If you're a parent or a teacher (or both), you're bound to hear the words "Read it again!" at some point or another. Children, especially those I know, know how to turn on the charm, give you that hopeful look, and add that pitiful pleading in their voices as they say "Just one more time. Let's read it one more time." Of course, you give in; knowing that it won't hurt that much to extend bedtime or class time just a few more minutes.

Why do these simple little words affect us so much? Here's my theory. We love to see others take joy in learning. No matter if we're teaching three-year-olds or 30-year-olds, nothing can replace that look of wonder, delight, and astonishment of discovering something new. If we're truly honest, in our hearts, that's why most of us are Christian school teachers.

That thrill, that indescribable pure moment, when another individual improves themselves and reads something new-that is the essence of teaching. It's really why educators get up in the morning.

Why in the world would we want to hinder learning by not reading it again? Perhaps, it's the worst part of teaching when you realize you physically don't have the time or the resources to reach all our students so they can experience that joy.  How can you individually touch a class of 30 students? It's frustrating no matter how much you wish you can sit and read with every single one of them.

Enter technology. Sure, it's not the same as reading a bedtime story, but computer-based learning has come along way! Alpha Omega Publications' 21st century Switched-On Online curriculum for grades 3-12 comes with a text-to-speech tool so handy, your students will think it's the best thing since sliced bread (or macaroni and cheese, in this case). Text-to-speech reads aloud everything your students highlight within their lesson.

Helping teachers reach even further, this innovative tool, along with over 50,000 multimedia elements, is perfect for auditory learners, those who have a hard time paying attention to computer lessons, or those with reading challenges. Hearing every word pronounced out loud helps improve grammar, sentence understanding, and encourages confidence through interactive learning.

As an educator, you can feel better knowing every child in your Christian school classroom can hear the same lesson read aloud if he so chooses! Put technology on your side and into your students' hands. Bring new meaning to "Let's read it again!"

What technology tools have you used in your classroom? How would a text-to-speech tool help your class learn more efficiently?