Let’s Build a Text Set (That Actually Works for Your Bilingual Students) 

Okay, be honest: how many times have you found a “perfect” article, only to realize it’s three reading levels too high, only in English, and absolutely zero help to your multilingual learners? 

Been there. Done that. Printed it anyway. (No judgment.)

That’s why I created this page to give you a ready-to-use, bilingual-friendly text set structure that does more than tick boxes. It invites your students to bring all of themselves their home language, their lived experiences, and their cultural references into the learning.

Think of this like a playlist of meaningful texts and tasks, designed with intentional scaffolds and flexibility for translanguaging. It’s not about translating everything it’s about creating entry points for every learner, whether they feel stronger in English, Spanish, or somewhere beautifully in between. 

Ready to mix, remix, and layer your texts like a bilingual DJ?
Let’s dive in.

What is a "Text Set"?

A text set is a carefully selected group of related texts that revolve around one central theme or topic (like identity, migration, climate change, etc.).

But instead of one long, hard article (that might be too difficult for some students), you offer multiple access points through:

• Different languages (English and Spanish)

• Different types of media (articles, poems, videos, infographics)

• Different levels (some easy, some challenging)

• Different modes (listening, reading, talking, writing)

A bilingual text set allows students to use both languages flexibly — without having to constantly translate — which is what we call translanguaging.

Why It's Powerful (Especially for Bilingual Learners)

Text Sets:

• Allow students to make connections across languages

• Support background knowledge (which helps comprehension)

• Make learning feel more relevant, personal, and just less boring

• Gives kids choices: then can read a graphic novel in Spanish and listen to a poscast in English and still hit the same leraning goal

Sample Bilingual Text Set Template

1. Topic Introduction (EN/ES)
   Introduce your theme or essential question in both languages
   Example:
   EN: How does migration shape identity?
   ES: ¿De qué manera afecta la migración en la identidad personal o cultural?

2. Simplified Article (EN)
   Provide a core informational text in English

   • Use tools like Newsela.com, MagicSchool.ai, or ChatGPT to simplify.

   • Include bolded keywords and a vocabulary box.

3. Spanish Version
   Offer parallel or authentic Spanish text.

   • Could be a translated version or a culturally relevant source.

   • Add a read-aloud or image support if needed.

4. Word Bank + Definitions

   • Create a bilingual word wall or table of current topic.

   • Group by theme or cognates

   • Optional: Include images or icons for visual learners.

5. Comprehension Questions
   Ask 3-5 discussion or quick-write questions in both languages.

   • Let students respond in either language.

   • Include sentence starters or stems.

6. Performance Task
   End with a bilingual creative task.
   Examples:

   • Poster

   • Mini book

   • Flip-video
     Prompt: Create a bilingual story or presentation using the key vocabulary.

What does a Bilingual Text Set Actually Include?

Here is a 5-day structure

Tools, Terms, and Teaching Power — All in One Place 

You’ve explored the why, mapped out the how, and seen it all come together now let’s make sure your toolkit is ready to go. This glossary isn’t just a word list it’s a go-to support system filled with practical scaffolds and bilingual terms designed with you and your students in mind. Whether you’re building a lesson or answering “¿Qué significa eso?” on the fly, this is the page you’ll keep coming back to. 

Glossary of Terms and Scaffolds for Teachers