How to use this toolkit

Pick one strategy from each section. Try it for two weeks. Keep what works. Drop what does not.

Reading

• Listen and read together. Use text-to-speech and follow the words on screen.
• Preview first. Read headings, bold words and summary before the full text.
• Read with a question. Turn each heading into a question. Read to answer it.
• Use a reading ruler or your finger if it helps you track lines.
• Break it up. Read in 15-minute blocks with short breaks.

Note-taking

• Ask for slides before class. Add notes to them instead of starting blank.
• Record lectures if allowed. Use speed controls to review.
• Use speech-to-text to capture ideas quickly.
• Draw it. Use arrows, boxes and sketches instead of full sentences.
• Write one summary sentence at the end of each class.

Memory

• Teach it out loud. Explain the topic to a friend or to your phone.
• Use flashcards with pictures, not only words.
• Space it out. Review new material after one day, three days and one week.
• Link new facts to something you already know.
• Move while you study. Walk and talk through ideas.

Writing

• Talk first. Record yourself explaining your answer. Then type it up.
• Use a simple plan: point, proof, explain.
• Write the messy draft fast. Fix spelling at the end.
• Use spell check and grammar tools. Read your work back with text-to-speech.
• Ask for feedback on ideas before spelling.

Exam preparation

• Find out the format early. Multiple choice, short answer or essay?
• Confirm your exam accommodations two weeks before.
• Practise with old tests under real time limits, including your extra time.
• Make a one-page summary sheet for each topic.
• Sleep well the night before. Memory needs rest.

During the exam

1. Read every instruction slowly. Use the reader tool if available.
2. Answer the easy questions first.
3. Underline key words in each question.
4. Leave five minutes to check answers.

Weekly planning template

Two-week strategy test

• Strategy I am trying: ________
• Subject: ________
• Start date: ________
• Did it save time? (yes or no): ________
• Did it help me remember? (yes or no): ________
• Keep, change or drop: ________

Tools checklist

• Text-to-speech set up on my device
• Speech-to-text set up on my device
• Digital calendar with reminders
• Flashcard app or paper cards
• Quiet study space

Ask for help

Struggling with one subject? Tell your teacher early. Ask the resource teacher or campus accessibility office about tutoring and tools.