A new platform is helping children read Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ, even if their parents can’t, by teaching them how to pronounce words.
Already helping over 52,000 users in Wales and across the world learn to read in Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ, Darllen Co, has been backed by a Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖfund for new Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ-language technology.
The paid for digital reading platform has been designed by Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ teachers for schools and families. It features over 180 books and magazines from more than 20 Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ authors, as well as integrated audiobooks and quizzes.
Over 300 Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ medium schools are already subscribed to the platform to develop learners’ Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ reading skills. The platform also features an assessment and tracking system which lets teachers monitor learners’ progress.
Learners can access the platform at school or home, on any digital device. The platform’s audiobooks and reading resources make it easier for children to learn Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ at home, even if their parents don’t use Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ, by teaching them the pronunciation of words.
Darllen Co is the only platform of its kind in Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ and people around the world are benefiting from it, with users in Italy, Texas, Dubai, Slovakia, England and Patagonia. The platform hopes to expand into English medium primary schools, to help even more learners with their Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ language skills.
Mr Scozzi from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin said:
Since the evolution of the platform, we are now enjoying more literature, new features and more detailed data for us teachers to interpret. In addition to developing reading skills, we are also using the platform to test understanding with opportunities for children to develop various reading and comprehension skills.
Darllen Co received £30,000 from the Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖto set up the original platform in 2022, as part of its aim to develop Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ language technology. The platform secured this investment following an excellent pitch from its founder, Alex Knott, at Hac y Gymraeg, a Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ language ‘hackathon’ challenge which aimed to inspire new Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ technology ideas.
Darllen Co is also working with Adnodd on a digital reading assessment which will be free for schools in the next term.
Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ language Secretary Mark Drakeford said:
It’s fantastic to see most of our Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ medium schools making use of the service Darllen Co has to offer. Supported by Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖfunding, the service is changing how people digitally interact with Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ, from school children in Cardiff to Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ speakers in Patagonia.
Education Secretary Lynne Neagle said:
Reading is vital to education. Darllen Co's innovative platform supports children to develop their Îʶ¦ÓéÀÖ reading skills and build their confidence, at home and at school.