Word Wizard Slides Digital Detectives
Word Wizard
Training
Mastering tough science and history words using your Digital Ears.
System Online: TTS Enabled
The Big Problem
Have you ever been reading a cool science book and hit a word like this?
Metamorphosis
It looks scary.
You aren't sure how to say it.
You might want to stop reading.
Digital Detectives Use Tools
Text-to-Speech (TTS)
It's like having a reading expert standing right next to you at all times.
Highlight a word.
Press Play.
Listen carefully.
Use your "Digital Ears" to decode the sounds.
The 3-Step Wizard Method
How to master any word in seconds
1
Listen
Highlight the word and listen to the computer say it. Close your eyes and visualize the sounds.
2
Repeat
Say the word out loud. Match the computer's voice. Try it 3 times fast!
3
Own It
Read the whole sentence. If you can say the hard word smoothly, you've mastered it!
Class Challenge
Try this sentence:
"The archaeologist discovered a dinosaur fossil."
Step 1: Highlight 'Archaeologist'
Step 2: Repeat after the speaker
Your Turn!
Open your **Word Wizard Training** sheet. Find the "Boss Words" and use your TTS tool to defeat them!
Ready... Set... Decode!
Word Wizard Training Worksheet Word Wizard Training
Digital Detectives: Lesson 1
Detective Name
Date
1. Listen Highlight & Play
2. Repeat Say it 3 times
3. Own It Read the sentence
Mission: Defeat the Boss Words
Use your Text-to-Speech tool to decode these academic "Boss Words." Check off each step as you complete it!
Photosynthesis
Plants use sunlight to make food.
Listen
Repeat
Own It
Precipitation
Rain, snow, or sleet falling to earth.
Listen
Repeat
Own It
Environment
Everything around us in the world.
Listen
Repeat
Own It
Democracy
A government where people vote.
Listen
Repeat
Own It
Final Challenge: Prove Ownership
Pick one Boss Word from above. Write your own sentence using that word correctly. Make sure you can read the whole sentence out loud perfectly!
Terminology Master Guide Teacher Guide | Lesson 1: Tough Terminology
Terminology Master Guide
A comprehensive plan for teaching students to use Text-to-Speech (TTS) as a decoding tool for academic vocabulary.
Objective
Students will independently use text-to-speech technology to decode multisyllabic domain-specific vocabulary and demonstrate oral fluency by repeating words three times with correct pronunciation.
The Hook: Word Wizard Showdown
Write three "impossible" science words on the board (e.g., Ichthyology , Paleoclimatology , Biogeochemical ). Ask if anyone can say them. Explain that today, they will get "Digital Ears" that make them instant experts in any word, no matter how long it is.
Pacing & Procedure
10 min
Direct Instruction: Use the Word Wizard Slides to introduce TTS. Focus on the "Listen, Repeat, Own It" method. Model highlighting only the word, not the whole paragraph.
15 min
Guided Practice: Walk through the word "Archaeologist" on the slides. Have the class repeat it in unison after the computer. Ensure they use a "whisper-repeat" technique.
20 min
Independent Training: Students complete the Word Wizard Training Worksheet . Circulate to ensure students are actually listening to the word before checking the "Listen" box.
10 min
Closing: Ask students to share their "Ownership Sentences" with a partner, reading them out loud.
Tech Settings
• Set speech rate to 0.8x or 1x for decoding.
• Use a neutral, clear voice (e.g., "Samantha" or "Alex").
• Ensure headphones are ready before starting.
Misconceptions
Students often highlight too much text. Remind them: "Target the Word!" Only highlight the specific word you don't know to avoid auditory overload.
Differentiation
Support: Provide words with phonics-based syllable breaks (e.g., pho-to-syn-the-sis) alongside the tool.
Extension: Challenge students to find "Boss Words" in their own library books.
Success Indicators
Student can isolate a single word for TTS playback.
Student repeats the word clearly without phoneme distortion.
Student uses the word in a grammatically correct sentence.
Student expresses confidence in using TTS for hard words.
Feature Finder Slides Digital Detectives
Non-Linear
Navigation
Learning to read the "hidden" parts of books—captions, sidebars, and maps.
The Reading Trap
When we read on a computer, we usually just read the big chunks of text.
But informational books have "Bonus Knowledge" hidden in other places!
LABEL: CRATER
CAPTION: This volcano erupted in 1980.
Targeting the Bonus Parts
1. Captions
Words right under a picture. They tell you WHAT is happening.
"The polar bear waits for a seal."
