Count on Culebra: Go From 1 to 10 in Spanish
#1 of 33 in Once/Now/Then/After Series
What’s inside...
This companion to the popular Manana, Iguana teaches children how to count in Spanish while telling the story of Iguana who stubs her toe. Doctor Culebra comes to the rescue with unconventional suggestions, such as tying a rolling pin and two kettles to Iguana's tail. As they wonder about Doctor Culebra's strange methods, the most important question arises: will Iguana recover in time to make her cactus butter dulces? This fun bilingual English/Spanish book is perfect for kids just learning to count.
Character compass
The Iguana
Culebra
Discussion points
What did you like the best about how Culebra and his friends solved their problems using numbers?
How do you think learning to count in Spanish can help you in everyday life?
Can you think of different ways numbers help us every day, just like they helped Culebra and his friends?
Which character did you find the most interesting, and why?
If you could create your own story using numbers, what adventure would your characters go on?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to count along with the characters in both English and Spanish to reinforce bilingual number recognition.
Discuss the significance of teamwork as demonstrated by Culebra and his friends, relating it to your child's experiences with friends or family.
After reading, engage your child in a fun counting activity, like counting toys or snacks, to apply the concepts from the book to real life.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, and describe it to you using numbers and Spanish words they’ve learned.
Praise your child’s efforts to learn new words in Spanish, reinforcing the joy and benefit of learning a second language.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Basic Numeracy Skills
Explanation: The book uses a playful narrative to teach children how to count from 1 to 10 in Spanish, incorporating the numbers into a fun story involving Culebra and his friends.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these counting skills in their daily activities, such as counting toys, steps, or ingredients while helping in the kitchen.
Example Lesson: Introduction to a New Language
Explanation: Incorporating Spanish words, particularly numbers, within an engaging storyline helps initiate children into a bilingual world, potentially sparking interest in learning more languages.
Real-World Application: Children will be equipped to recognize and use basic Spanish numbers in real-life situations such as at school, in markets, or while interacting with Spanish-speaking friends.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The story revolves around Culebra and his friends working together to solve a problem, demonstrating the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to collaborate effectively with their peers in school projects, sports, and other group activities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Culebra and friends face various challenges that they need to overcome by thinking creatively and working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in overcoming obstacles they face in their own lives, fostering resilience.