Enhance Your Child’s Learning with Text-to-Speech Tools

The MoneyTime program does not have audio; however, to support your child’s learning experience with MoneyTime, you may wish to use a text-to-speech (TTS) tool. These tools can read on-screen text aloud, helping children who prefer auditory learning or need extra support with reading. 2 popular TTS tools are Natural Reader and Speechify, both of which work well alongside MoneyTime.

  1. Natural Reader: Available as a browser extension on Chrome Web Store.

  2. Speechify: Available as a browser extension on Chrome Web Store.

Both tools have free versions with essential features and paid upgrades for additional voices and functionality. We suggest using the free versions as they work well enough.

How To Install Example

See here on how to install Natural Reader to your browser

How To Use Them

  1. Highlight text in MoneyTime and the tool will read it aloud.

  2. Adjust settings like reading speed, voice type and playback controls for a personalized experience.

Our Observations with Natural Reader

  1. No account creation is needed.

  2. Users must highlight text for it to be read, as it doesn’t automatically detect webpage text. It reads highlighted content, with a button appearing above the text for playback.

  3. Occasionally, it reads unintended text (like headers) or fails to read anything at all. It does not read quiz answers and may mistakenly reread previous screens. The inability to read quiz answers may be frustrating and could lead to accidental clicking answers when trying to get the answer text to be read aloud. 

Our Observations with Speechify

  1. Requires a free account and a lengthy setup process. It requires payment input i.e. a credit card is needed for the free trial. The payment request appears at the end of account setup, which may feel misleading.

  2. Users must highlight text and click play to hear it read aloud.

  3. May not work at all then suddenly start working. If it doesn’t work, try canceling out of the app then reopening.

Additional Things to Note

  1. Pronunciation Issues: Automated voices may mispronounce some financial terms.

  2. Distractions: Kids may get distracted experimenting with voices rather than focusing on content.

  3. Compatibility with MoneyTime: These tools and MoneyTime work best on desktop, laptop and tablet browsers. 

  4. Browser-Specific Limitations: Some features may work better on Chrome than Safari or Firefox. If you experience issues, try switching browsers.

  5. Privacy Considerations: These tools process text to generate speech. While reputable, it's good practice to review their privacy policies.

  6. Free vs. Paid Features: While the free versions are effective, they may have usage limits or occasional ads.

Important Disclaimer

Natural Reader and Speechify can be used as tools to support your child’s learning with MoneyTime. However, we do not officially endorse them, and their performance may vary. Some users experience glitches or compatibility issues, so we encourage you to explore them to see if they meet your child’s needs.

We’ll be pleased to hear about your experience with Natural Reader or Speechify at support@moneytimekids.com