Tips for reading texts aloud

In view of technological developments, Hamsterkiste does not provide audio files that children can use to have texts read aloud to them. Most devices today are able to read text aloud.


Here are a few quick guides to having text read aloud on a tablet (iPad/macOS tablet, Android tablet). The steps may vary slightly depending on the model


  1. iPad / iPadOS (Apple)
  • Text read aloud (VoiceOver or text-to-speech):
  • Enable voice control: Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content
  • Turn on “Speak Screen” (or activate “Speak Selection”/“Read Selection”)
  • Adjust speed and voice (speaking rate, voice)
  • How to read a text aloud:
  • Select the text (e.g. in Safari or an app), then choose “Speak” (sometimes in the context menu or via the speech-bubble icon)
  • Alternatively: Turn on VoiceOver (tap with three fingers to read the screen aloud)
  • For longer texts: Have your screen read the entire page aloud using “Speak Screen,” or use a text-to-speech (TTS) app.


2. Android tablets

  • Text-to-speech or read selection aloud:
  • Settings > System > Languages & input > Text-to-speech output (TTS)
  • Set voice, adjust speed
  • In apps, highlight the text and tap “Read aloud” or the TTS symbol (varies by app)
  • Enable TalkBack (screen reader):
  • Settings > Accessibility > Turn on TalkBack
  • Provides text-to-speech while navigating apps
  • Alternatives: Google Translate/Google Assistant or specialist TTS apps from the Play Store (e.g. Speech Central, @Voice Aloud Reader)



3. General tips

  • Text formats: Works well with websites, PDFs, and e-books (APKs/EPUB). For PDFs, you may need to extract the text or use an app with built-in TTS.
  • Voice & speed: Choose a clear voice (German) and adjust the speed to match your reading pace.
  • Offline/Online only: Some voices work offline; others require an internet connection.
  • Bookmarks/Notes: Use features to save important sections.