In today’s tech-driven world, teaching English is no longer confined to traditional textbooks and classrooms. Mobile devices and apps offer endless opportunities to engage students and make reading a fun, interactive experience. As TESOL teachers, integrating these tools into your lessons not only helps students improve their reading skills but also motivates them to learn in a way that feels natural and exciting. With the arrival of 2025, there are some cutting-edge tools to consider for boosting your students’ reading proficiency. Here’s how to inspire a love of reading through technology and a roundup of the best apps to get started.
Why Use Mobile Devices for Reading?
Mobile devices are part of everyday life for students, making them ideal for learning. The versatility of smartphones and tablets means students can practice reading anywhere, anytime—whether they’re on the bus, waiting in line, or relaxing at home. Apps offer interactive features like voice feedback, dictionary lookups, and customizable reading experiences that make learning more dynamic and personal. Most importantly, using mobile tools helps students feel in control of their learning journey, boosting motivation and engagement.
How to Motivate Students to Read Using Mobile Devices
- Personalization
Apps allow students to tailor their reading experiences by choosing stories, adjusting text size, and even selecting narration speeds. Encourage your students to explore various options, finding what works best for their individual learning styles. - Interactive Stories
Many apps offer interactive elements like quizzes, comprehension questions, and gamified rewards. These features make reading feel like an adventure, where students can earn points, unlock levels, or receive feedback on their progress. - Read Aloud and Listen
For learners who may struggle with reading, apps that offer “read aloud” features can help. Hearing text read to them while following along with the words can improve vocabulary and comprehension while boosting confidence in their reading abilities. - Progress Tracking
One of the most motivational aspects of mobile reading is the ability to track progress. Many apps provide analytics that show how much time a student has spent reading, how many books they’ve completed, and their overall comprehension level. This visual representation of progress can encourage students to keep improving.
Best Mobile Reading Apps for 2025
Here’s a look at some of the most effective and engaging apps available for TESOL teachers in 2025:
- Epic!
Best for: Young Learners
Epic! offers a vast library of high-quality books for children aged 12 and under. Its interactive design and personalized recommendations keep younger students engaged, while read-aloud features and quizzes boost comprehension. In 2025, Epic! has expanded its collection to include more diverse books, graphic novels, and interactive learning features. - Blinkist
Best for: Teens and Adults
Blinkist provides bite-sized summaries of non-fiction books, perfect for adult learners or older teens looking to improve their English and knowledge at the same time. The app’s simplified texts make complex ideas easy to digest, while also providing a more advanced vocabulary. - Beelinguapp
Best for: Bilingual Reading
Beelinguapp offers side-by-side bilingual texts, helping students improve their English by comparing it to their native language. The app has audio features, allowing students to listen while reading along. This is particularly useful for ELLs who want to practice pronunciation and listening skills in addition to reading. - Libby
Best for: Free eBooks and Audiobooks
Libby connects users to their local libraries, giving them free access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks. It’s perfect for students on a budget and offers a huge selection of reading materials for all levels. Teachers can create reading lists, and students can borrow books with a simple tap on their devices. - Newsela
Best for: Current Events and Informational Texts
Newsela offers news articles on various subjects, written at different reading levels. It’s an excellent tool for encouraging students to read about current events while practicing their English. Newsela includes comprehension quizzes and writing prompts, making it a great addition to classroom reading activities. - Sora by OverDrive
Best for: School Libraries and Educators
Sora is specifically designed for students, allowing schools to build a digital library accessible to learners through their devices. Teachers can assign reading material and track students’ progress in real-time, offering insights into how much students are reading and their comprehension levels. - Audible
Best for: Listening and Reading Along
Audible remains one of the best platforms for audiobooks. By 2025, its extensive library has grown even more, with immersive audiobooks, including those narrated by native English speakers. Listening while reading the text helps learners with pronunciation, pacing, and comprehension, making it a fantastic tool for TESOL teachers to recommend. - Kobo Books
Best for: Advanced Learners
For advanced English learners, Kobo Books offers a vast library of eBooks, including literary fiction, academic texts, and professional development books. The app also features adjustable font sizes, a built-in dictionary, and cross-device syncing, making it an excellent tool for dedicated readers.
Fun and Engaging Classroom Activities
- Reading Challenges
Organize reading challenges where students use a mobile app to read a certain number of books or complete specific tasks like “read a book from a new genre” or “listen to an audiobook.” Reward them with certificates or badges for completing each challenge. - Digital Book Club
Create a class book club where students choose a book from one of the apps and read it on their mobile devices. Schedule weekly meetings to discuss the book’s themes, characters, and vocabulary. Encourage students to come prepared with questions or favorite quotes. - Interactive Story Creation
Use apps that allow students to create their own digital stories or interactive eBooks. They can write, illustrate, and narrate their stories, then share them with classmates. This exercise improves writing and reading skills while also sparking creativity. - Reading Aloud Sessions
Pair students up to read aloud to each other using apps with “read-along” features. This helps students improve pronunciation and fluency while boosting their confidence in speaking and reading English. - News Discussions
Using apps like Newsela, encourage students to read a news article and then present it to the class. They can summarize the article, share their thoughts, and answer questions from classmates. This activity not only strengthens reading comprehension but also fosters public speaking skills.
Final Thoughts: Leveraging Technology to Foster a Love for Reading
As TESOL teachers, it’s essential to find innovative ways to keep students motivated, and mobile devices and apps offer a rich, interactive platform to do just that. By using the best tools of 2025, you can create engaging reading experiences that not only improve students’ English proficiency but also inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Integrating apps into your teaching strategy will open new doors for students, allowing them to read more, learn faster, and enjoy the process of acquiring a new language. With a bit of creativity and the right tools, reading with mobile devices can become an exciting and essential part of your TESOL classroom.
