If you're teaching in a dual language or bilingual classroom, you probably already know: helping students develop strong Spanish literacy skills -- while juggling everything else -- can feel overwhelming.
I this post, I'll walk you through my proven Dictado Trifecta methods, a weekly routine that blends El Dicatdo with shared reading and mini-books (lecturitas) to build reading, writing, and work work skills. You'll also get a free Spanish word work center to try out!
That's what I call the Dictado Trifecta:
El Dictado
What if I told you this classic tool could do more than reinforce spelling? With the right structure, El Dictado can become the heart of your biliteracy instruction--and it doesn't need to be complicated.
Many Dual Language Teachers Struggle With:
- Not knowing how to make El Dictado engaging and effective
- Needing routines that support differentiation
- Wanting to tie spelling into reading and writing in a meaningful way
- Managing mixed proficiency levels and literacy gaps.
Sound familiar??
Thats' where this 3-part system comes in. I've designed it specifically for the primary dual classroom, with built-in scaffolding and a predictable weekly structure your students will love.
What Is El dictado + Why It Works
El Dictado is often called a Spanish spelling test--but with the right twist of adaptation for Dual Language, it becomes a tool for:
✅ Syllable recognition
✅ Sentence structure
✅ Phonemic awareness
✅ Vocabulary building
✅ Translanguaging across content areas
It's especially powerful for biliteracy instruction when paired with shared reading and mini-readers that reinforce each week's target syllables.
That's what I call the Dictado Trifecta:
- El Dictado (with built-in mini-lessons)
- Shared Reading (Lectura Compartida)
- Lecturitas (simple mini-books that use target syllables in context)
Let's break it down:
Trifecta Part 1: El Dictado Routine
This is a 5-day approach designed to spiral literacy skills all week long.
🗓️ Day 1: Pre-test + Mini-Lesson
Dictate the weekly words/sentence. After the pre-test, teach a short lesson focusing on the skill students need to write it correctly -- like breading apart syllables or recognizing sentence structure.
🗓️ Day 2: Self-Correct + Analyze
Students revisit the dictado and circle syllables or make corrections based on your mini-lesson.
🗓️ Day 3: Partner Practice
One student dictates while the other writes--then they switch!
🗓️ Day 4: Whole-Class Practice
One final group run-through before the test. You can use slides or visuals to scaffold support.
🗓️ Day 5: Final Dictado
A quick spelling check --but now your students are prepared and confident.
✨ Differentiation Tip:
Not all students are ready for full sentences. That's why my Trifecta Bundle includes leveled slides: one set for syllables/words, and one for sentences. Teach the same phonics content while meeting your learners where they are at!
Trifecta Part 2: Shared Reading (Lectura Compartida)
Each passage aligns with the weekly dictado and uses target syllables and vocabulary in context.
🗓️ Day 1: Teacher reads aloud with anchor chart (I usually take advantage of the day and put a dot under each word on Day 1 using round stickers or a BINGO dabber.)
🗓️ Day 2: Students receive their own copies and place a dot under each word (you can have them glue their copies in a spiral for quick access)
🗓️ Day 3: Kids circle syllables as you model 'how to'
🗓️ Day 4-5: Read and sing the passage (tune suggestions included!)
Each passage can re "read" and re-read in a variety of ways--modeling fluency, vocabulary, and pointing strategies (perfect for pre-K to 1st grade!).
Trifecta Part 3: Lecturitas
These are one-sentence mini-books that feature the week's target syllables and vocabulary.
Students LOVE them because they see themselves reading real Spanish sentences with confidence. You'll love them because they reinforce everything from dictados and shared reading--without adding extra prep.
If this all seems overwhelming, and you are not sure where to start, then check out this post for the details on how to implement El Dictado Mega Bundle.
Teachers are saying:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My students loved this resource. We use it in the morning time to develop concepts. I highly recommend it."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Just love it! Thank you."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. "AMAZING!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. "Es un recurso excelente para fomentar la lectoescritura en nuestros niños. El diseño es atractivo y motiva a los estudiantes a leer. Es una herramienta sumamente efectiva."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "My students loved using these (slides) and practicing reading the syllables."
When used with intention, El Dictado Trifecta becomes so much more than a spelling test--it's a launchpad for biliteracy. With this trifecta routine, your students will gain the confidence to read, write, and recognize patterns in Spanish faster than you ever thought possible.
If you would like to learn more about the Dictado Spanish Phonics Mega Bundle, then check out this post.
And, if you are interested in the centers only, then check out this blog post!
Give it a try this week--and don't forget to grab the free Spanish word word center!
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