Make Reading Fun
With Text Messages
Free Resource
Text Chats & Reading: A Perfect Pair
Kids love texting.
Here are two ways you can use text messages to support reading comprehension.
Strategy 1: Pre-Reading - You Write
Write a text message chat to introduce a new text you are about to read. Â
The chat can be between you and a student, two students in the class, or a two real or fictional characters.Â
Use the text chat to introduce the purpose for reading and/or to hook kids on the topic. Ideas for text chats include:
- Previewing a key concept or key vocabulary to support comprehension.
- Introducing a new craft and structure move.
- Make your mini-lesson interactive by scripting it out.
Strategy 2: Post-Reading - Kids Write
Have your students write a text message exchange that shows what they learned while reading the text.Â
The text message exchange can be use to:
- Explain the central idea and supporting details.
- Explore and explain a key concept.
- Ask or explore questions students have about the text.
- Explain and provide examples of craft and structure moves.
Pro Tip
Provide students a model or co-create a model before you have kids try strategy 2 on their own.
Want Examples?
Explore our collection or online magazines to see our text messages in action. Each zine supports informational reading skills while building science word and world knowledge.Â