What Do Students Want to Read? Engaging Reading Materials Beyond Books
Why Look Beyond Books for Student Reading?
Reading is a major part of learning any language or subject, but not every student gets excited about picking up a thick novel or a standard coursebook. Traditional textbooks and storybooks have their place, but they don’t always match the interests, needs, or daily realities of all learners—especially those in ESL or EFL classrooms, or those who are more practically minded.
Many students feel disconnected from the textbook content, finding it too formal, outdated, or simply irrelevant to their lives. Others may struggle with long passages or academic vocabulary. That’s why it’s so important to widen the definition of “reading material” and explore resources that are real, useful, and genuinely appealing.
Let’s take a closer look at some creative alternatives to books—real-world texts that can transform reading from a chore into an enjoyable, meaningful experience.
Real-Life Texts Students Actually Care About
1. Text Messages and Social Media Chats
Today’s students live in a world of instant messaging—whether it’s WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, or direct messages on Instagram. This is their natural communication habitat. Reading and analyzing real or simulated text messages can be incredibly motivating because students immediately see the connection to their own lives.
These short exchanges expose learners to:
- Abbreviations and slang: “BRB,” “LOL,” “ICYMI,” etc.—terms they’ll encounter outside any classroom.
- Emojis: Visual cues that change meaning or tone.
- Real communication: Unlike textbook dialogues, messages show authentic mistakes, incomplete sentences, and informal language.
- Cultural references: Memes, inside jokes, or trending phrases that offer insight into how language evolves.
Classroom activity ideas:
- Have students write and respond to simulated text conversations based on common scenarios (making plans, apologizing for being late).
- Use screenshots (with permission) to analyze tone, intent, or even misunderstandings in chat exchanges.
- Teach digital etiquette and the difference between formal and informal writing.
By focusing on communication as it really happens, you help students become more fluent and confident in their daily interactions.
2. Websites and Online Reviews
The internet is full of reading material students already use—restaurant reviews, online shopping comments, YouTube video feedback, and so much more. These texts are short, direct, and often full of strong opinions—a perfect way to practice persuasive language and critical thinking.
Why are reviews so valuable?
- Everyday relevance: Students read reviews when deciding what to buy, where to eat, or which movie to watch.
- Rich vocabulary: Reviews introduce adjectives (“delicious,” “terrible,” “overpriced”) and comparative language (“better than,” “not as good as”).
- Reading for detail: Students learn to scan for key information (price, pros/cons, star ratings).
- Recognizing bias: They discover how personal experiences shape opinions and learn to spot exaggeration or sarcasm.
Try these activities:
- Compare two conflicting reviews of the same product—what makes each convincing?
- Write a review of a favorite place or item in class.
- Discuss what makes an online review trustworthy (verified purchase? detailed feedback?).
This kind of reading builds both practical language skills and digital literacy—essential for modern life.
3. Infographics and Visual Data
Not everyone loves long paragraphs. Infographics take complex information—like statistics, timelines, or instructions—and turn it into clear visuals with short chunks of text. For visual learners or those who get overwhelmed by walls of words, infographics are an ideal way to engage with content.
Benefits include:
- Combining images with text: Helps learners connect new vocabulary with visual meaning.
- Practicing scanning: Encourages students to pick out main ideas quickly.
- Breaking down big topics: Makes subjects like climate change, nutrition facts, or historical events less intimidating.
In the classroom:
- Use infographics from trusted websites (health organizations, news outlets) on topics relevant to your learners.
- Assign projects where students create their own infographics about hobbies, routines, or local issues.
- Have students summarize the information in pairs or small groups.
This approach not only builds reading skills but also teaches students how to present information in clear, modern ways.
4. Event Flyers and Posters
Community events—like concerts, sports matches, workshops, or sales—are advertised everywhere using flyers and posters. These materials are packed with real-life English: dates, times, locations, catchy taglines (“Don’t miss it!”), and persuasive calls to action (“Join us now!”).
Why use them?
- Concise information: Students learn to extract details quickly.
- Reading for specific info: Great practice for skimming and scanning.
- Exposure to persuasive phrases: “Free entry,” “Limited seats,” “Best deal.”
- Cultural context: Students learn about holidays, traditions, or local customs through event promotions.
Ideas for activities:
- Bring in real flyers from your community or find digital posters online.
- Have students design their own event poster (for a school concert, fundraiser, etc.).
- Plan a class outing using details from actual event flyers.
This kind of reading helps students feel more at home in English-speaking surroundings and builds confidence using English outside the classroom.
5. Emails and Professional Correspondence
As students prepare for higher education or the workplace, understanding how to read (and write) emails becomes crucial. Emails differ from casual messages—tone matters more, there’s structure to follow (greeting, body, closing), and clarity is key.
What do students learn?
- Formal and informal tone: Recognize when “Hi” is okay versus “Dear Sir/Madam.”
- Common phrases: “I hope this email finds you well,” “Best regards,” “Please find attached…”
- Purpose-driven reading: Understand why someone is writing—making a request? Giving information? Confirming a meeting?
