Read&Write for Google Chrome learning resources

Reference guides

Voices and languages

A complete list of the available voices and the languages each will read.

Web toolbar

This diagram can be used as a mini poster and shows all of the tools available for the web toolbar. Adapted from Jan Rondow, SD71 District Support Teacher, BC.

INSET self serve pack

This pack has everything you need to train your colleagues during CPD sessions. Here you'll find lots of materials to help show how to use Read&Write for General use, EAL or Exams. There will also be the option to include an automatic demo if they aren’t comfortable showing the software themselves.

Let's Get It READ! For Google Chrome

There are four text to speech tools available.  This document gives the specifics on which toolbar you will find each one and on what kinds of documents they work.

Key tools for specific learning needs

With so many Read&Write for Google Chrome tools to choose from,  this chart was created to give suggestions on which tools to start using with elementary students, middle/high school students, struggling readers and writers, and with English Language Learners.  Suggestions as to which tools teachers would find helpful are also included.

Key tools for higher education needs

This document gives recommendations for which tools will be the most helpful based on the activity including suggestions for reading, writing, and study supports as well as tools helpful for international students and instructors.

Tools for the writing process

During the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing and publishing the final draft), there are Read&Write for Google Chrome tools which can support students doing their best.  Here are some suggested tools to use for each stage of the writing process.

Benefits and instructional applications for Read&Write

How do using the tools in Read&Write truly support students?  All the benefits and instructional theory and applications are here to show the why and how each tool can help.

Support tools for students with dyslexia

Students with dyslexia have learning differences which can be supported with a variety of appropriate technological support tools improving  their overall performance.  Read&Write for Google Chrome tools allow students with dyslexia to be equal participants in learning experiences.

Tools for international students

Read&Write for Google Chrome provides support for non-native students who are proficient in conversational English, but may need additional help because of the complexity of  the English language.  International students need support to work independently in the fast-paced environment of  higher education. 

Tools for elementary students

Read&Write can be helpful for students in grades K-5.  Here are some recommendations as to which tools would be most usable and beneficial for each grade level.

Student exercises

Activity sheet for beginners

This activity sheet walks beginners through using 3 basic tools for writing - Text-to-Speech, Talk&Type, and Word Prediction for students who will be using Graphic Organizers to organize information.  Adapted from Sandra Oliver and Minda Cabral,  West Costa County Unified School District, CA.

Student practice exercises for all grades

This worksheet walks students through specific exercises to help learn and practice with 13 tools from the Google Docs toolbar in Read&Write for Google Chrome.  This can be used for most grade levels. Created and contributed by Cassie Frost, Stevens Point Area SD, WI

Practice exercises for middle and high school students

This version of practice exercises for learning 13 tools was created especially with middle and high school students in mind.  Adapted by Toni Petersen and Tiz Lambert from Lyons Township High School District, IL.  

Using Read&Write for high school students

This lesson shows how Text-to-Speech, highlighters, and the dictionary tool can all be used to analyze text for specific and varying higher level tasks with an example from the 11th Grade Smarter Balanced Assessment Practice test. Created and contributed by Nora Trentacoste, Regional Director - West, Texthelp Inc.

Read&Write scavenger hunt

This is a creative way to get students to try various tools in different environments and can be adapted for most grade levels.  This is being provided to give you an idea of how you can do a Scavenger Hunt with Google Docs, Chrome Web, and PDF documents.  You are encouraged to make your own using this idea. Adapted from Stephanie Howell, IT Coordinator, Pickerington SD, OH

Using Read&Write in a reading & comprehension lesson

This well thought out lesson uses a short story and a poem to have students practice with the Text-to-Speech, Talk&Type, Word Prediction, Dictionary, Picture Dictionary, Highlighters, and Vocabulary List tools to help students read, respond, learn new words and identify rhyming patterns.   Adapted from Elizabeth Whistance-Smith, Toronto, Canada.

Ways to use

Productivity boost

This document demonstrates three different and productive ways that the Picture Dictionary can be used to enhance organization, behavior prompts and writing a social story.  Created and contributed by Cassie Frost, Stevens Point Area SD, WI.

This document takes an in-depth look from installation to usage, benefits and possible uses for grades 2-12 and all types of learners in an easy to read and use format. Created and contributed by Bentonville Schools ATeam, AR.

Study & research skills

This document thoroughly presents potential obstacles to successful studying such as concentration, listening, note taking, and test taking.  Practical  solution suggestions using Read&Write tools are made for these areas of concern. Created and contributed by the Bentonville Schools ATeam, AR.

This worksheet walks students through choosing a research topic and gaining deeper understanding of the topic through using several Read&Write tools. Adapted from Alison Kinahan, Ottawa Catholic School Board, Ontario, CA

Specific school programs

This resource contains a chart of support for LEP/ELL/ESOL, Dual Language, Special Education, AVID, and Parent Involvement for various needs of each group.  It presents the tools most helpful to each group including an explanation of how students can be supported.

Writing process

Various Read&Write tools help students during pre-writing, drafting and editing. This self-reflective checklist asks students to record which tools they used for each stage and which tools they found to be most helpful.  Based on student response, teachers can make suggestions and give feedback.

Categorizing

This tip sheet gives suggestions for how best to use your highlighters in Read&Write for Google Chrome in a K-12 education environment and gives examples of  specific color-coding systems based on need.  

This tip sheet gives suggestions for how best to use your highlighters in Read&Write for Google Chrome in a university setting and gives examples of  specific color-coding systems based on need. 

Vocabulary lists

This tip sheet gives suggestions on ways to modify and customize the Vocabulary List which is built in Read&Write for Google Chrome.  By renaming the column categories and even adding columns for additional categories, you can create a personalized table with the information you most need to learn.

This tip sheet gives suggestions on ways to modify and customize the Vocabulary List which is built in Read&Write for Google Chrome.  By removing definitions, renaming the column categories and even adding columns for additional categories, you can modify the information so your students will better be able to learn what is needed.

For deaf & hard-of-hearing and blind & low vision users

This is a quick guide to which tools would be useful for those with hearing and vision loss.

Use In Office 365

Quick reference guide

This chart breaks down the tools available showing the name and icon of each tool, where each works (Word Online, OneNote Online, ePubs and Web) as well as giving a quick overview of how to get each tool into use.

Text to speech tools

This chart explains the different uses for the four Text-to-Speech tools in Read&Write for Google Chrome for use in Office 365.

Tools for specific needs and guides for teachers & students