How Assistive Tech Like the WisePen® Can Shorten Learning Gaps After School Holidays
, by Tatianna Gerard, 7 min reading time
School holidays are an important time to rest and recharge, but for many students, long breaks can also lead to learning gaps — especially when it comes to reading. Without the structure of the school day, regular reading habits often drop away, routines change, and learning becomes less consistent.
For students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, or language barriers, this loss of routine can have a bigger impact. Skills that took time and effort to build during the term can fade more quickly, making the return to school feel overwhelming and frustrating.
This is where assistive technology can make a real difference. Tools like the Dempower WisePen AI Reader help keep reading skills active during the break, support independent learning at home, and make the transition back to school smoother and more confident for students who need extra support.
How assistive tech keeps reading skills active during the break
When school routines pause, learning doesn’t have to stop completely. Even small, regular moments of reading over the holidays can help prevent skills from slipping — and assistive technology makes this easier and less stressful for students.
Tools like AI reader pens allow students to practise reading without pressure. Instead of sitting down for long study sessions, students can scan and listen to short texts, explore unfamiliar words, or read everyday materials at their own pace. This keeps reading familiar and manageable, rather than something they have to “re-learn” once school starts again.
Assistive tech also supports independence during the break. Students don’t need constant help from parents or carers to decode words or understand instructions. They can get immediate support when they need it, helping them stay engaged and confident.
Read related article: 6 Types of Assistive Technology (and How They Support Independence)
Simple ways families can use the WisePen AI Reader at home
School holidays don’t need to feel like “extra homework time.” Assistive tools like the WisePen can be used naturally as part of everyday life, helping students practise reading without it feeling like a chore.
Here are a few simple, low-pressure ways families can use the WisePen at home during the break:
Reading everyday materials
Students can scan and listen to:
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books or short stories
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instructions for games or activities
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recipes or shopping lists
- labels, notes, or letters
This keeps reading skills active in a practical, real-world way.
Building vocabulary in small moments
When students come across an unfamiliar word, they can scan it for an instant explanation or translation. These short learning moments add up over time and help expand vocabulary without formal study sessions.
Supporting ESL families
For families who speak more than one language at home, the WisePen can help translate text and explain meaning, making it easier for students to stay connected to learning while building confidence in English.
Read related article: Supporting Literacy in English Language Learners
Encouraging independent learning
Instead of waiting for help, students can use the WisePen to understand text on their own. This builds independence and confidence — especially important during long breaks when routines are less structured.
Keeping learning flexible and relaxed
Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s keeping reading familiar, comfortable, and accessible until school resumes.
Why assistive tech matters for students with Dyslexia, ADHD or low confidence
For students who already find learning challenging, long school breaks can make those challenges feel bigger. Skills like reading fluency, focus, and comprehension can fade quickly without regular practice — and rebuilding confidence can take time.
Assistive technology helps bridge this gap by offering consistent, judgement-free support. For students with dyslexia, tools like the WisePen reduce the effort required to decode text, allowing them to focus on understanding rather than struggling through every word. This helps maintain reading confidence over the holidays.
Students with ADHD often benefit from short, interactive learning moments. Assistive tools allow them to engage with reading in manageable bursts, helping them stay focused without becoming overwhelmed.
For students with low confidence, the ability to get help quietly and independently can be a game changer. Instead of feeling stuck or discouraged, they can scan text, check meaning, and move forward at their own pace — building self-belief along the way.
By supporting these learners during the break, assistive technology helps them return to school feeling more capable, less anxious, and ready to re-engage with learning.
How teachers can use these tools when students return
The first few weeks back at school often reveal which students have struggled over the holidays. Gaps in reading, comprehension, or confidence can surface quickly — especially for students who already needed extra support during the term.
Assistive technology can help teachers respond early, without adding pressure to already busy classrooms. Tools like the WisePen allow students to access reading support straight away, helping them understand instructions, follow along with worksheets, and re-engage with learning tasks more independently.
For teachers, this means:
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less time spent re-explaining basic instructions
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quieter, more focused independent work
- easier differentiation within the same classroom
Assistive tools also help identify where students may need extra support. Teachers can observe which students rely more heavily on reading assistance and adjust learning plans accordingly.
Most importantly, using assistive tech early in the term helps students rebuild momentum quickly. Instead of falling further behind, they’re supported to catch up, regain confidence, and settle back into routines — setting a more positive tone for the rest of the school term.
Support holiday learning with assistive tech
School holidays don’t have to mean starting over. While learning gaps are common after long breaks, especially for students with additional learning needs, the right support can make the transition back to school far smoother.
Assistive technology like the Dempower WisePen AI Reader helps keep reading skills active during the holidays, supports independence at home, and reduces the stress many students feel when routines resume. By offering consistent, on-demand support, these tools help students return to school feeling more confident, capable, and ready to learn.
NDIS and assistive technology
Assistive technology is recognised and supported under the NDIS, but eligibility can vary depending on individual needs, goals, and how the technology supports independence, learning, or daily participation. Tools like AI reader pens may be considered as part of a participant’s plan when they align with functional goals and recommended supports.
If you’d like to learn more, you can explore our guides on the 6 types of assistive technology (and how they support independence) and assistive technology solutions covered by the NDIS to better understand what may be suitable.
