How to Use El Dictado Trifecta : A Simple 5-Day Spanish Literacy Routine for K-1 Dual Language Classrooms

You may have just purchased El Dictado Trifecta Mega Bundle (yay! and welcome!), or maybe you're still deciding if it's the right fit for your classroom.  Either way, this post is here to give you a clear picture of how to use the bundle and to give you some practical tips for using this resource.If you are looking for the Mega Bundle, CLICK HERE.

Step by Step How to Use El Dictado Trifecta in Your K-1 Dual Language Bilingual Classroom

There are 10 Dictado and 10 centers that need to be used together for best results.  For example. if you start with Dictaado #1, then use the set of centers form the Center Pack #1, Sílabas Directas con M & P.  Continue to use the 2 resources in conjunction as you move through the Dictados throughout the year.  Dictado #2 in conjunction with Centers Pack #2.  Pick and choose the centers that your class needs for differentiation.

Teacheing for Bliteracy.  (Beeman, K., and Urow, C.  (2013).  Teacher for Biliteracy:  Strengthening Bridges between Languages.  Baltimore, MD:  Brookes Publishing.)

The book cited above is the basis for my dictados, used with permission.  If you have the book, then please use it as a reference.  

The 'Dictado Trifecta' got its name because of the 3 components that worked so well for me year after year.  All 3 pieces of the Trifecta work together with the same syllables as the dictado:

1. El Dictado, based on the 5-Day Plan from Teaching for Biliteracy referenced above.
2. Shared Reading.  This also has a 5-Day plan outlined in El Dictado Mega Bundle.  For a video of how I love to use Shared Reading, check out this video by clicking here.  
3. Lecturitas.  These are short, decodable and illustrated sentences.

Your Dictados are digital.  Use them with an interactive display system (Interactive white board or digital board/ 'SMART Board', etc. for the entire classroom.)  If you are in a small group or 1:1, then I recommend a hand-held device.

Shared Reading is digital and print.  I highly recommend watching the video linked and referenced above for best results.  Digital is good for 1:1, but with the whole group use the steps outlined in the actual slides and watch the VIDEO for the live action!  (and don't mind my singing!).

Lecturitas are also digital and print.  Use them in the digital format or print then out as booklets once you finish teaching those particular syllables.  

If you want more information on El Dictado Trifecta, then please read this blog post.

For Best Use of El Dictado Trifecta Start Here:  

1. Quick Front-loading Steps:

1. Plan the syllables that you will teach for the week and then select the Dictado and coordinating Center Pack.
2. Print and laminate centers that you think are best for your group from the particular Dictado that you are using so that you class can get the follow-up practice that they need.
1. Keep in mind that you have quite a lot of differentiation options within the actual centers.
2. There are a lot of activities you can create in addition to the centers for the necessary differentiation for your particular group.  For example, you can set up card games like 'Memory' and 'Go Fish', or set up reading partners with the 'Lecturitas' booklets, or set up tracing centers for printing practice with the sheets for Shared Reading and the 'Libritos de Práctica'.  You have a lot of options, so don't limit yourself.  
3. Set up your Dictado on the device that you will use.
4. Make space in your class schedule for about 30 minutes Monday-Friday for Dictado Trifecta Spanish Literacy activities.  You will need to count on a dedicatd space of 30 minutes M-F so that you can get to the Dictado and Shared Reading because they complement each other, and will give you amazing results when you use them together.
5. For each student, give them a 'Shared Reading Spiral'.  This is super practical Because once you get a few weeks of shared reading sheets in the notebook, you and your kids will LOVE to go back over the passages and read/sing/point to the words!  Its' a GREAT spiral reveiw!  (literally!!) 

1. Plan out your 5-Day Routine:

1. Make space for both the dictado and shared reading within that 30 minute space.  The 2 components work closely together and complement each other.
2. If you are using the 'BUF' (Bilingual Unit Framework), then set aside time for you dictado in the morning literacy time 'block'.

As you go through days 1-5 use your printable materials according to the needs in your room.  Differentiate as needed with the different dictados.

Please email me with any questions:

judy@yourdualclassroom.com