A new platform is helping children read Welsh, 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 Welsh, Darllen Co, has been backed by a Welsh
Government fund for new Welsh-language technology.
The paid for digital reading platform has been designed by Welsh
teachers for schools and families. It features over 180 books and
magazines from more than 20 Welsh authors, as well as integrated
audiobooks and quizzes.
Over 300 Welsh medium schools are already subscribed to the
platform to develop learners' Welsh 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 Welsh at home, even if their
parents don't use Welsh, by teaching them the pronunciation
of words.
Darllen Co is the only platform of its kind in Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh Government to set up
the original platform in 2022, as part of its aim to develop
Welsh language technology. The platform secured this investment
following an excellent pitch from its founder, Alex Knott, at Hac
y Gymraeg – a Welsh language ‘hackathon' challenge which aimed to
inspire new Welsh technology ideas.
Darllen Co is also working with Adnodd on a digital reading
assessment which will be free for schools in the next term.
Welsh language Secretary said: “It's fantastic to see
most of our Welsh medium schools making use of the service
Darllen Co has to offer. Supported by Welsh Government funding,
the service is changing how people digitally interact with Welsh,
from school children in Cardiff to Welsh speakers in Patagonia.”
Education Secretary said: “Reading is vital to
education. Darllen Co's innovative platform supports children to
develop their Welsh reading skills and build their confidence, at
home and at school.”
Notes to editors
https://www.darllenco.cymru/
https://www.darllenco.wales/
