Reading Assistant Headset Recommendations

One of the most important aspects of Amira is that she expects children to grow as readers by reading out loud to her.  As they make their way through appropriate texts, Amira listens to their voice and supports them so they can productively persist as readers.  Reading out loud means children are held accountable and get coaching on actual reading.  It also means they are developing their abilities and confidence, and that it might sometimes get a little loud in your classroom or hallways. The good news is that this is good noise! Leaders and teachers often ask us about the best practices around headphones and headsets.

Honestly, we can’t tell you what’s going to be best for you and your students. You know your students and your classrooms best. Implementation in each school/classroom is a bit different. Below, we’ve provided you with some suggestions and tips to think about to make the best choice for your students. Don't forget to check out our article How To: Always Enable the Microphone to get prepared!

The No Headphone Option

One way to implement Reading Assistant is with a device without headphones or headsets.  Reading Assistant is engineered to ignore background noise and listen to the reading child.  Teachers can set students up for success to read without headphones with Reading Assistant by:

• Spreading children out and angling their devices in slightly different directions.

• Turning the volume slightly down on the devices so students are forced to get close to their device to listen, focus, and read.  (This might seem counterintuitive but, you read that right, turn the sound down.)

• Set expectations that Reading Assistant time is reading time and so everyone using Reading Assistant should be actively looking at the computer and reading out loud. Talk about how “respectful reading” is clear for Reading Assistant but quiet for your neighbor.  

• Make sure all extra tabs are closed and cache is clear to allow for Reading Assistant's best performance.

• Ensure the device is set to allow for the computer’s (or internal) microphone to be in use.

Headphones vs Headsets

If your classroom is perhaps a little louder or echoey, you have more students on Reading Assistant at once, or aren’t able to easily spread them out, you may decide the use of headphones or headsets is the best option for a quieter classroom experience. Here are some things to think about.

There’s some common tips for both headphones and headsets to keep in mind.

Durability: Children love to play, fling, chew, and dismantle headsets.  If you buy flimsy headsets and don’t set classroom expectations, they might fall apart. Keep in mind, children will be children and sometimes the connection between the headset and the computer may be the issue, and not the headset itself.

Type: Over the head construction typically lasts longer and is easier for students to keep clean and working.

Mute Button & volume controls:  Avoid headsets with accessible mute and volume controls to minimize student distractions.‍

Connector - a USB, analog connection is preferred for non-iOS devices.‍

Headphones (without a built-in microphone)

Device Settings: Be sure to have the device settings set appropriately to use the internal or on-board microphone, while using the headphone speakers. iPads will do this automatically, while Chromebooks may need to have the settings set manually.

Headsets (with a built-in microphone)

Microphone - A noise canceling microphone, ideally optimized for dictation software is the best option.

Microphone Boom/Arm length - If possible, choose a microphone with a long enough boom (arm) to extend in front of a student's mouth.‍ However, be sure to set expectations with students that the microphone is not right against their mouth.

Tested Recommendations

• 3.55mm jack without microphone

• 3.55mm jack with microphone

• USB connector with microphone

• H340 USB with microphone

• 3.55mm jack with microphone