- Professional vocabulary: Terms like “forward,” “reply all,” “CC/BCC.”
Classroom uses:
- Analyze sample emails for tone and structure.
- Write practice emails for real-life scenarios: requesting time off, applying for a job, confirming an appointment.
- Discuss email etiquette (punctuation, politeness) compared to texting.
Getting comfortable with professional correspondence prepares students for future careers and practical communication needs.
6. Podcasts with Transcripts
Podcasts are booming worldwide—and many come with written transcripts. This combination gives students exposure to natural spoken English while supporting understanding through text.
Advantages include:
- Authentic speech: Hear how people really talk—interruptions, hesitations, informal language.
- Real topics: Choose podcasts on news stories, interviews with athletes or artists, science updates—whatever interests your group.
- Cultural insights: Learn about current events and social issues from an English-speaking perspective.
- Flexible difficulty: Select podcasts by speed or topic complexity for your class level.
Ways to use them:
- Listen together while following along with the transcript; pause to check meaning or pronunciation.
- Discuss main ideas and new vocabulary afterward.
- Assign short podcast segments as homework for extra practice.
This approach not only boosts listening skills but makes reading more dynamic through real voices and real stories.
7. Lists and Schedules
From bus timetables to grocery lists to daily routines—short lists are everywhere in daily life. They’re simple but packed with practical vocabulary and structure.
Why are they important?
- Time management: Reading schedules teaches terms like “depart,” “arrive,” days of the week, times of day.
- Sequencing practice: Recipes and instructions help students follow steps in order.
- Everyday relevance: Lists are used for packing before a trip or planning tasks at work.
- Scanning skills: Quickly finding specific information is essential in real life.
Classroom ideas:
- Use real bus or train schedules; have students plan a route across town.
- Create packing lists for different trips (“What would you bring to the beach?”).
- Write grocery lists based on recipes discussed in class.
These activities build confidence by showing students they can handle everyday reading tasks in English.
8. Memes and Viral Content
Memes—funny images with a short caption—are a huge part of online culture. While they’re lighthearted on the surface, memes can teach powerful lessons in language use and cultural understanding.
What makes them great for learning?
- Condensed meaning: A few words + an image = a lot of context.
- Idioms and puns: Many memes play with double meanings or wordplay.
- Cultural references: Students can discuss why something is funny (or not) in different cultures.
- Discussion starters: Debates about favorite memes can lead to bigger conversations about humor and social issues.
How to use them:
- Show popular memes related to school life or common student experiences; discuss what makes them funny.
- Challenge students to create their own meme (using new vocabulary).
- Talk about how humor differs across languages and cultures.
Using memes keeps lessons light-hearted while building cultural awareness and creative thinking.
How to Choose the Right Materials
- Survey Student Interests
Ask what your students read on their own time: Are they into social media? Sports news? Cooking blogs? Use their answers as inspiration for your lesson planning. When students see their interests reflected in class materials, motivation soars. - Match Level and Context
Choose materials that are accessible but still challenging. Beginners benefit from short texts with visuals; advanced learners might handle longer articles or dense infographics. - Mix Digital and Print
Don’t stick to one format. Some students prefer screens; others want something they can hold and annotate. Offer options when possible—screenshots of chats for one lesson; printed schedules for another. - Invite Student Contributions
Let learners bring in examples from their own lives: favorite recipes from home, screenshots of funny messages (with privacy respected), or links to interesting articles. This increases ownership of learning and brings authenticity into the classroom.
Benefits of Non-Traditional Reading Materials
Motivation: Students are more likely to read materials that feel useful or interesting in their daily lives.
Real-Life Language: Exposure to slang, abbreviations, idioms helps bridge the gap between classroom English and real-world usage.
Confidence: Mastering practical texts (emails, menus) builds self-assurance in navigating English-speaking environments.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing ads or reviews encourages skepticism and deeper understanding—not just language skills but media literacy too.
Cultural Awareness: Accessing news stories, memes, or event flyers introduces learners to new perspectives and helps them feel part of broader communities.
Sample Classroom Activities
| Material Type | Activity Idea |
|---|---|
| Text Messages | Edit/correct chat transcripts; create message chains |
| Event Posters | Design event adverts; plan class outings |
| Online Reviews | Compare products/restaurants; write own reviews |
| Infographics | Summarize data; present findings |
| Podcasts | Listen & read along; answer comprehension questions |
| Lists/Schedules | Plan trips; make task lists |
| Memes | Interpret jokes; create original memes |
Final Thoughts
There isn’t a single answer to “What do students want to read?” The best reading materials are those that connect language learning with real life: text messages they send every day, reviews they trust before buying something new, lists that keep them organized. When you bring these authentic texts into your classroom—or encourage students to find them themselves—you show that reading isn’t just an academic skill but part of living fully in the world.
Going beyond books helps foster curiosity and confidence. It empowers students not just as language users but as active participants in society—equipped to understand instructions at work, share jokes with friends online, read community news, or follow their favorite influencers.
Give your next reading lesson a fresh twist by bringing in something unexpected—and watch your students’ engagement grow!
