Authentic Resources
Every unit features authentic resources that engage heritage learners with language and culture in real-world contexts.
Supporting Heritage Speakers
Every Step of the Way
Empower heritage learners to deepen their language skills while building bilingualism, biliteracy, and bicultural competence—bridging home and academic Spanish with purpose and pride.
Heritage learners are students with a personal, cultural, or familial connection to a language.
Heritage Learners Progression Chart
| Learner Type | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | Characteristics |
| Receptive Learners | 🟠 | ✅ | 🟠/✅ | 🟠 | Understands spoken language but limited to one-word or very basic responses. |
| Emerging Producers | ✅(Minimal) | ✅ | ✅(Basic) | ✅(With major errors) | Can comprehend and respond minimally, struggle with vocabulary and grammar |
| Fluent Speakers/Beginner Writers | ✅(Fluent) | ✅ | 🟠/Limited | 🟠 | Fluent in speech but limited writing skills; may not have formal education |
| Fluent Immigrant Learners | ✅(Fluent) | ✅ | ✅(Limited) | ✅(Limited) | Fluent from home country, reading/writing weak due to lack formal schooling |
| Full Bilingual Heritage Learners | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Fluent in all domains due to structured education (abroad or in U.S.) |
Discover how Wayside supports the heritage learner journey—from year one through to earning the Seal of Biliteracy.
EntreCulturas® 2nd Edition connects heritage learners to the content, the culture, and themselves.
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Inclusive Representation
Students encounter inclusive representation through diverse global voices and perspectives, helping them see themselves reflected in the content.
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Differentiation Strategies
The teacher edition provides differentiation strategies and guidance on effectively using authentic resources with heritage learners.
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Video Blogs
Video blogs by young native speakers bring language and culture to life through relatable contexts that reflect the experiences of heritage learners.
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Conexión Cultural
Aligned with each unit’s theme, Conexión cultural engages students with relevant products and practices, encouraging reflection on their own lived experiences.
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Writing & Speaking Activities
In-depth and extensive writing and speaking activities motivate and engage heritage learners.
Prepare students for the Seal of Biliteracy by progressively building their language proficiency.
- Level 4 of EntreCulturas is presented entirely in Spanish—including all resources, activities, and directions—to support advanced language proficiency.
- Learners’ progress is supported through three levels of differentiated formative assessments.
- Summative Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) assess all 3 modes of communication.
- Students engage in performance-based tasks to develop their presentational communication skills.
Technology Designed to Fit Your Teaching Style
- Interactive and adaptive tools personalize student learning and support differentiated instruction.
- Customizable grouping in Learning Site allows you to assign activities and tasks for heritage learners.
- Auto-graded assessments deliver immediate, meaningful feedback to guide student growth.
- Midterm and final exams help you assess proficiency and track progress over time.
- Student-level data provides meaningful insights to inform instruction and tailor activities to the needs of heritage learners.
"The activities in EntreCulturas are so adaptable. You can look at the group of students in front of you in the classroom and ask, "how much do I want to extend this activity, and what are my learners getting out of it?" and if they're getting a lot out of it, I continue. If they're not, there are endless additional activities that will resonate and can be adjusted to the needs of learners in your classroom using techniques that are already in our toolbag as teachers."
Megan Hipple
Spanish Teacher, Maryland
"I teach Spanish 1 and 2 using EntreCulturas, and this is my third year using the program. All of the resources are very intuitive. It's easy for me to navigate the Learning Site and find resources that learners need for each lesson. It's easy for me to find the formative assessments, to assign them, and to adjust the attempts they get to receive a passing grade.
The learners like it a lot because it's very fresh. For example in the food unit, there is discussion around food trucks and the kids love it and it's easy for them to relate. Something that hit me and that I love about the family unit is how there are nontraditional families represented. It's easy for my kids to look at the images and see people who look like them. "
Stephanie Shepherd
Spanish Teacher
“This is the first curriculum where my students really see themselves.”
Spanish Language Educator
World Languages
"I love how Wayside Publishing honors the Hispanic community in the United States of America in their Spanish language textbook series, EntreCulturas. It's refreshing. It’s good when the first, second and third things you see in the table of contents are related to culture instead of grammar. Great job!"
Diego Ojeda
Spanish Language Educator, World Languages
Real feedback. Real fluency. No extra work.
