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Why Choose a Scanmarker?

FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES

Turn reading time into confidence-building time.

When a child gets stuck on a word or a long passage, a reading pen offers a practical way to keep going. Scan printed text, listen to it read aloud and explore words with less reliance on an adult for every step.

Find the right reading pen
Hear the words

Listen to printed text while following along in a book or worksheet.

Make sense of new vocabulary

Use model-specific dictionary and translation features when words feel unfamiliar.

Practice with more independence

Give learners a tool they can use at home during reading and homework.

FOR K–12 TEACHERS & SCHOOLS

Give more students access to the words on the page.

Support reading and literacy across classrooms, interventions and multilingual learning. A Scanmarker reading pen can offer immediate access to printed text while teachers focus on instruction.

Special Education

Provide read-aloud access to worksheets and textbooks as appropriate for a student’s IEP or 504 accommodations.

ESL / Multilingual Learners

Help students understand printed English with model-specific reading, dictionary and translation support.

Tier 2 & Tier 3 Support

Use targeted reading practice, vocabulary tools and phonics features where available to complement interventions.

Reading & Literacy

Encourage more independent engagement with grade-level texts, new words and repeated reading practice.

All-in-one reading pens such as Scanmarker MAX and Pro can help learners access printed material without needing a separate computer. Features vary by model.

Explore Scanmarker for Schools

FEATURE SPOTLIGHT · SCANMARKER MAX

Phonics Practice Made Accessible

Scanmarker MAX includes phonics activities to help students practice letter sounds and pronunciation. Pair phonics with read-aloud and dictionary tools to complement literacy instruction and practice at home.

Explore MAX Phonics

Schools & Districts Choosing Scanmarker

A selection of schools and districts with recorded Scanmarker purchases.

Texas

  • IDEA Public Schools
  • Port Arthur Independent School District

Florida

  • Hillsborough County Public Schools

New Jersey

  • Middle Township Board of Education

Alabama

  • Baldwin County Board of Education

Illinois

  • Chicago Public Schools

Ohio

  • Columbus City Schools

Nevada

  • Clark County School District

Washington

  • Yakima School District

Purchaser examples; listing does not imply endorsement or district-wide deployment.

  • Scanmarker MAX 12 functions, Pro 7 functions and PAL 4 functions touchscreen reading pens

    Touchscreen Pen Readers: MAX / Pro / PAL

    Reading and language tools in one device. Read printed text aloud, look up words and use supported translation features with core reading functions directly on the pen.

    • Support independent reading and literacy
    • Useful for learners who benefit from read-aloud or multilingual support
    • Choose the features that fit: MAX (including phonics and camera scanning), Pro, or PAL

    Offline and online functions and supported languages vary by model.

    Compare All-in-One Pens 
  • Scanmarker Air Reader USB connected scanning pen comparison

    Connected Scanning Pens: Air / Reader / USB

    Scan printed text to a connected device. A practical option for digital notes, reading and translating through compatible computer or device software.

    • Digitize printed text for editing and study
    • Use supported read-aloud and language tools
    • Explore Air, Reader, and USB options

    Connection requirements and features vary by model.

    Compare Connected Pens 

Use Your ESA Funds to Purchase Scanmarker

Scanmarker reading pens may be purchased with eligible Education Savings Account (ESA) or scholarship funds through approved vendors and programs, including ClassWallet, Odyssey and Step Up For Students in Florida.

Depending on your program, you may be able to order directly through its purchasing platform or submit a receipt for reimbursement. Eligibility and purchasing requirements vary by state and program.

Not sure how to use your funds? Contact our team for help identifying your available purchasing options.

Contact Us for ESA Assistance

See Scanmarker in Action

Choose the session that best fits your needs.

TEACHERS & SCHOOLS

Professional Development

Explore classroom strategies, reading accommodations and practical ways to support students using Scanmarker.

Book a PD Session

PARENTS & FAMILIES

Personal Product Demo

See how Scanmarker works for reading, homework and independent learning, and ask questions about choosing a pen.

Book a Parent Demo
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READING PEN QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Pens

What is a reading pen, and how does it work?

A reading pen scans printed words and converts them into speech. Scanmarker reading pens help students and adults listen to books, worksheets, and other printed materials, supporting access to text and more independent reading.

What is the best reading pen for dyslexia?

The best reading pen depends on the student's needs. Scanmarker MAX offers advanced learning support, including phonics tools, while Pro and PAL provide read-aloud features. Compare features to find a suitable option for home or school.

Can reading pens help students with dyslexia and reading difficulties?

Reading pens can support students with dyslexia by reading printed text aloud. They may reduce the barriers posed by unfamiliar words and help learners access schoolwork independently. They complement, rather than replace, structured reading instruction.

Can Scanmarker reading pens be used in schools for special education?

Yes. Scanmarker reading pens can support K–12 reading activities, special education, and students with IEPs or 504 plans. Whether a device is permitted during an assessment depends on the student's approved accommodations and the applicable testing rules.

Can a reading pen translate text into different languages?

Selected Scanmarker models offer translation and multilingual reading, including support for more than 100 languages on certain online features. This can help English language learners understand printed materials and build vocabulary. Language availability varies by model and mode.

Do Scanmarker reading pens work without Wi-Fi?

Selected Scanmarker reading pens support offline reading and certain offline language functions. Other features require Wi-Fi. Check the specifications of your model to confirm which reading and translation languages work without an internet connection.

Which Scanmarker reading pen is best for students?

Scanmarker MAX is a strong choice for K–12 students needing phonics and additional learning tools. Scanmarker Pro offers reading and translation features, while PAL focuses on accessible read-aloud support. The right model depends on the learner and classroom requirements.

Can I scan printed text into Microsoft Word or Google Docs?

Scanmarker Air, Reader, and USB models can digitize printed text into compatible computer applications through Scanmarker desktop software. This is useful for capturing printed notes into documents. Compatibility and setup vary by device and operating system.

Can a reading pen help children become more independent readers?

Reading pens can help children access unfamiliar words without always asking an adult for assistance. Listening to printed text can support understanding and confidence while students continue building decoding and reading skills through instruction and practice.

What is the difference between Scanmarker MAX, Pro, and PAL?

Scanmarker MAX adds advanced learning features such as phonics support. Pro provides broad reading and translation capabilities, and PAL emphasizes essential read-aloud and language support. Review the model comparison to check which features and languages are included.