won't overwhelm the student, will keep their attention, and will make the learning process exciting and fun.

What makes this app beneficial?

• The user interacts with the game by touching and dragging virtual objects on the screen, such as cubes, cards with numbers, and pearls.
• Number writing is one of several skills that can be taught through tracing exercises.
• Information is emphasised verbally through feedback.
• It's interesting to watch the objects on screen shift position and enlarge or contract.
• The player's actions are highlighted and the knowledge is reinforced in their head as animations react to their touches.
• Allows the player to adjust a wide variety of settings to make the experience fit his or her individual preferences.

Many people who have dyslexia have trouble grasping abstract mathematical ideas. They will not only remember these ideas after using our instructional programme, but they will actually look forwards to studying.

Mind Mapping and Organisation Apps

My children who are dyslexic are considerably more productive and articulate when they are able to visually organise their thoughts and ideas. Apps like this make it easier for kids to do just that.

Explain Everything

Explain Your Thought Process In Animation

• Use a laser pointer to draw in any colour, add objects, text, arithmetic equations, videos, photos, and audio files, and more on an unlimited canvas to make slides.
• All objects on the stage can be manipulated in a variety of ways, including rotation, scaling, flipping, duplicating, cloning, and locking.
• You may generate high-quality, original, and useful content for people to learn from by recording everything you do within the app (including yourself while using the front-facing camera).
• Make movies of any kind of courses, tutorials, or guides and post them to video-sharing sites like YouTube or Vimeo so that others can benefit.
• Graphable objects, symbols, equations, and functions can be inserted using the Math Equation Object.

A must-have for the home of any visual thinking.

Ideament (used to be Idea Sketch)

Whether you're looking to create a mind map, idea map, or flow chart, Ideament makes it simple to do so, as well as converting those visual representations into text outlines. It can be used for many different things, such as coming up with new ideas, making diagrams of those ideas, making lists and outlines, making presentations, and making organisational charts, to name a few.

MindMeister (mind mapping)

Students can use this online service to draw out mind maps as a means of organising their ideas, writing reports, summarising texts, and cramming for tests, among other things. It's easy to use, comes with a variety of export formats (Word, PDF, PowerPoint, etc.), and has a presentation mode that you may access directly from the programme.

First Then Visual Schedule

Schedules made with FTVS can include pictures, text, audio, and even video, which may be more appealing to children than plain text. Each child's timetable and progress can be tailored to their individual needs and learning preferences. Your created schedules can be printed, emailed, or stored for future use.

Multipurpose Apps

Dyslexia Toolbox

This software was designed "by dyslexic people for dyslexic people," and it offers a number of features that can help older children who struggle with dyslexia who also use assistive technology. A word-prediction keyboard is included to make it easier for young people to compose messages for use in online mediums including texting, emailing, and social networking. A virtual overlay for viewing the text on a colour screen is another option. Digital document readers are also available for purchase, with one that can read aloud words captured in a photo.

The modules are brief and the user interface is straightforward, allowing students to focus and make progress. The rate of development is up to the individual. As a result, the software not only improves reading and spelling abilities, but also boosts a user's sense of competence and pride in their own abilities. The benefits of literacy extend to both typing and handwriting.

Some students who use voice-to-text or other forms of assistive technology regularly have reported that the programme has simplified the process of using the predictive text features of their smartphones.

Testimonials from students with ADD/ADHD, mild dyslexia, severe dyslexia, and other learning issues may be found on the TTRS website, but you can also give the programme a try to see if it helps your student(s).