In my classroom, I rely heavily on digital tools, especially digital products like Google Docs and PDFs, when we’re working with articles, textbook excerpts, or full novels. But as many educators know, reading comprehension can be a struggle for a variety of reasons. Some students have difficulty focusing, while others benefit more from auditory or visual modes of engagement than from reading alone.
One solution I’ve found especially helpful is using audio narration tools to support student reading. I’ve tried a few over the years, but ElevenLabs has become my go-to, and here’s why.
Natural Voices That Don’t Sound Robotic
ElevenLabs has invested in research and development to produce AI-generated voices that sound natural and human, not robotic. This makes a difference. Students are more likely to engage with an audio narration when it sounds conversational and clear.
This is especially helpful for learners who:
Struggle to stay on task when reading silently Benefit from dual input (reading and hearing) Are learning English or are emerging bilinguals Prefer listening as a way to process content
How I Use It in Class
I use ElevenLabs on iPads and iPhones. It lets me either:
Import PDFs directly and turn them into narrated readings Copy and paste text into the app and have it read aloud
This works well with most content: textbook chapters, novel excerpts, articles, or student writing.
Why It Works
Students have different preferences for how they engage with text. Using tools like ElevenLabs allows me to differentiate instruction and provide students with another way to access and understand material. This benefits all learners, not just those who struggle with reading.
Try It Out
There are two iOS apps available from ElevenLabs:
ElevenReader: Text to Speech (best for reading PDFs and longer documents) Use my referral link to get the app
If you’re looking to support reading in a way that meets diverse learning needs, this tool is worth exploring.