Nualang now offers real-time, AI-enhanced feedback that helps heritage learners speak more confidently, improve their skills, and stay immersed in the target language.
Chat, Learn, and Grow with Nualang™
NualangTM is a fun and engaging platform for conversation practice, included with all Wayside world language programs. It features chatty little helpers called Nualas, who offer real-time feedback and support students in building confidence while developing meaningful language skills.
Differentiation Modes for
Heritage Learners
Heritage Differentiation Modes allow you to customize activities that target the skills heritage learners need most. Read/Write Mode emphasizes text-based interpretation and expression by disabling listening and speaking tasks, while Challenge Mode adds longer, academically focused Chatbot tasks that strengthen formal language and critical thinking. Together, these modes provide enrichment tailored to heritage learners’ unique strengths and needs.
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Nualang Discuss
Discuss engages students in assigned conversations, collaborative discussions, and scenarios. Nualas provide instant ratings and feedback, while teachers review recorded chats to offer personalized guidance!
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Meet the Nualas
Students can enjoy fun conversation practice in a low-stress learning environment, thanks to friendly little helpers called Nualas.
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Content Library
NualangTM features an extensive library of ready-to-use content built by language educators. Explore video, reader-based, and thematic courses that engage and challenge heritage learners.
“Nualang automatically creates fun exercises based on my uploaded word lists!”
Diana Collado McCracken
Spanish Language Educator
"It’s like having 30 of me."
World Languages Educator
Nualang Customer
“I love the endless potential for material creation, from grammar to cultural content.”
Sandra Sánchez
Spanish Language Educator
“Kids think they’re playing, but they’re practicing."
World Languages Educator
Nualang Customer
"Nualang has transformed the way our students engage with language learning. The interactive Nualas make it fun and exciting!"
John W.
World Languages Coordinator, Minnesota
EntreCulturas 2nd Edition
Empower your heritage learners to develop meaningful, real-world language proficiency with with EntreCulturas® 2nd Edition.
Érase una vez
With Érase una vez, a Spanish Comprehension-Based readers program, heritage learners acquire language naturally through engaging, story-driven content.
Tejidos
Why is Tejidos is the Right Choice for Heritage Learners?
Tejidos is a Spanish program that effectively supports heritage learners by bridging identity, literacy, and language proficiency. It empowers students to develop biliteracy and prepare for success on nationally recognized Seal of Biliteracy assessments, including AAPPL, STAMP, and AP® Spanish Language & Culture.
Tejidos Seal of Biliteracy Alignment
- Students work toward Intermediate Mid–Advanced Low proficiency across all modes of communication.
- Purposeful tasks prepare learners for AAPPL, STAMP, AP®, and IB benchmarks.
- Includes rubrics, can-do statements, and summative assessments to support Seal-readiness.
An Ideal Fit for Heritage Learners
Each unit of Tejidos explores themes like identity, immigration, family, language, and justice—topics that resonate with students' lived experiences.
Learners can also reflect on and celebrate bilingualism while strengthening academic language and developing metalinguistic awareness.
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Real, Modern, and Diverse
Features include interviews with young Latinos, blog posts, comics, podcasts, infographics, short stories, and poems from across the Spanish-speaking world. Real-world tasks engage learners in creating podcasts, blog entries, advice columns, and more.
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Differentiated Scaffolding
Grammar and vocabulary are presented in context, not in isolation.
Learners are encouraged to develop academic register, critical literacy, and cross-cultural comparison skills. -
Built for Performance
Each thematic hilo (chapter) concludes with a performance-based assessment. Digital Explorer tools support learning with interactive rubrics, graphic organizers, and scored quizzes.
What’s inside Tejidos?
- 6 thematic mantas (units) aligned to AP® and IB themes:
- Identity
- Global Challenges
- Contemporary Life, and more
- 13 chapters (hilos) that address real-world topics:
- Family Structure & Expectations
- Immigration & Bicultural Identity
- Social Media & Community Voice
- Health, Justice, and the Environment
- Digital tools:
- Explorer platform with rubrics, glossaries, interactive activities, and audio/video sources
- Online gradebook, auto-scoring, and teacher tools
Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Just in Time for Hispanic Heritage Month!
See our engaging activities that feature Hispanic authors, historical figures, and more from each of our EntreCulturas Levels 1-4, Tejidos, Azulejo and TrianguloAPreciado, as well as our Wayside Readers. Click on the appropriate content for your Spanish classroom.
