1. Introduction
Possessing a tool that can read words aloud is one thing; understanding the story or the data behind those words is another. For students with dyslexia or ADHD, the mechanical struggle of "decoding" words often consumes all their mental energy, leaving little room for comprehension.
Scanning pens (or reading pens) solve this by offloading the decoding process. In this guide, we'll explore how to use these devices as more than just "text readers" to truly master reading comprehension.
If you are new to this technology, start with our Ultimate Guide to Assistive Reading Technology for Dyslexia.
2. Strategy 1: The "Scan and Echo" Technique
Don't just listen. To improve retention, students should use the "Echo" method:
Scan a sentence with the Dimdu Smart Reading Pen.
Listen to the device read it.
Immediately repeat the sentence aloud.
Why it works: This engages both the auditory and vocal neural pathways, reinforcing the information in the working memory.
3. Strategy 2: Pre-Scanning "Tricky" Vocabulary
Before reading a full chapter, students should skim the text for bolded or complex words.
Use the pen's built-in dictionary to scan and define these words first.
Knowing the meaning of "photosynthesis" before reading the paragraph about it prevents the brain from "stalling" mid-sentence.
4. Strategy 3: Multi-Sensory "Dual Coding"
The most powerful way to use a reading pen is Dual Coding. This means the student follows the text with their eyes while the pen provides the audio.
Pro Tip: Adjust the reading speed. Most pens, including the Dimdu series, allow you to slow down the voice. Match the speed to the student's visual tracking ability to ensure the eyes and ears stay in sync.
5. Strategy 4: Breaking Down Complex Instructions
For students with ADHD, long multi-step instructions can be overwhelming.
Encourage them to scan one instruction at a time.
Pause the pen, complete the task, and then scan the next step.
This prevents "information overload" and builds confidence in executive functioning.
6. Strategy 5: Using the Recording Feature for Summarization
Many high-quality reading pens include a voice recording function.
After scanning and reading a paragraph, the student should record a 10-second summary of what they just heard.
Playing back their own summary helps solidify their understanding of the narrative flow.
Video Description: This tutorial demonstrates the "Scan-Pause-Summarize" workflow. See how assistive technology tools help students transition from simple word recognition to deep reading comprehension.
7. Conclusion: From Tools to Mastery
A reading pen is a bridge, but the goal is the destination: the joy of stories and the power of information. By using these five strategies, parents and educators can help students move beyond "hearing" and start "understanding."
Ready to pick the best tool for these strategies? See our Top 5 Best Pen Readers for Dyslexia Comparison.
