El Gato Leo Comes to Play! A First Spanish Story
#1 in Leo Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
El gato Leo, the naughty cat who only speaks Spanish, is off on a skateboarding adventure, and he wants young English-speaking readers to come along. His trip takes him, with his mouse pal, through village and forest, and in one sequence he tumbles head over heels. Lift-up flaps make the learning process fun. Included are tips for good ways to use the book, a vocabulary list, and an additional language game. Children will love learning their first Spanish words and phrases with Leo.
Discussion points
How do you think Leo the Cat felt when he arrived in a new place?
What are some words Leo used in Spanish? Can we try saying them together?
Why is it important to be kind and friendly to someone who is new to our place?
How can we make a new friend feel welcome, just like the characters did with Leo?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to make the story come alive; change your tone when reading Spanish words and encourage your child to mimic it.
Pause after reading key moments in the story to ask your child how they interpret Leo’s feelings or actions.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing any times they have encountered someone new or been in a new place themselves.
After reading, consider exploring more about Spanish culture or language together as a fun extension of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Multiculturalism
Explanation: El Gato Leo Comes to Play uses Leo’s playful adventures to expose children to Spanish language and aspects of Latin culture.
Real-World Application: Children will be more open to interacting with diverse cultures and languages in their communities and classrooms.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Leo makes new friends by showing kindness and sharing, teaching the importance of building relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to foster friendships through shared activities and kindness, vital for social development.
Example Lesson: Learning as Play
Explanation: The book integrates language learning with fun activities, showing kids that learning a new language can be an enjoyable and engaging process.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to see educational activities as fun, increasing their engagement and enthusiasm in learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Leo faces minor challenges that he overcomes using simple Spanish words, teaching problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in everyday situations, enhancing their ability to think critically and independently.