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Padlet with Multiplication Facts 0 to 12

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Padlet with Multiplication Facts 0 to 12

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These grids are easy to print out and help to keep numbers in the correct column when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. You can write the problem in colored ink or colored pencil and have the child use a regular pencil. This helps the child separate his computation from the original problem.

3/8" Graph Paper

1/2" Graph Paper

Numbers
Dot-2-dot number worksheets

vertical number line
Great visual cue with the larger number being "higher". Room for computation problems to be worked out on the right, using the number line to help add and subtract. To substract 18-2=? just put your pencil on the 18 and move down 2 places!

number board
Great visual accessory to help with addition and subtraction skills. Just put your finger on 23 and count back 5 to solve the problem 23-5=18. Print out and put in a plastic sleeve to keep in a 3 ring school binder or just cover with clear contact paper and use wherever needed.

multiplication table
Multiplication grid of facts from 1 to 10. For 3x2=6, row 3 and column 2 meet at the number 6. A helpful reference sheet for learning multiplication facts, as well as prompting recall.

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picture exchange communication system cards

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Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs

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These grids are easy to print out and help to keep numbers in the correct column when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. You can write the problem in colored ink or colored pencil and have the child use a regular pencil. This helps the child separate his computation from the original problem.

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Subtracting Within 100 | Base Ten Blocks and Standard Subtraction | Kids Academy

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Grade 3 Math: How to Use a Multiplication Table

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Looking for a quick, easy tried and true differentiation strategy for improving your students' math computation skills? Look no further - a simple sheet of graph paper can improve students' math arithmetic skills for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division! - And fractions, decimals, equations, and pretty much any other type of math you can think of!

((Keep reading - there's a FREEBIE at the end of this post!!))

Graph Paper to the Rescue!

This simple sheet of graph paper can do so much to help students.

I probably don't even need to remind you that keeping numbers lined up and legible is absolutely critical to success in math. Students simply must have legible handwriting and good alignment to keep numbers in columns.

Benefits of graph paper

Alignment of Numbers and Columns

Neatness and Number Size - improves graphomotor skills (skills needed for writing).

Handwriting (penmanship) and number formation

Effective for visual learners and visual discrimination

Organized Writing = Organized Thinking

Outside of math, graph paper can help students with story writing, penmanship, spelling, you name it! Plus, since it's something different, students love the novelty of writing on paper that's out of the ordinary.

Graph paper is a staple resource and intervention in many special education classrooms. It's a cheap, simple, and easy to implement accommodation for students with dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia.

You'll have to experiment with the different sizes of graph paper available. There are many different types of graph paper that are available online that can be printed off for instant use.

Graph Paper Alternative

If you don't have any graph paper handy, try this trick:

It doesn't get any easier than that!

No-Prep Graph Paper Math

Hey busy teachers!

Check out these No-Prep Multiplication and Division Graph Paper Packs - ready to print - from Teachers Pay Teachers!

This mega-pack contains 11 different Multiplication and Division Graph Paper Resources to save you Valuable time!

Free Multiplication Graph Paper Sample!

Now it's time for the reward! I hope you and your students LOVE this FREE SAMPLE! If you and your class love it enough, I hope you'll stop back to my store and check out my other graph paper resources - I use them in my own class, and I'm very proud of them!

Thanks so much for your support - I hope you'll become a follower of my store by clicking here!

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Graph Paper Math Intervention - Caffeine Queen Teacher

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Looking for a quick, easy tried and true differentiation strategy for improving your students' math computation skills? Look no further - a simple sheet of graph paper can improve students' math arithmetic skills for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division! - And fractions, decimals, equations, and pretty much any other type of math you can think [...]

