Read Along, Encourages Young Minds To Learn At Home

Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels

Most schools around the world have remained shut during the past months in line with lockdown orders. The inability to venture outdoors or attend classes, may take a toll on young minds. Fortunately, Google has come up with a way to help them learn in an entertaining way.

It’s an app called Read Along by Google, which is available on the Play Store. The Search giant is allowing early access to the app in an attempt to support families during these trying times. It’s available for children aged 5 or older, and helps them learn to read aloud by giving verbal and visual feedback.

Read Along was initially launched in India as “Bolo”, and after the encouraging feedback received from parents, was made available to more markets. As of today, the app is available in over 180 countries and in 9 different languages that include English, Spanish, Portuguese and Hindi.

The app uses text-to-speech and speech recognition tech to monitor a child’s progress during a session. They are provided with stories to read aloud to build their reading skills. The in-app reading buddy named Diya, helps them allowing the way, and provides positive and reinforcing feedback when necessary. She also uses the app’s tech to keep tabs on a child’s progress.

Google says that Read Along can keep young minds engaged with a collection of diverse and interesting stories that include games. Progress is rewarded with stars and badges that can be collected. This sense of achievement, Google says, helps keep them motivated and eager to keep reading.

Unlike most apps, Read Along doesn’t collect data nor keep tabs on its users. in fact, once it has been downloaded on a device, the app is able to work offline indefinitely. Internet access is required if parents want to download additional stories. Visit the Play Store to download the app or help Google improve the experience by sending feedback to readalong@google.com.