Summer Reading Backpack for Multilingual Learners: Build Biliteracy All Summer Long
Summer is almost here — and for multilingual learners, it can be one of the most powerful times to build reading confidence in both languages.
But without intentional support, it can also be a time of regression.
A summer reading backpack is one of the simplest, most effective tools you can send home with your students. It gives families everything they need to keep reading going — in Spanish, in English, or both.
What Is a Summer Reading Backpack?
A summer reading backpack is a curated collection of books, activities, and resources that students take home at the end of the school year. The goal is simple: keep kids reading, keep families engaged, and prevent the summer slide.
For multilingual learners, a thoughtfully built backpack does something even more powerful. It honors the home language while building biliteracy.
What to Include in a Summer Reading Backpack for Multilingual Learners
1. Decodable Books in Spanish
This is the heart of the backpack. Decodable books give beginning readers text they can actually read independently — no guessing, no frustration.
For Spanish-speaking students, Spanish decodable books allow them to practice real phonics skills in their home language all summer long. Look for books that are:
- 100% decodable (every word follows taught phonics patterns)
- Aligned to a systematic Spanish phonics progression
- Engaging enough that kids want to read them again and again
Our ¡Vamos a Leer! Spanish Decodable Books are designed exactly for this. They travel beautifully from classroom to home. Families love that they can actually support their child’s reading in Spanish.
2. English Decodable Books
Pair the Spanish books with a few English decodable readers at the student’s current level. Research on cross-linguistic transfer shows that strong literacy in the home language accelerates English reading development — so building both simultaneously is a powerful strategy.
Our English Decodable Classroom Library includes books from alphabet level all the way to fluency and comprehension. They are perfect for differentiating across your class.
3. A Simple Reading Log (Bilingual)
Include a simple bilingual reading log — one column for Spanish books, one for English. Keep it low-pressure: just a title and a smiley face for each book read. Families who speak Spanish at home will feel included and valued.
4. A Syllable Practice Activity
For students working on two-syllable words, include a simple syllable clapping or dictation activity they can do at home. Write 5–10 words on a card and ask families to say each word slowly while the child claps the syllables and writes them.
Grab these simple, powerful, no prep needed, and an games
5. A Bilingual Book List
Include a short recommended reading list of bilingual picture books available at the public library. Some favorites:
- Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martínez-Neal
- Adela's Mariachi Band by Denise Vega
- Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
- María Mariposa by Karla Arenas Valenti
These aren’t decodable, but they’re culturally affirming picture books and perfect for family read-alouds.
6. A Note to Families (in Spanish)
Include a short letter in Spanish explaining what’s in the backpack and how to use it. Something warm and simple:
“Estimada familia, estos libros son para leer juntos este verano. Disfruten mucho ¡Gracias!”
District Customization
Need backpacks for your whole school or district? We can help you build a custom set of Spanish and English decodable books for your multilingual learners. Contact us at sparkingcreativitynow@gmail.com to learn more about bulk pricing and classroom sets.
The Bottom Line
A summer reading backpack for multilingual learners doesn’t have to be complicated. A few decodable books, a simple activity, and a warm note to families can make all the difference.
When students arrive in September still decoding and confident, you’ll know the backpack did its job.
Happy summer, amazing educators.
TP @ Sparking Creativity
P.S. Want free decodable resources and worksheets to add to your backpacks? Download our free Spanish and English decodable books here →
¿Enseñas lectores en español? Get the free Spanish decodable books!
We created a free pack of Spanish decodable books specifically for teachers, tutors, and parents supporting beginning readers in Spanish. 100% decodable. Ready to print. Science of Reading aligned.