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Adding and Subtracting with a Number Line

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Adding and Subtracting with a Number Line

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Number Lines Song | Adding and Subtracting on a Number Line

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Subtract 2-Digit Numbers Using Base-Ten Blocks: 2.NBT.7

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ABCya! * Math Fact Basketball - Learn Basic Math Operations

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Math Fact Basketball | Practice Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

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Looking for simple and fun math card games to engage your learners? This list includes a huge variety, organized by skill, will help you find a "just right" game to practice math skills. And the best part? All you need is a simple deck of cards and perhaps some dice!
A great way to engage kids who would otherwise loathe math practice (and also just a fun way for anyone to review important skills!) is to play a game. My son has a hard time getting motivated to do school work, but he is always more excited and engaged when I turn whatever we're doing into a game. Here you will find some of my favorite math card games, organized by topic!
*Please Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and help support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*
Benefits of Math Card Games:

Sometimes, board games can be cumbersome, have a lot of pieces, or require a lot of money. One thing you can always use that is easy, portable and cheap is a simple deck of playing cards . Just one set of cards can be used for countless games! And if you have two decks, it just adds to the challenge!

To help you, I have been searching for awhile to find the best math card games and round them up into one giant post so you can find something for virtually any math skill! I hope you find something just right for your kids!

And if you don't have time to wade through this list, grab my "quick start" set with 15 different simple and fun math games, sent right to your inbox!

20+ of The BEST Math Card Games:

Sorting & Counting Card Games:

Helping young kids learn how to sort and count can be fun with a deck of cards. Although you probably don't even need formal games, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Fan Tan (with multiple variations) - 2+ players (best with 4-6 players)

Builder's Paradise (number sequencing)- 2+ players

Counting On - 1+ players

Here are some other simple ideas for letting your kids learn counting and sequencing through play:

Let your kids sort the deck by suit. Then have them put each suit in order from least to greatest.

Have your kids draw 5 cards. Then ask them to put them in order from least to greatest, or sort them between "less than 5" or "greater than 5".

Let your kids gather and sort a collection of various objects into piles (such as pennies, stuffed animals, cups, marbles, etc.). Then let them use cards to label each pile with "how many" are in each stack.

Addition & Subtraction Card Games:

What kids couldn't use some extra practice with addition or subtraction? These are such essential math facts to master and grow in confidence that having a deck of cards handy is a simple way to review. There's a wide variety of games listed below, so check them out and figure out which ones are your favorites!!

Pyramid - 1+ players (Found in Games for Math by Peggy Kaye)

Close Call (adding 2-digit numbers and mental math) - 2-4 payers

Addition War (and so many variations, your kids can practice math skills from Kindergarten through high school!) - 2 players

Once Through the Deck - 1 player

Blackjack Math - 2+ players

Gain or Loss - 2-4 players

Make Ten - 2+ players (This is also found in Games for Math )

Practice with Double Digit Subtraction - 2+ players

Hit Me! - 2+ players (addition and subtraction, absolute value)

Simple Place Value Card Games:

Place Value Game (with rounding) - 2+ players

Beat the Teacher (similar, but with a different point scale) - 2+ players

Hold the Line - 2+ players

Triple Digit Dare- 2+ players (easily adapted)

Prime Numbers Card Game:

Prime Number Challenge - 2+ players

Fractions and Decimals Card Games:

My Closest Neighbor - 2-4 players

Fraction Flip It (multiplying fractions) - 3-5 players

Make a Buck- 2-4 players (adding decimals)

Fun Multiplication Card Games:

Just like addition & subtraction, multiplication facts are so important and require lots of practice and review before kids gain mastery. These math card games are easy to set up and play again and again.

Spiral is especially useful because you rebuild the game board each time, so every game is different!

Spiral- 2+ players ( can also be adapted to practice addition or subtraction)

Integer Flash (multiplication with integers) - 2 players

Once Through the Deck - 1 player

Practice Exponent:

Exponent Battle - 2 players

Order of Operations:

24 Math Game - 2+ players

Target - 2-4 players

OrdOp - 2+ players

Metric Conversions:

Let's Convert- 2+ players

Plus, this post includes 6 more easy card games, covering a variety of concepts. 🙂

And don't miss my resource, Math in the Cards, a huge collection of math card games! You'll never pull out a boring worksheet again!

