What Is a Text Set?
Text sets are a collection of texts and other materials on a particular topic or theme that allows students to access the same curricula from varying perspectives while building a shared understanding. Typically, students select from multiple texts then read, discuss, and confirm their thinking within book clubs or literature circles. Opportunities to share in a whole-class setting are interspersed throughout the thematic or topical study as well as interactions with other materials
within the text set to deepen students’ understanding. AdLit text sets include the following components to engage students and support their understanding.
- Conversation starters: questions to get students thinking
- Quote cards to prompt discussions and writing
- Links to music and videos
- Anchor texts
- Additional texts and resources
- Writing prompts and wrap-ups
Example text sets
By using multiple texts, all students have the opportunity to learn new information and make meaningful contributions to discussions.
— Laura Robb
Tips for Success
1. A text set has many entry points for students to engage with topics and themes through music, visuals, various texts, and discussions. Do you need to use them all? No, but you want to use a mix of them to give you the best chance of engaging all your students.
2. Text sets are centered around a theme(s). It’s helpful to touch back on the theme(s) as students’ knowledge grows. Multiple check-ins that ask students to synthesize what they have learned, both individually and within small groups, is essential.
3. Discussions are vital! A text set approach innately supports students’ learning through discussions. Texts and other materials should anchor the discussions but a lot of class time should be devoted to strategic, student-led discussions.
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