Spanish Literacy Support
LectoCultura
Unique book collection designed for Spanish Immersion students grades K-3
Spanish Immersion books are generally either imported from Spanish-speaking countries or translated from existing English curriculum.
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With imported books, we must keep in mind that they were not created for children in immersion programs. They were written within the context of their own individual culture, which makes them more difficult to understand. Also, some of these books have topics that can be inappropriate for our culture. With translated books, we have found that the phonetic structures of other languages are not always compatible with those of the Spanish language. Therefore, students in the younger grades face gaps in decoding.
Thankfully after years of experience, Olga Diaz recognized a better way to help young students learn Spanish. Out of her desire to help her students' specific needs as well as maintain the Hispanic culture, Lectocultura was born! This is an intentional book collection designed specifically for American students learning Spanish with a focus on their unique learning needs all the while maintaining the Hispanic culture.
Collection
The
The LECTOCULTURA collection for guided reading includes three series with a unique linguistic emphasis according to school grades. These emphases are phonetics, morphology, and syntax (This last series is still in process). The two series that are currently available are FONOCULTURA and MORFOCULTURA.
Besides the linguistic components, the series use high-frequency basic vocabulary as well as regional/culture-specific vocabulary. The thematic vocabulary is created based on the stories and allows the reader to advance in both their oral and written production.
The cultural component is developed in a simple and direct way. Each character, including the animals, has a defined personality and experiences interactive situations which make the series intriguing, and include the reader in the adventures. The goal is to help the children get familiarized with another way of life, and also appreciate and value their own culture as well. This reflection is achieved through the comprehension questions at the end of each book and through the writing activities in the books of activities.
Characters
The
Olga's students love the characters and as soon as you pick up a book, you will too!
Here are the beloved main characters:
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Don Pepe and doña Lola: the parents of the family.
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Paco, Lupita and Beto: their children.
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Don Ramón and la abuela Alicia: the ranch owners. Don Pepe works for them.
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Tarcilo: works for don Pepe.
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El Moro: a stubborn mule.
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Mela: a loving cow.
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Luna: a loyal Australian cattle dog.
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Riqui: a spoiled and jealous parrot.
Components
The
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60 print and digital leveled books in color.
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Binders with black and white books for take-home copies.
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Print and digital picture cards for the FonCultura series.
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Print and digital syllable cards for FonoCultura series..
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Print and digital vocabulary cards for the MorfoCultura series.
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Word and syllabic dividers.
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Book of activities for all the books.
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Teacher guides.
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Preparation instructions for each book.
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Online preparation cards and sheets.
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Assessments for the MorfoCultura series.
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Video tutorials for teachers.
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Video books of the FonoCultura series.
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Memory game for each book.
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Souvenirs.
Authors
The
Olga Díaz
and
Jorge Sanchez
Olga Díaz is a linguist, Spanish instructor and reading specialist who writes short books designed for Spanish Immersion students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
The lovable characters are based on her childhood experiences living on a ranch in Colombia.
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Jorge Sánchez, Olga’s husband, is the graphic designer who brings her stories to life.
