Big Books
Eighteen new Big Books—stories, rhymes and informational texts.
These appealing shared reading texts:
- capture the readers’ attention and ensure group participation and engagement
- are ideal to introduce early literacy skills and concepts of print
- use rhyme, repetition and rhythm in the narrative titles
- introduce science and mathematics concepts in the informational texts
- link to the Vocabulary Starters.
Vocabulary Starters
A Vocabulary Starter links to each book. This link provides the teacher with an opportunity to explore the vocabulary related to the specific topic of the book.
The Vocabulary Starters:
- use full-color photographs to introduce vocabulary which builds on the concept of the book
- provide a variety of suggestions for developing oral language.
Small Books
Small-book versions of the Big Books extend the shared reading experience. Using the reading pen, students listen and read along.
Reading Pens
The reading pens are preloaded with recordings of all 18 titles in Despegando hacia la lectura™: Un enfoque de lectura compartida.
The pens:
- enable readers to listen and follow text, reinforcing key vocabulary and foundational skills
- encourage listening and reading enjoyment
- provide encouragement and motivation for students who need additional support
- are excellent support for English Language Learners.
Lesson Plans and Program Overview
Easy-to-follow Lesson Plan Cards are provided for each Big Book. These plans include explicit instruction to guide teachers through multiple readings of the text. When revisiting the book, there are suggestions for modeling and teaching specific foundational skills.
These skills include:
- phonemic awareness
- phonics
- oral language
- fluency
- print concepts
- writing
The Despegando Shared Reading Program Overview provides teaching instruction for using a shared reading approach and correlates all titles to college and career readiness standards.
