Spanish series
Érase una vez
A Spanish Comprehension-Based Reader Program
Érase una vez is a thoughtfully designed Spanish program built around Comprehension-Based Readers. Its research-supported approach helps students acquire Spanish naturally—just as they learned their first language. Created by award-winning educators, the program features engaging, level-appropriate stories that immerse learners in Spanish from day one.
Designed for middle and high school students (Levels 1–4), Érase una vez offers more than just reading practice. Through storytelling, students encounter high-frequency vocabulary and grammar in meaningful contexts, leading to better retention, greater proficiency, and confidence in communication. Each story sparks curiosity, supports differentiated instruction, and keeps students motivated with content they can understand and enjoy.
Enjoy a Complimentary Sample
Help students connect with Spanish in a way that lasts—through the power of storytelling! Download a free sample packet to get started.
Learn How to Effectively Teach with Comprehension-Based Readers
Watch our latest webinar, "Érase una vez: Bring Spanish to Life Through the Power of Storytelling." Whether you're new to teaching with readers or looking to deepen your practice, this session offers practical tools and inspiration to bring your reading program to life.
Flexible Tools for Confident Teaching
Adaptable to many teaching models, Érase una vez works as a core program, a supplemental resource, or an extension for heritage and dual language classrooms. Go fully digital, use print, or mix and match—whatever works best for you and your students.
Easy-to-use Teacher’s Guides (downloadable PDFs) give you everything you need, from printable games and activities to creative ideas to get students using Spanish in class.
You’ll also receive a Teacher Program Guide, which walks you through each level and helps you confidently choose the best approach for your students.
Érase una vez
Level 1 Novice Low – Novice High
Comprehension-Based Reader Teacher/Student Editions:
- Abejas exploradoras
- Llama en Lima
- Esmeralda la tortuguita marina
- Manatí
Érase una vez
Level 2 Novice High – Intermediate Low
Comprehension-Based Reader Teacher/Student Editions:
- Fénix
- Papálotl
- Tucán
- Mata la piñata
- Bianca Nieves
Érase una vez
Level 3 Intermediate Low – Intermediate Mid
Comprehension-Based Reader Teacher/Student Editions:
- Noches misteriosas en Granada
- Robo en la noche
- Selena
- Frida Kahlo
- 48 horas
Érase una vez
Level 4 Intermediate Mid – Intermediate High
Comprehension-Based Reader Teacher/Student Editions:
- Noche de oro
- S.O.S.tenible
- El portal
- Leyendas impactantes
- Hasta la sepultura
Language Learning Through Reading
Reading is a key component of language acquisition because it provides learners with abundant comprehensible input, which is essential for developing proficiency. Through reading, learners are exposed to vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures in context, helping them acquire the language naturally.
Érase una vez Includes Fun Conversation Practice with Nualang!
Students can enjoy stress-free practice communicating in the target language with Nualang™, where chatty little helpers called Nualas guide learners through real-life conversations and offer personalized feedback. It's like having a one-on-one tutor!
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Effective Learning for Students
FlexText®: your students’ online reader Activities, assessments, and assignments all in one place Audio readings by native speakers in each chapter Built-in calendar reminders Responsive design for any device Note-taking tools with multi-color highlighting -
Tools and Support for Teachers
Program Scope and Sequence to help you confidently teach each level Comprehensive Teacher’s Guide for every reader Explorer® tasks target all 3 modes of communication 100+ instructional ideas in a filterable Strategies Toolkit Online calendar syncs with student assignments Printable games, activities, and extra content Auto-grading for many tasks Flexible rostering and LMS integration options
Buying for a school or district?
Our team can help you navigate the best purchasing options, including pricing and support tailored to educators and institutions.
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EntreCulturas® 2nd Edition
EntreCulturas is a dynamic, four-level Spanish program that helps learners develop real-world communication skills and cultural understanding. Created by experienced Spanish teachers, the curriculum is grounded in the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages and emphasizes authentic language use across all modes of communication.
Each level offers meaningful opportunities for students to engage with authentic materials and follow video blogs featuring young native speakers. The curriculum is thematically organized and backward-designed to support purposeful progression toward clearly defined, attainable goals.
The program brings language to life—helping students grow into confident, culturally aware communicators.
Learning Site® All-in-One Teaching and Learning Hub
Learning Site is an innovative online platform that brings together Érase una vez tools and resources all in one place, offering personalized support through tailored teacher and student editions. Within the platform, students can dive into the Comprehension-Based Readers, which include dramatic audio recordings narrated by native-speaking actors. They can also access and complete assignments and assessments curated by their teacher.
For educators, the platform offers a wealth of additional resources to streamline planning, teaching, and grading, making it easier to manage and track student progress.
Erase una vez, Levels 1–4
Pairs well with
textbook
EntreCulturas 1A & 1B ©2026
EntreCulturas is a four-level, standards-based, thematically organized program. Each level consists of six units that provide learners with opportunities to interact and engage with authentic materials and adolescent speakers of the language. By learning in an intercultural context, students acquire communication skills and content knowledge while exploring the products, practices, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures.
EntreCulturas 1A & 1B
Wayside Publishing is proud to present the EntreCulturas Second Edition, our proficiency-based Spanish language series with an emphasis on literacy and interculturality.
Novice Low — Novice High
textbook
EntreCulturas 1 ©2026
EntreCulturas is a four-level, standards-based, thematically organized program. Each level consists of six units that provide learners with opportunities to interact and engage with authentic materials and adolescent speakers of the language. By learning in an intercultural context, students acquire communication skills and content knowledge while exploring the products, practices, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Novice Low — Novice High
textbook
EntreCulturas 2 ©2026
EntreCulturas is a four-level, standards-based, thematically organized program. Each level consists of six units that provide learners with opportunities to interact and engage with authentic materials and adolescent speakers of the language. By learning in an intercultural context, students acquire communication skills and content knowledge while exploring the products, practices, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Novice High — Intermediate Low
textbook
EntreCulturas 3 ©2026
EntreCulturas is a four-level, standards-based, thematically organized program. Each level consists of six units that provide learners with opportunities to interact and engage with authentic materials and adolescent speakers of the language. By learning in an intercultural context, students acquire communication skills and content knowledge while exploring the products, practices, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Intermediate Low — Intermediate Mid
textbook
EntreCulturas 4 ©2026
Level 4 increases the rigor and frequency of vocabulary and grammar exploration, engages learners with deeper levels of communicative inquiry and literature, and prepares learners for AP® or IB level study.
Intermediate Mid — Intermediate High