A text set is a collection of sources that support a common theme, issue or topic. Text sets should include a variety of genres, text types, levels and formats.
Examples of materials to include (but are not limited to):
- fiction (novels, picture books, short stories)
- non fiction
- poetry
- images
- newspaper and magazine articles
- apps
- webcasts and podcasts
- websites
What steps are involved in putting together a text set?
- Start with the content - what do students need to know or in other words -- what do you need to teach (theme or concept)? It is helpful to have an anchor text: a complex grade-level text. The anchor text could be the focus of a close reading with instructional supports in the classroom.
- Build the text set - find material that supports the content you want to teach and want students to learn.
- Organize the texts - how and when will you use the texts?
- Creating and responding to texts - how will students work with the texts, what will they do with the texts? (Cappiello, 2013)
A few essential questions to ask and/or issues to consider when assembling a text set.
- Think about the standards. What are students expected to know and be able to do? This can dictate the topics/themes chosen.
- What do you (the teacher) want students to know (beyond the standards)?
- What topics/themes/content will engage and excite students (Cappiello, 2013)?
Cappiello, M. A., & Dawes, E. T. (2013). Teaching with text sets. Huntington Beach, Calif: Shell Education.
- artwork
- songs
- primary sources (interviews, documents, artifacts)