2. Sidebars
Boxes on the side with "Fun Facts." They aren't part of the main story.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bears can run 35mph!
The Precision Click
Navigating small labels and boxes
1
Slow Down: These parts are small. Move your mouse carefully.
2
Tight Highlight: Only drag your mouse over the text in the box.
3
Listen for Details: These facts are usually short and powerful!
Class Navigation Challenge
Sidebar Topic:
Solar energy can power 100,000 homes in this area.
Caption:
The sun provides light and heat to Earth.
Where should we click first?
The Sidebar The Caption
Feature Finder Worksheet Feature Finder Practice
Digital Detectives: Lesson 2
Detective Name
Date
Mission: Navigate the Page
The informational page below has facts hidden in different features. Use your Text-to-Speech tool to read the sidebar, the caption, and the labels. Then, answer the detective questions!
The Giant Sequoia
The Giant Sequoia is the world's largest tree. These massive trees only grow on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. They can live for more than 3,000 years!
CONE
BARK
Caption: A mature Giant Sequoia can have bark up to three feet thick to protect it from fire.
Sidebar Facts
Sequoias are so big that if the trunk were hollowed out, a full-sized bus could drive through it! The largest sequoia is named General Sherman.
Detective Log
1. Use TTS to read the Caption. How thick can the bark of a sequoia get?
2. Use TTS to read the Sidebar. What is the name of the largest sequoia tree?
3. Use TTS to read the Labels. What are the two parts of the tree shown in the diagram?
Non Linear Navigation Guide Teacher Guide | Lesson 2: Non-Linear Navigation
Navigating the Layout
Helping students break out of linear reading habits to capture "bonus" informational features using TTS.
Objective
Students will use TTS to access non-linear text features, including captions, sidebars, and labels, and demonstrate comprehension by answering targeted questions that rely solely on information found within those features.
The Hook: Hidden Treasure
Show a digital map or a complex diagram (like a space station). Challenge the class to find a specific "secret" fact that isn't in the main paragraph. Explain that the best detectives don't just read the "big stories"—they look at the small details!
Pacing & Procedure
10 min
Direct Instruction: Use Feature Finder Slides to define captions, sidebars, and labels. Model the "Precision Click" (moving the cursor slowly to target small boxes).
15 min
Guided Exploration: Project a digital encyclopedia page. Ask students to vote on which feature to "unlock" first. Model the auditory feedback from the TTS tool for each feature.
25 min
Detective Mission: Students work on the Feature Finder Worksheet . Encourage them to try and read the main text *after* they find the answers in the features to see how the information connects.
10 min
Debrief: Discuss: "Why do authors put facts in sidebars instead of the main story?" (to show extra fun facts or focus on one specific thing).
Cursor Skills
Some students may struggle with the fine motor control needed to highlight small labels. Tip: Encourage them to triple-click on a word in a box to select the whole phrase.
Vision Support
For sidebars with small text, remind students they can use Cmd/Ctrl + "+" to zoom in before they highlight.
Extension Idea
Have students create their own "Fun Fact" sidebar for a topic they know well and let a partner "decode" it using TTS.
News Flash Slides Digital Detectives
The Power
of the Pause
Becoming an informational reporter by mastering the pause button.
READY TO RECORD
Two Ways to Listen
Listening for Fun
You listen to a story from start to finish. You relax and enjoy the ride!
Listening for Facts
You are a Digital Detective . You listen for info, then STOP and write it down.
Stop and Summarize
1
LISTEN for the point
Wait for the computer to finish a paragraph or a big idea.
2
HIT the pause button
Freeze the audio so you have time to think.
3
JOT down one fact
Write just enough so you don't forget it.
Facts are Fuel!
Let's Try It Together!
I will play a clip. You tell me when to PAUSE.
"The blue whale is the largest animal to ever live on Earth. They can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh as much as 30 elephants."
Pause!
Write fact here...
Reporter Note
Reporter Mission
You are going to listen to a news report about space. You must find 3 facts. Remember: Don't let the computer talk too long! Hit pause and jot it down.
Press Play to Start
Reporter Notebook Worksheet Reporter Notebook
Digital Detectives: Lesson 3
Field Reporter Name
Date of Report
The Pause Skill
Listen for a fact... HIT PAUSE... Write it down!
System Ready
BREAKING NEWS Mission to Mars
[Segment 1] Mars is often called the Red Planet because its surface is covered in iron oxide, which is the same stuff that makes rusty nails look orange. It is the fourth planet from the sun and is about half the size of Earth.
