R u a txter? Chances are your Christian school students are, and maybe even some of you Christian school teachers are too. While some of us are digital natives, others of us are immigrants to this new, foreign land of tech-driven writing.

Not everyone thinks texting is the hottest thing since sliced bread. Some still struggle with finer points of its use, especially with texting's inconsistent use of grammar and constant ability to distract, and perhaps some will never embrace this thumb-based communication format. They may dislike spelling incorrectly or think it's too time consuming to locate and "type" on their phones.

Here's the question. Why not turn this distraction into a learning tool? Many teachers are incorporating the use of texting into their classroom environments and having good results. A recent technology learning article suggested that texting can "spice up" teaching.

Here are five ideas to try:

1. Have your students text responses to a classroom discussion in real time. More students can participate and have their opinions heard.

2. Build a foreign language dictionary. Ask your students to text new foreign words they learn or hear outside of the classroom to specific email addresses to build their understanding of the global world.

3. Have your students summarize complex concepts by texting them to you. This helps students identify critical information and aids retention. In addition, you'll know if they understand.

4. Have your students text to blog sites, creating discussions that include students who are less vocal in class.

5. Ask your students to respond to a poll or offer their opinions via text messaging. Then discuss.

There are many more ways to incorporate texting into your classroom! The printing press and the word processer did not destroy the language as was once feared, and text messaging is the new step in forms of communication.

Whether you embrace texting or not, students have, and to reach them, you have to speak their language. That's what it means to be connected. At Alpha Omega Publications, we understand the importance of meeting students where they are. That's why our Switched-On curriculum connects with digital natives better. It's because we designed it with them in mind.

What do you think? Is using texting in class lessons is a good idea? LMK (let me know) and share ur gr8t opinions!