Riffit

Teachers can use Riffit as a tool to increase text accessibility for students with dyslexia or for struggling readers in their classroom. Founded on research that shows the positive impact of music training on the development of reading skills among people with dyslexia, Riffit transforms text into song. In terms of how to use it, students can apply it as a study tool. As an alternative to using flash cards, kids can listen to personalized music to help them study vocabulary words or content across different subject areas. To create a new file, students have the option of entering text themselves -- most easily done using cut and paste or by uploading documents or folders. Students can customize the speed, pitch, voice, and genre of the song. As the song plays, words are highlighted, and students have the option to adjust text size and visually isolate text lines to make it easier to read along. Students also have the option of creating their own MP3s to share with friends, which inspires writing and creativity. Plus, teachers can share links to songs via Google Classroom.

It definitely cultivates independence, builds reading confidence, and promotes engagement, and may contribute to better comprehension. That said, it has some room to grow: The music isn't always very ... musical. Generally, we remember songs because the rhythm, rhyme, and other factors make them "catchy." If your document isn't written that way, it can just sound like a document taken through Auto-Tune. To make it work for you and your students, write a document with Riffit in mind so that the song is actually memorable.