Text Chats & Reading: A Perfect Pair

Kids love texting. 

Here are two ways you can use text messages to support reading comprehension.

Download our simple template to help get you started. (It’s in powerpoint so you can edit or use as a Google slide.) 

Strategy 1: Pre-Reading - You Write

Write a text message chat to introduce a new text you are about to read.  

The chat can be between you and a student, two students in the class, or a two real or fictional characters. 

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. 

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 of online magazines to see our text messages in action. Each zine supports informational reading skills while building science word and world knowledge. 

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