Purchase PDF Download | Purchase Print Book on Amazon
Enjoy playing with math!

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The 20+ Best Math Card Games That Are Easy To Learn | K-8

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What do you get when you mix math and card games? An excellent way to learn math facts. Check out this list of 20+ math card games for fun and learning.

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Let's Get Fit | Count to 100 by 1's | 100 Days of School Song | Counting to 100 | Jack Hartmann

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from kidsacademy.mobi

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In first grade, my favorite math games are the easiest! And they all use only one material...

A pack of playing cards!

Today, let's talk about two of my favorite math card games that are great for building base 10 understanding!

In total of 10, students are trying to find cards that total 10. The goal is to empty their total of 10 board so that they have no cards left.

I love this game because it's a solitaire style game...and it can be played independently or as a team. Here's how to play!

Layout 20 cards in a 5x4 array.

Then, pick up cards that total 10.

When I model this game whole group, students quickly find pairs that make 10. And then, we get stuck because there are no more card pairs to make 10. So, I push them by saying, "I still see cards that can make 10. Do you?"

And we discover that we can use 3 or more numbers to make 10!

The game is over when we cannot make any more totals of 10. Again, the goal is to have as few cards left over as possible. This is actually difficult to clear the board entirely. Try it as an adult...it's kinda addicting! #ilovecardgames

This game can easily be differentiated by playing total of 20 with your higher kids. And for my struggling learners, we use 10 frames to scaffold and help them play successfully. You can see that intervention in action along with the recording sheets we use in this blog post.

Add It Up By Tens

This game is the next level up from total of 10. We play this one later in the year. Set up this game just like total of 10 in an array of 5x4. This time you will be adding all of the numbers by composing groups of ten. As you find a total of 10, leave the pile to the side. When no more tens can be found, add up the groups of tens and the left overs to find the total.

Then, students record how they found the total...

I love this game because it pushes kids to use a base 10 strategy to add. This is great for kiddos who insist on counting on or all and never attempt to compose 10s!

Tens Go Fish

This game is basically like Go Fish except you are pairing cards that make ten. For this game, I always post a sentence frame for students to use as they play.

This game is played with 2-4 players and is great to play before playing total of 10 to build fluency with pairs of 10.

You can also find ways to scaffold this game for your struggling learners in this blog post.

These games and lesson plans to go along with them can be found in my Guided Math Workshop Plans or Curriculum Bundle!

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In first grade, my favorite math games are the easiest! And they all use only one material... A pack of playing cards! Today, let's talk about two of my favorite math card games that are great for building base 10 understanding! In total of 10, students are trying to find cards that total 10.

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Practice your math facts with these flashcards. Find addition, subtraction, multiplication and division flashcards, from basic math facts to 3-digit problems.

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I love playing games! Family game nights is one of my most favorite things to do. I thought it would be fun to use our UNO cards to create some games to practice our math so I'm sharing 5 math games to play with UNO cards today.

You most likely have a deck of UNO playing cards lying around. If I must confess, I have 6 different decks. I just can't pass them up when I see them at the thrift store, knowing that I could use them in the classroom somehow.

I came up with 5 different math games to play with your deck of UNO cards.

To Play

Separate out the all of the number cards, mix them up and put them in a stack. Using one card of each color, red, blue, green and yellow, start a pile that the child will match with. Have the child turn over a card and they will put it in the pile that the color matches with. You can have them say the color as they place it down as well. To take it one step further when they have sorted all of the colors, have them choose one pile and put all of the numbers in order, or there should be two of each of the numbers, you could have them match the color numbers, for example, the yellow 2 with the yellow 2.

To Play

Separate the number cards from the UNO deck. Find 8 or more sets of cards that match in color and number. Take those cards and mix them up. Place them all face down on the table. The child will turn over one card of their choice and then another trying to match the color and number on the card. If they do not match, turn them both back facedown. And try again. Keep going until all the cards have been matched.

To Play

Separate out numbers 0-9 in a certain color. Have the child our the numbers in the correct ascending order.

