In a previous blog post, I discussed the challenges of learning French with dyslexia. Today, I want to introduce five practical tools that can help you improve your French skills. These tools are designed to make learning easier and more accessible for neurodivergent, dyslexic students.
Disclaimer: I do not earn any money from the companies mentioned in this post. I use these tools in my classes to enhance the learning experience of my students.
To promote accessibility and inclusivity for all learners, resources should be available in multiple formats. Dyslexia affects individuals differently, so tools must be adaptable to each student’s needs. For example, students should have the option to listen to written materials using a text-to-speech tool or an audio recording. Similarly, they should be able to respond to questions using a dictation or voice recording tool rather than relying solely on writing, which can often lead to frustration and anxiety.
The Importance of listening
Hearing the language is essential for reinforcing memory, improving comprehension, and refining pronunciation. When you listen to words while reading or studying, your brain makes stronger connections, making it easier to recall vocabulary and understand spoken French. All the tools in this article include audio features to support your learning.
The Importance of Recording Answers
Writing in French can be a challenge, even with a dictation tool. Some students with dyslexia may find it difficult to organise their thoughts and express them in writing. Allowing students to record their answers provides a more accessible and effective way to demonstrate understanding. It also helps develop speaking confidence and fluency, making language learning more inclusive.
1. Quizlet: Interactive Flashcards for Learning French Vocabulary
If you want an interactive way to practise French vocabulary, digital flashcard platforms are a great place to start. Quizlet, for example, allows you to create and study flashcards with words, images, and audio, making it easier to remember new vocabulary and improve pronunciation.
Why It’s Useful:
Customisable Flashcards: Add images to help reinforce vocabulary.
Audio Support: Listen to French words spoken aloud to improve pronunciation.
Games and Quizzes: Engage in activities that make learning enjoyable.
Try This Tip: Use the "Learn" mode, which adapts to your progress and focuses on the words you find hardest. This way, you’ll spend more time on tricky vocabulary and reinforce your learning effectively. Quizlet use spaced repetition, where information is reviewed at increasing intervals, this method can be highly effective in reinforcing learning and improving retention over time. To know more about spaced repetition, you can read the following article : A practical Guide to Master French With Flashcards
One of my students, who struggled with memorizing French vocabulary, started using the audio feature daily. By listening to words repeatedly while commuting, they not only improved their pronunciation but also felt more confident using new phrases in conversation.
2. Kami: Highlight, Listen to Text, Dictate and Record Your Answers
If you struggle with reading long passages in French, Kami can help. It’s a digital tool that lets you highlight, make notes, and listen to text being read aloud. You can use the dictation tool and record your voice if you prefer speaking over writing in documents.
Why It’s Useful:
Read Aloud Feature: Highlight French text and have it read aloud.
Take Notes: Write or highlight important words directly on your screen, add written and spoken notes
Record Your Answers: Record your responses instead of typing them.
Try This Tip: If you’re working on French homework or reading practice, upload your worksheet into Kami. You can listen to the text and make notes as you go. Select a French voice, and adjust the speed and pitch for a personalised experience.
A learner preparing for their DELF A2 exam found reading comprehension overwhelming. By uploading practice texts to Kami and using the "read aloud" function, they could follow along more easily. This simple change turned their frustration into steady progress.
Another learner finds writing daunting, so he always uses the comment tool to record his spoken answers. As a result, he now finds homework much less overwhelming.
3. Scanning Pens: Scan and Hear Words Instantly
A scanning pen is a small, handheld device that scans printed text and reads it aloud. It’s perfect for French textbooks or worksheets if you find reading difficult. Some models even translate French into English, making comprehension easier.
This is the C-Pen exam reader 2 - it recognises French text (and other languages) and speaks in French.
Why It’s Useful:
Instant Audio Feedback: Scan a word or sentence, and the pen reads it aloud.
Work Independently: Scan and listen without needing immediate assistance.
Better Pronunciation: Hearing words as you read helps with pronunciation.
Translation Help: Some models translate French into English, making it easier to understand longer texts.
Try This Tip: Use a pen scanner during your French reading tasks. It’s especially helpful if you find long texts or complex words overwhelming.
A student preparing for the DELF B1 exam, who found dense paragraphs and long words daunting, used a pen scanner during reading exercises. Hearing the text read aloud helped them decode tricky sentences independently.
4. Teacher-Recorded Notes: Aiding Comprehension
Instead of relying solely on written notes, students can benefit from teacher-recorded notes. This approach allows learners to listen and review key points at their own pace, reinforcing learning through auditory input and improving retention.
I use Evernote to record notes for my dyslexic students, allowing them to listen to them as often as needed. During the lesson, I take notes on vocabulary, phrases, grammar, and key points. At the end of the lesson, I record these notes and add the audio to the document, making it easier for my dyslexic students to access and review the material.
Why It’s Useful:
Listen and Learn: Replaying recorded notes reinforces key concepts and retention
Accessibility : This approach encourages students to revisit their notes more frequently, as the combination of reading and listening makes it more accessible and effective.
Try This Tip: Ask your teacher if they can provide recorded summaries of lessons or key grammar/vocabulary points. Listening to these recordings can help reinforce learning and improve comprehension.
5. Audiobooks: Enjoy Stories While Learning French
Listening to audiobooks is a great way to improve your French skills while relaxing. Whether it’s a story or an educational book, you’ll hear proper pronunciation and learn new words in context.
Why It’s Useful:
Hear Real French: Listening to fluent speakers helps with natural pronunciation and rhythm.
Learn in Context: Stories help you understand how words and grammar are used in real-life situations.
Relax and Learn: You can listen anywhere—while walking, on the bus, or at home.
Try This Tip: When you go for a walk or are on the bus, listen to a French audiobook or podcast to make the most of your time and improve your language skills.
One of my dyslexic students listens to audiobooks and podcasts regularly, and she continues to impress me with her wide and rich vocabulary. This consistent exposure to spoken French helps her expand her language skills and deepen her understanding of the language.
Conclusion
Learning French with dyslexia or other forms of neurodiversity may come with extra challenges, but the right tools can make a big difference. Whether you use digital flashcards for vocabulary, Kami for reading and writing support, or audiobooks to boost your listening skills, these resources can help you learn in a way that works best for you.
Don’t be afraid to try out different tools and find what fits your learning style. With patience, practice, and the right support, you can succeed and enjoy the process of learning French. Bonne chance – you’ve got this!
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