Program Components
Shared Reading
Un enfoque de lectura compartida is the shared reading component of Despegando hacia la lectura®.
Paired Texts for Students
Connected texts to reinforce learning
- 340 student titles are arranged into 170 paired-book sets.
- Each pairing includes one narrative text and one informational text.
- Each pairing is united by the same high frequency words, academic vocabulary, and the big idea at their core.
- In the Complete Program and in the Stage-level Sets, 6 copies of each title are provided.
- Paired texts are also available in “12-Packs” made up of six copies of each title plus the pair’s Lesson Plan Card.
An overview of the reading strategies for each book by stage can be seen on the Scope and Sequence Charts. Reading Across the Curriculum Charts detail text features and content vocabulary for each title. These can also be found under the Program Support Materials page.
Lesson Plans
Easy-to-use Lesson Plans for practical and systematic instruction
- There are Before, During, and After Reading Activities for each book, plus a synthesizing activity focusing on the key concept of both books.
- Each Lesson Plan can be split into four 30-minute instructional sessions and one review session.
- Each Lesson Plan integrates oral language, comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and writing.
- Each Lesson Plan includes ongoing assessment and follow-up activities.
- Lesson Plan Cards are available digitally, including options for downloading, with a subscription to the Okapi Digital Literacy™ platform.
Vocabulary Starters
Provide direct reading support.
- Unique to the Early Emergent Stage, there is one Vocabulary Starter for each pair of books (24 in total).
- Each Vocabulary Starter introduces the written form of key vocabulary through unambiguous, labeled photographs.
- Vocabulary Starters can be read as a book, or displayed as a word bank to support beginning readers and writers.
- On the back of the photographs are suggestions for building oral, reading, and writing vocabulary, as well as reading and writing activities for each book.
Take-Home Books
Economical, black and white versions of 146 Student Books (one title from each pair at Levels A-P, provided in packs of six copies) provide:
- Additional reading and writing activities for home
- Opportunities for parental involvement
- Repetitive readings to build fluency