To Play

Separate out the number cards from the deck. Make two different piles of cards, one with numbers 5 and below, and the second pile can include all numbers 0-9. The pile of numbers 5 and below will be your cards for the "problem" and the pile that includes larger cards, will be the answer pile. Grab a small piece of paper or a post it note and a pen. Make an addition sign on one and an equal sign on the other. Have the child flip a card from the "problem" pile and place it down. Next place the addition sign and then choose another card from the "problem" pile and then place down the equal sign. Have the child figure out the addition problem and choose the correct answer from the answer pile of cards.

To Play

Separate out the number cards from the deck. Make two different piles of cards, one with numbers 9 and below, and the second pile can include all numbers 0-9. The pile of numbers 9 and below will be your cards for the "problem" that will be face down and the other will be the answer pile. Grab a small piece of paper or a post it note and a pen. Make a subtraction sign on one and an equal sign on the other. Have the child flip a card from the "problem" pile and place it down. Next place the subtraction sign and then choose another card from the "problem" pile and then place down the equal sign. Have the child figure out the subtraction problem and choose the correct answer from the answer pile of cards. On this game, you may have to guide the child for the first couple of problem, showing them that the highest number need o be on the left, or at least that the second card they flip over will have to be smaller than the first in order for the game to work. If they don't draw one that is smaller, have them just draw again.

I hope your kids enjoy these 5 math games to play with UNO cards. Do you have any other ideas of math games you could play with them?

See you next time!

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5 Math Games To Play with UNO Cards - Primary Playground

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I love playing games! Family game nights is one of my most favorite things to do. I thought it would be fun to use our UNO cards to create some games to practice our math so I'm sharing 5 math games to play with UNO cards today.

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Sharing in an app allows educators to pose problems and investigations for students by using an 8-character code or link. Students can share their thinking with their teachers and classmates. Share codes remain available for continued use for 18 months from the date they are last accessed.
Watch the video to learn how sharing works.

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Sharing in an app allows educators to pose problems and investigations for students by using an 8-character code or link. Students can share their thinking with their teachers and classmates. Share codes remain available for continued use for 18 months from the date they are last accessed.

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Khan Academy Kids (app for TK-2nd grade)

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Khan Academy Kids (app for TK-2nd grade)

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Free, fun educational app for young kids | Khan Academy Kids

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Inspire a lifetime of learning with our educational app for kids ages 2-8. Kids can learn reading, writing, math, counting, ABCs, addition, subtraction, social-emotional skills, & more. 100% free on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Amazon

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If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

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Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

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Using Big 7 Partial Quotient Method for Long Division

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Using Big 7 Partial Quotient Method for Long Division

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Partial Quotient- "Big Seven" Division Method

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Learn more and understand better with BrainPOP's animated movies, games, playful assessments, and activities covering Science, Math, History, English, and more!

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This is a playlist of the lessons for 3rd Grade Math that are necessary to learn before moving up to 4th grade. We are using the 2015 copyright version of Ho...

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Lattice Multiplication Explained - Math Animation

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How to multiply Single-digit numbers by multiple-digit numbers

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How to multiply Single-digit numbers by multiple-digit numbers

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4th Grade Multiplication Strategies - How to multiply a single digit numbers by multi-digit numbers!

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Math Facts Song | Addition for Kids | Learn to Add

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Please Donate, if you're a regular!

The donate link is below. Thanks so much!!

Do you have "ActivInspire," the program that accompanies the Promethean Board? If so, I am willing to sell my lessons I've built for $2 each. Have a great year! :-)

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Please Donate, if you're a regular! The donate link is below. Thanks so much!! Do you have "ActivInspire," the program that accompanies the Promethean Board? If so, I am willing to sell my lessons I've built for $2 each. Have a great year! :-)

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How to Count Coins - Counting Coins Worksheets

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Round Up And Down To The Nearest 10 Or 100 | Math | Grade 3 | Kids Academy

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from kidsacademy.mobi

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The Best Strategy to Teach Long Division Standard Algorithm Using Shapes and Colors

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Performing 2-digit multiplication is tough stuff that requires a lot of practice and repetition (and repetition and repetition). In the past, I've taught many methods, including the box, partial products, lattice, and traditional algorithm.