[Segment 2] A day on Mars is almost exactly the same as a day on Earth, lasting about 24.6 hours. However, a year on Mars is much longer! Because it is farther from the sun, it takes Mars 687 days to complete one full trip around it.
[Segment 3] Mars has the largest volcano in the whole solar system. It is called Olympus Mons. This volcano is three times taller than Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth! Scientists study this volcano to learn about the planet's history.
Fact Collection Log
FACT #1
Listen to Segment 1. Pause and write one fact here:
FACT #2
Listen to Segment 2. Pause and write one fact here:
FACT #3
Listen to Segment 3. Pause and write one fact here:
Fact Finder Pause Guide Teacher Guide | Lesson 3: Fact Finder Pause
Mastering the Stop-and-Summarize
Transitioning students from passive listening to active informational note-taking using the TTS pause function.
Objective
Students will apply the "Pause" function of text-to-speech tools to segment informational text and independently record at least one key fact from each segment of a multi-paragraph passage.
The Hook: The Disappearing Fact
Read a very long, fact-dense paragraph about an obscure animal at a normal pace without stopping. Immediately ask the class to recall three specific details. When they struggle, explain that informational reading is like catching water in a bucket—if the water flows too fast, you lose most of it. Today, they learn how to turn the faucet off and on.
Pacing & Procedure
10 min
Direct Instruction: Use News Flash Slides to contrast "Listening for Fun" vs. "Listening for Facts." Emphasize that the pause button is the reporter's best friend.
15 min
Guided Reporting: Use Slide 4 of the deck. Play the audio clip and have the whole class yell "PAUSE!" at the end of the first sentence. Model writing a "Reporter Note" on the board (short, 3-5 words).
25 min
Independent Mission: Students use the Reporter Notebook Worksheet . They should read the Mars article using TTS, pausing after each indicated segment to jot down a fact.
10 min
Peer Review: Partners share one fact they collected. Did they find the same facts or different ones?
Pacing Tip
Some students may try to write *while* the computer is talking. Remind them: "Ear First, Hand Second." Listen fully, then pause to write.
Audio Cues
Teach students to listen for "transition words" like however , also , or finally . These are great times to hit the pause button.
Common Pitfall
Students may write full sentences, which takes too long. Encourage "Bullet Points" or "Power Words" to keep their momentum.
Research Race Slides Digital Detectives
Double Source
Research
Using your Digital Ears to compare two different stories on the same topic.
The Research Secret
Real detectives never listen to just one person.
They listen to multiple sources to get the full picture.
Source A + Source B = SUPER BRAIN!
Article 1
Basic Facts
Article 2
Bonus Details
Researching with TTS
LISTEN 1
Listen to the first article. What is the BIG IDEA?
LISTEN 2
Listen to the second article. What is DIFFERENT?
SYNTHESIZE
Put the facts together to become an expert.
Ocean Showdown
Today's Topic: Sharks vs. Dolphins
SHARKS
Source 1: "The Ocean's Top Hunter"
DOLPHINS
Source 2: "The Smarter Swimmer"
Research Time!
Use your **Double Detective Sheet**. Listen to both articles and find out what makes each animal special.
Start Decoding Sources
Double Detective Sheet Worksheet Double Detective Sheet
Digital Detectives: Lesson 4
Lead Detective
Date
Source A: Sharks
Sharks are amazing fish that have been in the ocean for millions of years. Unlike other fish, sharks have skeletons made of cartilage , which is the same flexible stuff in your ears and nose. This makes them very light and fast.
Sharks use gills to breathe underwater. Most sharks must keep swimming to keep water moving over their gills. They have rows of sharp teeth that they can replace throughout their whole lives.
Source B: Dolphins
Dolphins may look like fish, but they are actually mammals . This means they are warm-blooded and breathe air through a blowhole on the top of their heads. They must come to the surface of the water to breathe.
Dolphins are known for being very smart and social. They live in groups called pods and use sound to talk to each other. They use echolocation to find food by bouncing sound off of objects.
Detective Comparison Log
Only Sharks
Hint: What are they made of?
Both Animals
Hint: Where do they live?
Only Dolphins
Hint: How do they breathe?
The "Expert" Question
If you were an ocean explorer, which animal would be easier to find near the surface of the water? Use information from both sources to explain why.
Researching a Topic Guide Teacher Guide | Lesson 4: Double Source Research
Synthesizing Audio Sources
Guiding students to use TTS for cross-text comparison, a foundational skill for independent research.
Objective
Students will use TTS to read two distinct informational texts on a related topic and identify similarities and differences in content, recording their findings on a structured graphic organizer.
