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How do you teach Spanish literacy in Dual Language Kindergarten so that all kids can read in Spanish?
In this post, I will give you some pointers on how to effectively teach Spanish literacy in the Bilingual and Dual Language Kindergarten classroom using Spanish Kindergarten Literacy Centers and Spanish Shared Reading.
Get a free start with Spanish Literacy Centers for Kindergarten:
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A quick note on biliteracy and Understanding Spanish Literacy. . .
Did you know that learning to speak, read and write in more than one language is associated with a greater ability to concentrate, to solve problems and to focus? Plus, bilingual children outperform monolingual children in literacy and math.
Clearly, kids who are learning literacy in English and Spanish are at an advantage, and this is one of the reasons for Biliteracy, or teaching and learning literacy in two languages.
Spanish early literacy skills are different from English early literacy because in Spanish we teach kids by using syllables but in English we use phonemes. So it is good to keep the learning separate, but also understand that there is a lot of overlap because of the similarities in the two languages.
Literacy is the ability to read, write and understand language, in this case: Spanish. Bilingual literacy, or biliteracy, as taught in Dual Language Programs, is the ability to understand, read, and write 2 languages. You can already see how much more cognition is involved in biliteracy and Dual Language!
Dual Language is becoming more and more important here in the USA because there is an increasing demand for Spanish literacy across the country because of the rise in Spanish speaking populations.
The benefits of biliteracy and Dual Language Programs, have been linked with improved cognitive development and academic success.
The Purpose of Spanish Literacy Kindergarten Centers
The purpose of having Kindergarten centers is to provide hands-on learning experiences for children in a fun and engaging way. Plus, providing kiddos with a language-rich environment will help your kids to thrive when they are constantly exposed to language--or 2 languages!
Teaching Spanish Literacy: Use Spanish Kindergarten Literacy Centers
Teaching is not easy, but consider these simple steps as you set up Spanish Kindergarten Literacy Centers to get good results:
1. Teach vocabulary development in context so that kids can start to speak using new words.
2. Provide a language-rich environment because kids need constant clues everywhere to enhance their speaking, reading and writing skills.
3. Differentiate so that kids are successful and so that they have fun and stay on task.
As a general rule, we as teachers, mentors and parents need to keep positive and encourage the kids as they learn.
Discover the magic of Las SÃlabas Paquete de Centros:
This bundle has 10 sets of centers, with 10 centers in each set. The centers are based on a particular set of syllables that the kids are learning in a certain time frame, lets say in a week or 2.
The centers all have vocabulary cards, shared reading, practice booklets for reading short sentences with the embedded vocabulary words, and practice booklets for writing the words, PLUS 10 fun and engaging centers.
1. Teach Vocabulary Development in Context so that kids can start to speak using new words.
Start by introducing new words that use the syllables that kids are learning at a particular time.
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click on the image to see the bundle in my Teachers pay Teachers Store |
Then take those words and show kids how to use the words in sentences using illustrations.
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click on the image to see the bundle in my Teachers pay Teachers Store |
Then, help them to read those words in sentences that make sense!
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click on the image to see the bundle in my Teachers pay Teachers Store |
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click on the image to see the bundle in my Teachers pay Teachers Store |
2. Provide a language-rich environment because kids need constant clues everywhere to enhance their speaking, reading and writing skills.
You can do this easily with the shared reading passages that I have created for each set of 10 centers.
Here is an example:
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click on the image to see the bundle in my Teachers pay Teachers Store |
Here it is:
5-Day Shared Reading Plan:
Prep: Write up the shared reading passage on a large sheet of paper so that you can use it as an anchor chart and add to your Language-Rich classroom learning environment.
Day 1: Introduce the anchor chart by reading it to the kids. Give them a black and white copy so that they can glue it into their Guided Reading Spiral note book.
Day 2: Read again to class. Then re-read, this time placing a large green dot under each word because kids need to know the words. You can use a round dot sticker, dabber, or simply use a marker for this. Then have the kids do the same on their copy in their spiral. Assist as necessary.
Day 3: Re-read the passage using the anchor chart, and point to the dots under the words as you read. Then use a green marker to circle the syllables. Students can help as you see fit. Then have kids do this in their spirals as well. Again, assist as necessary.
Day 4: Re-read the passage together pointing to the green dot under the word. Then use a smaller marker to circle the syllables. Have the kids do the same in their spirals, and assist as needed.
Day 5: Re-read pointing to the dots as usual. Then teach the song. On my sheets I have the tune in small print on the bottom left of the shared reading passage.
Kids will LOVE this, and as you sing it, have them point to the words in their spirals as well. Your kids will be reading in Spanish in no time! I absolutely love this method!!
Once you post your shared reading charts, this will be a great way to add to your language-rich environment.
A second way to add to the richness is to start up your phonetic Spanish Word-Wall. Use the syllable and/or picture-word cards to add to the literacy clues in your room!
3. Differentiate so that kids are successful and so that they have fun and stay on task.
The centers in each set of the bundle are differentiated. You can pick and choose at your own discretion according to student needs.
Because kids love games, and they learn well in centers, I have created a growing bundle of centers, all in Spanish, to help you teach silabas directas, and Diptongos Crecientes and Diptongos Decrecientes, plus I've included the tricky spellings with the letters c, qu, g and gu!
Fine motor skills are built right into the centers as well, along with shared reading, booklets for reading and writing practice, vocabulary cards and much more! This is a full package that includes differentiation and engagement for the Littles!
Some of the centers are pictured here:
In addition, if you are looking to differentiate, then I highly recommend that you look into El Dictado Trifecta Paquete because these centers are included in that bundle.
Click here if you would like to go directly to El Dictado Trifecta Paquete in my TpT store.
In conclusion, Bilingual Literacy is important, and can be done using Spanish Kindergarten Centers!
It may not be an easy task, but it is possible for you to teach literacy in 2 languages, at the same time! Remember that early literacy in Spanish is different than what it is in English, and it is important to teach those differences by teaching the syllables in Spanish, and phonemes, or letter sounds, in English.
Incorporating Spanish Literacy Centers for student engagement is the way to go, and don't forget to differentiate by checking out El Dictado Trifecta Paquete!
If you are looking for more Dual Language resources, head on over to my Teachers Pay Teachers Store by clicking on THIS LINK.
Also, if you find these tips and resources helpful, please share this post with a friend, or on your social media and tag me on Instagram: @yourdualclassroom!
Please share your encouraging thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Thanks for reading, and Happy Teaching!
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