Some students catch on quickly and easily adapt to the range of methods, while others struggle to grasp even one method.

Many students (and most parents) are relieved to focus on the standard algorithm. The standard algorithm is the traditional method that's used by most people.

By 5th grade, most states require students to become fluent in the standard algorithm. Through the years, I've done much searching, and couldn't find a graphic organizer that would benefit my struggling students.

Several of my students had difficulty learning the steps and performing them in the correct order. I realized that my strugglers were typically visual and hands-on learners, so I developed a graphic organizer to help students with the algorithm.

2-Digit Multiplication Visual Organizer

This organizer is a method that teachers can use to teach the traditional algorithm. The organizer is student-friendly and uses shapes and colors to assist students in performing the steps in order.

While teaching, I constantly say "Circles go with circles" or "Squares go with squares." That cues students to look for the next step within that particular shape. Those statements help students remember where to place their products as they solve the multiplication problems. For example, students perform each step for the red circles before moving on to the blue squares.

As you can see in the pictures, the organizers use colors along with shapes. The colors and shapes can be added or removed based on the level of accommodations your students need.

Beginners benefit from colors and shapes. As students become more proficient, colors can be eliminated or even added by students, if needed. Highlighters can also be used to add emphasis and focus to specific steps students need to be reinforced.

Visual Strategy Anchor Chart

FYI - the above anchor chart is vintage - from 2014, but you get the idea. Originally, these sets used triangles rather than pentagons. I didn't feel that the triangles gave students enough writing space, so the shape was changed to pentagons.

I LOVE these that you can purchase from teacher stores, Wal-Mart, or Amazon. You simply slide the page inside the pocket chart and VOILA! No need to laminate.

Students like using pocket sleeves because the dry-erase markers make it simple to write and erase without worrying about making mistakes.

Double-Digit Multiplication Organizers and Worksheets

I had a difficult time finding worksheets without regrouping. I wanted my students to focus on the standard algorithm for multiplication without the added step of regrouping.

Once students are comfortable with multiplying without regrouping, they're ready to learn that additional step. Regrouping should go smoothly after spending time focusing on problems without regrouping and learning the process of 2-digit multiplication.

These Shape Math multiplication organizer sets contain plenty of practice pages, so use as many or as few as your students need. In addition, the sets make it easy to differentiate based on the unique needs of your learners.

My students have typically needed extra practice and LOTS of repetition, so plenty of different multiplication with regrouping worksheets are included in the original set.

Additionally, the set comes with three different-sized graphic organizers. The first and largest organizer takes up a full page. Other pages feature four organizers; another page contains nine blank organizers. These pages are perfect for you (or your students) to make up problems. My students love to make worksheets for each other and be the "teacher".

The page below is folded, which is a simple accommodation for students who become overwhelmed at seeing a full page of problems.

The sizes, colors, and worksheets make differentiating and scaffolding a breeze. These Shape Math multiplication and division sets are my personal favorites and they're student-tested and teacher-approved!

After students learn to solve the multiplication problems with and without regrouping, students are ready to tackle problems without the graphic organizer. Two worksheets on graph paper are included to help them transition to independence.

If you also teach division, you'll LOVE the bundle to save you time!

Tips for Teaching 2-Step Multiplication to Students

The short (5 minute) video below explains how I teach 2-digit multiplication to students using the Shape Multiplication template.

Want to learn more?

If you'd like to read more about this new multiplication strategy (and division strategies, too!), here are some articles for you to check out:

Differentiated Multiplication Worksheets:

All Multiplication Resources - Check out all of the multiplication resources that I offer in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

2-Digit Multiplication - a differentiated strategy for teaching multi-digit multiplication using organizers and worksheets to help students visualize the multiplication process.

2-Digit and 3-Digit Multiplication - This multi-digit (3-digit x 2-digit) multiplication method uses colors and shapes for a visual, concrete strategy.

