Using Rewordify to Help Understand Difficult Text
When deciding whether to retain a Primary Source or Text in its original form or make modifications for learners struggling with reading comprehension, I encountered a personal dilemma. On one hand, leaving it unchanged preserves the authenticity and integrity of the source, but on the other hand, students may struggle to grasp the content due to unfamiliar vocabulary and language usage found in older sources. To address this issue, I discovered a valuable tool that aids in analyzing and generating learning aids. This tool assists in augmenting the learning process by offering two distinct methods: an abbreviated approach and a detailed approach, each tailored to accommodate the diverse needs of learners.
The challenge of determining whether to modify or preserve a Primary Source or Text arises from the desire to balance authenticity and accessibility for students struggling with reading comprehension. Historical documents and older sources often contain language that is unfamiliar to contemporary students, making it difficult for them to comprehend the content effectively. To overcome this obstacle, I came across a useful tool that provides a solution. By utilizing this tool, I am able to analyze the primary sources and generate aids that enhance the learning process. To cater to the varying needs of learners, I have developed two distinct methods. The first is an abbreviated approach, which provides a condensed version of the original text, simplifying complex language and highlighting essential information. The second method is a detailed approach, offering a comprehensive analysis of the source, including explanations of challenging vocabulary and concepts. Through these two methods, students can better engage with the material and enhance their understanding of historical texts.
Resource
rewordify.com (you must have an account to accomplish either, the account is free)
Examples
I have included two examples. Using the Letters from Birmingham Jail as an example.
Process
Abbreviated
- Paste the text into the box
- Select “Rewordify text”
- Select “Print/Learning Activities”
- “change the level” allows you to change the vocabulary level
- Select Vocabulary list with definitions (or you can use text with vocabulary)
Detailed
- Paste the text into the box
- Select “Rewordify text”
- Select “Print/Learning Activities”
- “change the level” allows you to change the vocabulary level
- Select Vocabulary list without definitions (or you can use text with vocabulary)