In supporting teachers of heritage learners, Wayside is offering now through October 31st, 20% off our products, using discount code SHOP20.
Download the Sample
Selected readings and activities for each of the following excerpts:
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez - Novice Mid
Based on the reader Selena by Nelly Andrade-Hughe
Selena Quintanilla, widely known as the "Queen of Tejano Music," was on the path to becoming one of the most iconic musical performers of all time.
Felipe Alou - Novice High
Based on the reader Felipe Alou: La historia de un campeón by Carol Gaab
Felipe Alou beat overwhelming odds to become one of baseball's greatest players.
La leyenda del coquí - Novice High – Intermediate
Excerpt from the reader Leyendas impactantes by Kristy Placido
This excerpt tells the legend about the indigenous taíno people of Puerto Rico and the goddess Atabey.
Coyolillo, México: una comunidad afromexicana - Intermediate Mid - Advanced Low
Written by Michelle Nicola, co-author with Daniela López Carreto of Cabello que baila: Carnaval de Coyolillo
Explore the history of some of the first inhabitants of Coyolillo, Mexico, and the creation of a dance troupe that keeps Afro-Mexican culture alive.
Download the Learning Packet
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez - Novice Mid
Based on the reader Selena by Nelly Andrade-Hughe
Selena Quintanilla, widely known as the "Queen of Tejano Music," was on the path to becoming one of the most iconic musical performers of all time.
Felipe Alou - Novice High
Based on the reader Felipe Alou: La historia de un campeón by Carol Gaab
Felipe Alou beat overwhelming odds to become one of baseball's greatest players.
La leyenda del coquí - Novice High – Intermediate
Excerpt from the reader Leyendas impactantes by Kristy Placido
This excerpt tells the legend about the indigenous taíno people of Puerto Rico and the goddess Atabey.
Coyolillo, México: una comunidad afromexicana - Intermediate Mid - Advanced Low
Written by Michelle Nicola, co-author with Daniela López Carreto of Cabello que baila: Carnaval de Coyolillo
Explore the history of some of the first inhabitants of Coyolillo, Mexico, and the creation of a dance troupe that keeps Afro-Mexican culture alive.
Try EntreCulturas Content for Free
From EntreCulturas Level 1, Unidad 1 - ¡Hola, mucho gusto!
Bilingüe: vivir en dos culturas is a poem from Alma Flor Ada that comes with associated reading, writing, speaking, and cultural comparisons activities. The packet also includes Teacher Edition instructional support and strategies for differentiation.
From EntreCulturas Level 2, Unidad 1 - Aficionados unido
¡Exploremos la música en español! Investigate and research selected Spanish-speaking artists and their music. This unit includes associated research and intercultural reflection activities. The packet features Teacher Edition instructional support and strategies for differentiation.
From EntreCulturas Level 3, Unidad 1 - ¡Cuéntame!
Inspire students to explore cultural connections through stories of superheroes and real-life heroes with Puerto Rican roots or ties, such as La Borinqueña vuelve para luchar por la energía limpia and the news article El cocinero español José Andrés colabora en tareas de ayuda en Puerto Rico tras el sismo. Each story includes associated reading, writing, speaking, and intercultural reflection activities. The packet includes Teacher Edition instructional support and strategies for differentiation.
From EntreCulturas Level 4, Unidad 3 – Las identidades
Discover the lives of Spanish-speaking historical figures throughout time and the dreams that inspired them through engaging reading, writing, speaking, and personal reflection activities. This unit also includes the stories Astronauta hispana Ellen Ochoa: Hasta el infinito y más allá, ¿Cómo Frida Kahlo se convirtió en ícono pop?, and Mariano Rivera, pescador panameño, se convierte en uno de los “Bombarderos del Bronx”. The packet includes Teacher Edition instructional support.
Download the Learning Packet
Bilingüe: vivir en dos culturas is a poem from Alma Flor Ada that comes with associated reading, writing, speaking, and cultural comparisons activities. The packet also includes Teacher Edition instructional support and strategies for differentiation.
From EntreCulturas Level 2, Unidad 1 - Aficionados unido
¡Exploremos la música en español! Investigate and research selected Spanish-speaking artists and their music. This unit includes associated research and intercultural reflection activities. The packet features Teacher Edition instructional support and strategies for differentiation.
