Students learn about the Spanish-speaking world through literary and informational texts, authentic audios, regional videos, and music and art video presentations.

Students explore a Spanish-speaking country or region while delving into themes of personal and public identities, families and communities, global challenges, contemporary life, science and technology, literature, music, and art.

Unit Opener

Students learn the geographic and thematic focus of the unit by reviewing:

  • Unit objectives
  • Essential Questions
  • Maps
A page of the Unit Opener showing a shopping area and an section on the side showing objective points, questions, and the location on a map

Phase I: Focus on Reading

Students make connections to the theme and develop vocabulary before reading an informational or literary text that expands on the theme.

A page with warm-up questions and vocabulary activities.

Antes de la lectura includes:

  • Warm-up questions
  • Personal connections to the theme
  • Vocabulary activities
Pages of a reading section with highlighted vocabulary.

Texto includes:

  • Reading with audio (various genres)
  • Highlighted vocabulary
  • Reading strategies
Pages of multiple choice reading comprehension activities.

Comprensión de lectura includes:

  • Reading comprehension activities
  • Higher-thinking activities
  • Vocabulary activities

Phase II: Focus on Language and Content

Students share information and build background knowledge on the region they are exploring and watch a video presentation. Then they learn and practice language structures and vocabulary that was presented in the regional video and in the reading in Phase I.

Digital video showing an audio/visual presentation.

Presentación audiovisual includes:

  • Warm up and vocabulary activities
  • Audio/visual presentation
  • Listening comprehension activities
Textbook pages showing grammar concepts, connections to the English language, and practice activities.

Estructura en contexto includes:

  • Grammar concepts presented in context
  • Connections to the English language
  • Practice activities
Textbook pages showing practice samples for each level.

¡Practica! includes activities at three levels:

  • Level I practice: essential communication and concepts
  • Level II practice: more advanced access to the language
  • Level III practice: complex comprehension and language control
Textbook page showing Step-by-Step instructions for oral presentations.

Exprésate includes:

  • Oral presentations using the language structures
  • Step-by-step instructions for groups and individuals
  • Checklist with rubrics

Phase III: Focus on Literature and Culture

Students learn about authors from the Spanish-speaking world and explore authentic texts and literary pieces as they develop their vocabulary, learn reading strategies, and analyze the genre and its literary elements. Cultural connections are expanded through regional art and music.

Textbook pages showing an author's biography, genre introduction, and culture information.

Estudio literario includes:

  • Author biography
  • Genre introduction
  • Historical and cultural context
Textbook pages showing a story with highlighted vocabulary and reading strategies.

Texto literario includes:

  • Reading with audio (different genres)
  • Highlighted vocabulary
  • Reading strategies
Textbook pages showing activities and analysis.

Post-reading activities include:

  • Reading comprehension activities
  • Literary genre analysis
  • Literary text comparisons
Textbook pages showing art gallery with information and activities.

Galería de arte y música includes:

  • Art gallery with activities
  • Music gallery with lyrics and activities
  • Video presentations

Final Phase: Culmination and Self Assessment

Students work on a culminating writing project with an oral presentation, watch a general review video with activities, and complete a self assessment.

Textbook pages showing writing prompt examples and instructions.

Exprésate writing project includes:

  • Writing prompt and examples
  • Step-by-step instructions and rubrics
Digital review video with a person speaking.

Repaso audiovisual includes:

  • Review video
  • Questions and activities within the video
Textbook pages showing multiple choice questions and review recommendations.

Autoevaluación includes:

  • Self assessment
  • Review recommendations
Request Digital Access