Articles about Multiplication:

3 Ideas for Teaching Multi-Digit Multiplication - Here are 3 FAST ideas for teaching multi-digit multiplication. These interventions are easy and quick for busy teachers.

2-Digit Multiplication Worksheets: Differentiated - Here's a visual method for teaching 2-digit multiplication using differentiated, visual cues to guide students' learning for success.

2-Digit Multiplication Made Easier! - Here's how to use the double-digit multiplication organizers and worksheets.

Articles about Long Division:

Differentiated Long Division Worksheets for FREE - Grab these differentiated long division worksheets for FREE and dramatically boost student success and your teaching success!

How to Teach Multi-Digit Multiplication and Long Division - This blog article will introduce you to the differentiated multiplication and long division resources I have available. You'll learn exactly how I use them in my own classroom.

Graph Paper Math Intervention - This blog article provides an explanation of how to use graph paper as a quick and easy intervention resource with your students. It includes links to free printable graph paper and ideas about how to use it in your classroom.

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2-Digit Multiplication Made Easier! - Caffeine Queen Teacher

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Performing 2-digit multiplication is tough stuff that requires a lot of practice and repetition (and repetition and repetition). In the past, I've taught many methods, including the box, partial products, lattice, and traditional algorithm. Some students catch on quickly and easily adapt to the range of methods, while others struggle to grasp even one method.

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The Best Strategy for Teaching Multiplication Standard Algorithm Using Shapes and Colors

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Learn how to do long division using the Singapore Math Method.

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Multiplication Tricks for Kids | Multiplication by 0, 1, 2, 5, 9 and 10 | Times Tables Tips

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Ron White Memory Expert - Memory Training & Brain Training

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How to Memorize Multiplication Tables for Students

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Easy Subtraction Trick | Easy and fast way to learn | Math Tips and Tricks

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Place Value and Expanded Form to the Millions Song

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Solving Problems With Number Lines | Math | 1st Grade | Kids Academy

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Subtraction With Regrouping Song | Subtraction Rap for Kids

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2-Digit Subtraction - The Break Apart Strategy

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Subtracting with Regrouping by BrainPop Jr.

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2-Digit Subtraction - The Break Apart Strategy

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PK Counting, shapes, and opposites skills

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PK Counting, shapes, and opposites skills

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Pre-Kindergarten videos. Note to parents: You can pause the video at any time to count the objects, discuss their colors, shapes, sizes, or the sounds they m...

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Home Learning with Kami & Canvas | For Parents & Students

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Many times people are accused of talking to their computers. Well with text to speech tools, your computer can talk back. Google Chrome has several extensions that will read web pages and Google Documents aloud, often with a variety of voices and adjustments for speed and volume.

In this blog post we will take a look at five ways students can benefit from text to speech tools. Then we will examine three of the best Chrome extensions for this purpose.

You can view the short video to see a demo of each of the three tools, and then read the rest of the post for more details on how these can be used in school.

Demonstration Video

Student Uses for Text to Speech

Assistance for reading

One of the most common uses for text to speech is to help students who have difficulty reading. This can be used for an article on a website, or the content in an online course, or the instructions you put at the top of a Google Docs assignment. Most text to speech tools also allow the user to slow down or speed up the speaking rate. This can help the student listen at a pace that is appropriate for their comprehension.

Multiple modalities

Even if a student is able to read proficiently, using text to speech can provide additional support by tapping into a second learning modality. In addition to the student reading the words visually, the student can also hear the words read aloud. Students who learn well auditorily will benefit from this extra presentation of the content while they read along.

Self-editing for writing

Text to speech is not just to help students read unfamiliar text. It can also be used to read the words the students wrote themselves. When students write reports, essays, or stories, one of the best ways for them to edit their works is to hear it read back aloud to them. Before a student submits their work to their teacher they should use one of the text to speech tools to hear what they actually wrote, not what they think they wrote. This allows them to find incorrect words ("you" instead of "your"), missing punctuation, double words (the dreaded "the the"), sentences that do not flow, and ideas that need more details. In fact, I used text to speech on this blog post for my own editing.

