Card Readers Help Children Learn in the Classroom & at Home
What Is a Card Reader?
Card readers are interactive learning tools that use visual aids to help childen improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, math skills and even learning a foreign language.
Unlike classroom listening centers, card readers are especially good at using bright visually-appealing graphics to make learning fun especially for younger children, although they’re suitable for students of all ages.
Card readers allow students to compare their pronunciations of words to pre-recorded responses, and to record their own progress on blank cards as they build their verbal skills.
By providing both visual and audio cues, card readers build connections between written and spoken words. What’s more, card readers allow students who are not reading at the same level as their peers the chance to practice correct pronunciation at their own pace.
Because of these advantages, card readers are ideal for use in speech therapy, remedial reading, and language learning applications.
How do Card Readers Work?
Card readers use the same magnetic technology as credit card machines to play short audio samples. Durable laminated or cardstock cards which are easy for both kids and adults to handle are encoded with data on a magnetic strip. That strip is then decoded by the card reader.
Students and teachers simply insert a pre-recorded or reusable card into the reader and a short phrase is “read” aloud. Students can repeat the pronunciation and check them against the sound bite. Comprehensive pre-printed card reader sets provide complete programmed curricula for instruction in phonics, grammar, common words, money concepts, and much more!
Many card readers can record as well, allowing students to document their responses on blank recordable single or double-sided cards. Teachers can also record their own materials on these cards for a fully customized curriculum.
What Features Do Card Readers Offer?
Card readers offer a variety of extra features. Consider which of these are best for your classroom or home use.
Built-in microphones or mic input jacks so teachers can record students and help them with their pronunciation.
Half-speed selector switches to play back difficult words or phrases more slowly.
Built-in amps that can broadcast to classrooms – or living rooms – both big and small.
Headphone jacks that link with compatible individual headphones.
Internal electronic memory of up to 12 seconds for immediate recording and playback of student responses.
Teacher-controlled recording locks to ensure that students can’t accidentally erase responses & teaching materials.
Like other teaching tools and media players, prices increase as you add features, so consider carefully what features are essential for your classroom.
Card readers can be converted to learning centers for group lessons by adding jackboxes and headphones which are available separately.
What Materials Are Available for Card Readers?
As noted above pre-printed card reader sets provide complete programmed curricula for instruction in phonics, grammar, common words, money concepts, and much more!
These sets are specially developed by educators to help teach the most common classroom concepts, and include such tried and true programs as Phonics fundamentals.
Card sets feature colorful illustrations that students match to words printed on the cards, making it easy to recognize a word’s description and how to spell it.
When students scan the card into the card reader, they will also know how to pronounce the word.
Many card sets feature durable and colorful carrying cases to enable portability from class to class as well as ensure long-term classroom use.
Blank recordable single or double-sided cards allow students to document their responses for later evaluation by a teacher. Teachers can also record their own materials on these cards for a fully customized curriculum.
Some reusable cards allow teachers and students to write on their surfaces using dry erase markers to help with reading and vocabulary through visual as well as aural cues.
With Card Readers, Improved Reading and Math Skills Are in the Cards!
With their push-button interactivity, customizable curricula, and a wealth of colorful card sets covering reading fundamentals and language concepts, card readers make learning fun for students and teachers alike.
For more great ways to help your kids learn in and out of the classroom, have a look at our classroom audio selection.
Have questions? Call 407-757-3326 or email us for a free consultation!