The Hook: Shark or Dolphin?
Poll the class: "Which animal is cooler—sharks or dolphins?" Tell them that today, their job isn't to pick a favorite based on looks, but to find out who has the coolest "superpowers" by listening to the evidence from two different sources.
Pacing & Procedure
10 min
Direct Instruction: Use Research Race Slides . Explain that research means finding facts from *more than one* place. Introduce the idea of "Synthesizing" (combining info).
10 min
Modeling: Model listening to Article A (Sharks) and finding one unique fact. Then model listening to Article B (Dolphins) and finding something different.
30 min
Independent Research: Students use the Double Detective Sheet . They should use TTS for both articles. Remind them to use the "Pause" skill from Lesson 3!
10 min
Synthesis Discussion: Ask the "Expert Question" from the sheet. Discuss how having two sources helped them answer it.
Cognitive Load
Comparing two texts can be taxing. Tip: Encourage students to listen to Source A and finish the "Only Sharks" column before they even look at Source B.
Pronunciation Focus
The articles include terms like cartilage and echolocation . Remind students to use the "Listen, Repeat, Own It" method from Lesson 1 if they get stuck on these words.
Extension
Challenge students to find one thing that *both* articles mentioned (e.g., they both live in the ocean).
Knowledge Spotlight Slides Digital Detectives
Knowledge
Spotlight
Sharing what you learned and celebrating your Digital Ear skills.
Show and Tell 2.0
Today, you aren't just sharing a fact.
You are sharing HOW you learned it using your tools.
"I heard it. I learned it. I'm sharing it!"
Expert Speaker
The 3-Part Spotlight
1
The Fact
What is the coolest thing you learned this week using TTS?
2
The Tool
How did Text-to-Speech help you? Did it help with a hard word? A sidebar? The pause button?
3
The Reflection
Why is this tool important for your learning detective work?
Presentation Pro Tips
Make your voice as clear as the computer's!
Eyes on the Audience
Slow and Steady Voice
Stand with Confidence
You are the Expert
The computer helped you read it, but YOU learned it!
Planning Time
Grab your **Presentation Blueprint**. Look back at all the facts you found this week. Pick your favorite one and get ready to shine!
Spotlight Mode: ON
Presentation Blueprint Worksheet Presentation Blueprint
Digital Detectives: Lesson 5
Presenter Name
Presentation Date
1 My Amazing Fact
Look back at your work from this week (Mars, Giant Sequoias, or Sharks vs. Dolphins). Write the coolest fact you learned below:
2 How I Used my Tools
Which "Digital Detective" skill helped you the most with this fact? Check the box and explain how you did it.
Word Wizard
Feature Finder
Pause Reporter
My Process:
3 Digital Detective Reflection
Why is Text-to-Speech a great tool for your brain? Complete this sentence:
"Text-to-Speech helps me as a reader because..."
Presenting Knowledge Guide Teacher Guide | Lesson 5: Knowledge Spotlight
Celebrating the Digital Ear
A culminating lesson for students to present their findings and reflect on how TTS technology supports their reading independence.
Objective
Students will present one fact researched via TTS and articulate, through verbal presentation and written reflection, how specific assistive technology features supported their ability to access complex informational text.
The Hook: Showtime!
Turn on a single spotlight (or dim the classroom lights). Explain that today, the room is full of experts. Every student has used their "Digital Detective" tools to unlock information that was once too hard to read. Today, they get to share that treasure!
Pacing & Procedure
10 min
Direct Instruction: Use Knowledge Spotlight Slides to review the 3 parts of the presentation (The Fact, The Tool, The Reflection). Model a 30-second presentation for the class.
20 min
Blueprint Planning: Students complete the Presentation Blueprint Worksheet . They should choose their favorite fact from the week and think deeply about which tool helped them most.
25 min
Knowledge Showdown: Students present in small groups or as a "Gallery Walk" where they share their facts. If presenting to the whole class, keep presentations to 1 minute each.
5 min
Final Reflection: Collect the reflection statements from the worksheets to assess student metacognition.
Verbal Fluency
The goal is for students to feel like experts. Tip: If a student is nervous, let them use TTS to read their fact out loud to the class, then explain the reflection in their own voice.
Metacognition
Assess not just the fact, but the student's awareness of their tools. Do they know *why* the sidebar tool helped? This awareness is key to long-term AT use.
Sequence Wrap-up
Congratulate the students on becoming "Certified Digital Detectives." Issue a digital badge or sticker to celebrate their new independence!