From EntreCulturas Level 3, Unidad 1 - ¡Cuéntame!
Inspire students to explore cultural connections through stories of superheroes and real-life heroes with Puerto Rican roots or ties, such as La Borinqueña vuelve para luchar por la energía limpia and the news article El cocinero español José Andrés colabora en tareas de ayuda en Puerto Rico tras el sismo. Each story includes associated reading, writing, speaking, and intercultural reflection activities. The packet includes Teacher Edition instructional support and strategies for differentiation.
From EntreCulturas Level 4, Unidad 3 – Las identidades
Discover the lives of Spanish-speaking historical figures throughout time and the dreams that inspired them through engaging reading, writing, speaking, and personal reflection activities. This unit also includes the stories Astronauta hispana Ellen Ochoa: Hasta el infinito y más allá, ¿Cómo Frida Kahlo se convirtió en ícono pop?, and Mariano Rivera, pescador panameño, se convierte en uno de los “Bombarderos del Bronx”. The packet includes Teacher Edition instructional support.
Free AP® Sample Content—What’s Inside
Tejidos
Hilo 9 - Héroes y personajes históricos
Explore the lives of historical figures and heroes through reading, research, writing, speaking, and personal reflection activities about self and identity. This unit includes the poem A Julia de Burgos by Julia de Burgos, along with discussions of real-life heroes such as Eva Duarte Perón and the text Rigoberta Menchú: Premio Nobel de la Paz Guatemala with her brief biography ¿Quién es Rigoberta Menchú?: Breve reseña de vida.
Azulejo
Unidad 6 – La presencia Hispana en los Estados Unidos: aquí y allá
Dive into modern Spanish-language literature in the United States, with questions and activities for analysis. Included is information about the life Sabine Ulibarrí, Mi caballo mago by Ulibarrí and teacher’s notes to support analysis and discussion.
Triángulo APreciado
Capítulo 3 – El pan
Discover the role of bread in shaping the traditions, nutrition, and well-being of Spanish cultures. This reader focuses on three points of connection, each supported by research, reading, and writing activities, as well as an Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA). The three connections points include: Conexión 1: La influencia del pan en las tradiciones, Conexión 2: La relación entre la ciencia y la nutrición, and Conexión 3: El pan como representación del bienestar.
Download the Learning Packet
Hilo 9 - Héroes y personajes históricos
Explore the lives of historical figures and heroes through reading, research, writing, speaking, and personal reflection activities about self and identity. This unit includes the poem A Julia de Burgos by Julia de Burgos, along with discussions of real-life heroes such as Eva Duarte Perón and the text Rigoberta Menchú: Premio Nobel de la Paz Guatemala with her brief biography ¿Quién es Rigoberta Menchú?: Breve reseña de vida.
Azulejo
Unidad 6 – La presencia Hispana en los Estados Unidos: aquí y allá
Dive into modern Spanish-language literature in the United States, with questions and activities for analysis. Included is information about the life Sabine Ulibarrí, Mi caballo mago by Ulibarrí and teacher’s notes to support analysis and discussion.
Triángulo APreciado
Capítulo 3 – El pan
Discover the role of bread in shaping the traditions, nutrition, and well-being of Spanish cultures. This reader focuses on three points of connection, each supported by research, reading, and writing activities, as well as an Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA). The three connections points include: Conexión 1: La influencia del pan en las tradiciones, Conexión 2: La relación entre la ciencia y la nutrición, and Conexión 3: El pan como representación del bienestar.
Exploring Identity Through Language
Unit Theme: La identidad y la lengua: ¿Quién soy yo en español?
Explore identity through language with a personal narrative about a student’s Spanish or bilingual identity. This includes an activity, associated rubrics, and a personal narrative self-checklist in both Spanish and English for students.
Download the Learning Packet
Explore identity through language with a personal narrative about a student’s Spanish or bilingual identity. This includes an activity, associated rubrics, and a personal narrative self-checklist in both Spanish and English for students.
Impactful Content, Just in Time for Día de Muertos!
Inspire students to connect with the products, practices and perspectives of the Spanish-speaking world through this ready-to-use Día de Muertos content. With a 3-day mini unit, hands-on activities and teacher resources, students will gain a greater understanding of this rich cultural tradition while engaging with each other and the language. The mini-unit, activities, and teacher resources are available in both Spanish and English.