How to Make a Text Set

What is a Text Set? 

I'm glad you asked. A text set is a group of learning materials about a particular topic. They can include books and other print media, songs, videos and games (and probably more!). If an elementary teacher were doing a unit on trees, for example, to reinforce her lessons she might gather as many resources on trees as she could find and bring them into her classroom for the students to explore. 

How to Use a Text Set at Home

At this point, I have done basically two text sets with Caroline (at the time of this writing, 2 years old). One was on winter and the one in the following post is all about farms and farm animals. I use text sets to: 

• set and normalize expectations 
• prime the pump before a new experience 
• reinforce learning after a new experience 
• explore in greater depth after a new experience 
• connect our world to books
• establish books as trustworthy sources of knowledge

See my previous post for more context on setting expectations, normalizing behavior and reinforcing learning.

How to Make a Text Set

It's pretty easy to make a text set using books you already have and your public library. Use these guidelines to help. Make sure to read number 5. 

1. Determine the theme of your text set. 
2. See what you already have at home. You want to have a balance of fiction and nonfiction texts so that your kids get used to reading both. Also think about songs you know about the theme. 
3. Think about how you can connect with your child's particular interests so that the books or other learning materials are irresistible. For example, Caroline LOVES dogs. So, for this text set, I was looking for some books that had dogs AND farms. She also likes Curious George and Biscuit, so when I saw titles with those characters visiting farms, I jumped on them. 
4. Do some searches on your public library page with your text set key words. Set filters to the age audience of your child and place a bunch of holds. 
5. Now, this step is important. When the books come, they are not ALL going into your text set. Some of them are going to be duds. This is OK. Review the books before you give them to your child. Here are some reasons you might eliminate a book from the text set: 
• You do not want to read this book over and over. You just can't. 
• This book is a terrible book. 
• This book has content that you are not ready to address with your child at this time. For example: one of the farm books that came in was about two robbers coming to the farm. My child is very fearful. I don't want to read her a book about robbers because I don't want her to know about robbers yet. 
• This book is too simple-- it will be boring for my child. 
• This book is too complex-- there is too much text or the material is too advanced. 
6. Present the text set. You can do this with as little or as much fanfare as you like. You could just take the books out of the bag. You could plan a little activity. You could do it before you go somewhere (like a farm!) or after you come back. 

Farm Text Set 

Click here to see a sample farm text set (this post was getting too long!).

Questions? 

Leave me a comment, and I would be happy to clarify.