Yeah, we all know how much students like to text, right? So, why not take advantage of a “cool tool” like iFakeText, a nifty online generator that looks like the real thing. It’s super simple to use as well as a visually engaging way to allow students to demonstrate what they know in a unique way. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the novelty effect to grab our students’ interest and attention, right?

Emulating a text message conversation utilizing iFakeText works something like this: After accessing the web site, just enter a name, choose a carrier (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) and insert a conversation. Once you’re finished with these steps, click the “Create Your Screenshot” button and voila! An image showing the text chat as if it appeared on a smart phone is all yours. Download your masterpiece, share it via your favorite social media networks and/or embed it to your web site, wiki or blog. Is that way cool or what?

Oh, and did I mention that this resource is a freebie and requires no registration? Woo hoo!

Check out an iFakeText student example shown below—one between characters in a uber-popular novel.  Can you guess which one?

Classroom Connection:

iFakeText can be utilized in a variety of ways in any content area to allow students to practice reading and writing dialogue. Here are a few ideas to help get you started:

» Conversations between two famous people, book characters, animals, friends discussing a movie or event text one another

» Formative assessments for independent reading

» Displaying vocabulary and definitions in a fun way

» Writing prompts

» Poetry activities

In addition to these literacy activities, iFakeText could be used to teach students proper texting etiquette and digital responsibility.