World language fluency

Many text to speech tools don't just work for the English language, but also have multiple voices you can select in many languages, dialects, and genders. For students learning a world language they can choose a text in the language they are studying, then pick a voice in that language to read the text, allowing them to hear the proper pronunciation.

Multitasking

Finally, in addition to all the educational reasons listed above, using a text to speech tool can simply save time. Need to read an article, but you also need to do chores, exercise, or just relax? Use a text to speech tool to read to you while you multitask. This can be helpful for students as well as adults, as I know I have listened to many web-based articles while folding laundry.

Read & Write for Google Chrome

Chrome Web Store link

Read & Write for Google is the Swiss army knife of extensions with a wide range of tools beyond just text to speech. However, for this blog post we will just focus on that feature (and take a closer look at this extension in its own post in the future).

With Read & Write installed, you will access it in two different ways depending on whether you are on a web page or in a Google Doc. If you are on a web page there will be an "RW" icon inside your URL bar on the far right. If you are in a Google Doc, there will be an "RW" icon at the top of the Doc. Either way just click the "RW" icon to open Read & Write.

You will now get a toolbar with a wide range of buttons. The text to speech button is the one with the triangular play icon. Simply select your text and click the play button to have it read aloud. Read & Write works inside a Google Doc or on a web page, reading just what you have highlighted. Additionally it highlights each word as it reads it, making it easier for students to follow along.

In this extension you also have the option to change voices. Click the gear icon on the right side of the toolbar to open the settings and select the voice and speed you want. Voices include male and female, and a wide range of nationalities.

In addition to the free version of Read & Write, there is also a paid premium version that offers many tools beyond text to speech. Teachers, however, can get the premium version for free by filling out a simple form on the company's website here: https://www.texthelp.com/en-us/products/read-write/free-for-teachers/

SpeakIt!

Chrome Web Store link

This extension is a very simple text to speech tool, but still has lots of options if you want them. With the extension installed, just highlight the text you want, then click the extension icon, or right click on the text and choose "SpeakIt!" The text will now be read aloud in whatever voice you have chosen. If you would like a different voice simply right click on the extension and choose "Options". You can now pick the voice you want, including male or female, and a large selection of nationalities. You can also adjust the voice volume and speed.

The only negative I have found with SpeakIt is when reading a Google Document. The extension works great on web pages, but when used in a Google Doc it always starts at the beginning of the document regardless of what text you highlight.

Chrome Web Store link

Our final text to speech extension is Announcify. This extension reads web page text aloud, but also does a few other things along with that. When you are on a web page and click the Announcify extension, the web page will reload in a simpler, cleaner format (much like the Readability extension - see here for a blog post with more details). Ads, comments, and such will be removed, leaving just the core content and images.

Then Announcify will automatically start reading the web page text. You are not able to highlight the text you want, as it always starts at the top and reads completely to the bottom. You can click on the forward and backward buttons if you want it to skip ahead. Finally the extension also blurs out all of the text except for the paragraph it is currently reading.

Just like the other extensions, you can right click on its icon and choose "Options" to adjust the speed, pitch, and voice (male, female, multiple nationalities). The only big drawback is the inability for the student to select text and have Announcify read just the chosen passage.

Conclusion

Do you have other favorite tools for text to speech? Are there other ideas for how students can benefit from text to speech? If so, please share your ideas, tools, and suggestions in the comments below.

Post by Eric Curts. Bring me to your school, organization, or conference with over 50 PD sessions to choose from. Connect with me on Twitter at twitter.com/ericcurts and on Google+ at plus.google.com/+EricCurts1

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3 text to speech tools and 5 ways your students can use them

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Many times people are accused of talking to their computers. Well with text to speech tools, your computer can talk back. Google Chrome has several extensions that will read web pages and Google Documents aloud, often with a variety of voices and adjustments for speed and volume.