Does your child find reading hard work? Reading pens, also called C-Pens or scanning pens, read printed words out loud, so dyslexic children can understand books and worksheets on their own. Here are the top 10 reading pens, how they help, and how to choose one.
Reading pens are a type of assistive technology that can help dyslexic children who find reading hard.
Your child runs the pen over a line of text. The pen scans the words and reads them aloud. This helps them understand written information in books and worksheets more easily.
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Top 10 reading pens for dyslexia
Reading pens are great for home and school. Most include:
- a text scanner
- read-aloud speech
- a dictionary
- language translation
- a headphone socket, so your child can listen quietly in class
Here are 10 popular reading pens for dyslexia chosen by parents:
- C-Pen Reader 3 (the newest C-Pen)
- C-Pen ReaderPen
- Scan reader pen for dyslexia, 142 languages (well-reviewed budget choice)
- Scanmarker Pro reading pen
- PenPower WorldPenScan Go
- NEWYES Scan Reader Pen 4 Pro
- NEWYES AI reader pen
- Reading pen for dyslexia, 142 languages (budget choice)
- Scan reader pen, 134 languages (budget choice)
- Scan reader pen with scan-to-text (budget choice)
The pens on this list link to Amazon UK (affiliate links). In the US, search for the same pen name on Amazon.com.
Are reading pens good for dyslexia?
Reading pens can help dyslexic children gain confidence and independence. They let children understand worksheets and books in class without waiting for an adult to help.
Hearing the words read aloud can also help your child follow written instructions.
But reading pens can be expensive, and they don’t work well on every type of text, like handwriting or curved pages. Some children find the voice distracting. Always read reviews, and ask if your child’s school has one they can try first.
Reading pens and exams: some exam boards allow reading pens such as the C-Pen Exam Reader in exams. Check with your child’s school what is allowed.
Try it today: a 10-minute reading pen test
- Pick a page (1 minute). Choose a page from a book your child wants to read but finds a bit too hard.
- Scan a line (3 minutes). Show your child how to glide the pen along one line. Let them try.
- Read along (4 minutes). Ask your child to follow the words with their finger as the pen reads aloud.
- Talk about it (2 minutes). Ask: did it help? Was the voice clear? Would they use it at school?
No pen yet? Try the free read-aloud tools on your phone or tablet, or a text-to-speech app, to see if listening helps.
Want to build your child’s reading confidence?
The Champion Reader card helps your child feel like a confident reader, with steps for you on the front and an activity for your child on the back. Pair it with the Assistive Tech card to find the tools that suit your child. Both are among 56 ten-minute activities in the Mooki Cards deck.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in
Top dyslexia aids and tools
Dyslexia aids, programs and apps work well alongside reading pens. See the links below:
- Top 10 dyslexia reading aids
- Top 10 online reading programs
- Top 10 apps for kids with dyslexia
- Assistive technology examples
Learn more about reading pens:
- C-Pen ReaderPen 2
- C-Pens in school
- The Dyslexia Shop C-Pens
- Assistive technology (Dyslexia Support South)
Could it be something more?
If your child can read the words but still doesn’t understand what they’ve read, even with a reading pen, they may find language itself hard. Read about speech, language and communication needs. If they can’t stay focused on reading for long, read about the 3 types of ADHD. And if you’re not sure yet whether it’s dyslexia, see the signs of dyslexia in 5 to 10 year olds.
The bottom line
Reading pens read printed words aloud, so dyslexic children can read more on their own. Try one before you buy, and use it alongside reading practice. For screen-free ways to build reading confidence, the Mooki Cards deck has 56 ten-minute activities, including Champion Reader and Assistive Tech.
