Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Free ESL Samples to Try Today!
Before you dive in, grab two FREE samples (Click on the hyperlinks below) from my new Hispanic & Latino informational text series:
- Celia Cruz ESL Biography – A2/B1 leveled text with comprehension questions and answer key.
- Día de los Muertos Informational Text – A2/B1 leveled text with comprehension questions and answer key.
Each freebie includes a QR-code audio sample so you and your students can listen instantly.
Why Rigorous, Leveled Nonfiction Matters for ELLs
Every English Language Learner walks into class with a unique story—and a unique starting point. Some are decoding English for the first time; others are conversationally fluent but need stronger academic vocabulary. What unites them is the need for high-interest, leveled informational texts, such as Hispanic and Latino informational texts for ELLs, that challenge their reading, vocabulary, and writing skills while honoring their diverse cultures. This is especially true when it comes to providing informational text for ELLs about Hispanic culture.
Too often, ESL/ELL students are handed simplified texts that don’t provide the rigor they need to thrive on state assessments such as the STAAR test. By giving students engaging nonfiction with the right scaffolds—context-clue practice, comprehension questions, and Short Constructed Response (SCR) writing prompts—we can help them meet grade-level expectations and gain confidence as academic readers and writers.
A New Product Line for Busy Teachers
I’m thrilled to introduce a growing collection of Hispanic and Latino biographies and informational texts designed specifically for secondary ESL classrooms. Each resource includes:
- Two Leveled Readings (A2/B1 and B2) – perfect for mixed-ability classes.
- Vocabulary Word Bank – students master key terms before and during reading.
- Context Clues Practice – six high-impact words pulled straight from the text.
- STAAR-Style Comprehension Questions – multiple choice + a short answer.
- Short Constructed Response (Rough & Final Draft) – complete with graphic organizers and sentence stems.
- Editable Google Slides & PowerPoint + MP3 Audio – ready for print or digital teaching.
These aren’t generic worksheets. They’re culturally rich, teen-friendly stories and articles that show ELLs their heritage is worth celebrating—while giving them the rigorous language practice they need.
Current Titles You Can Grab Today
1. Celia Cruz: The Queen of Salsa
Students learn how Celia Cruz’s music celebrated Cuban culture and inspired millions worldwide. The leveled readings come with a built-in word bank, context-clue activities, comprehension questions, and a STAAR-style SCR prompt.
2. Día de los Muertos: Honoring Loved Ones
This informational text explores the colorful traditions of Day of the Dead—marigolds, ofrendas, and all. Students practice key vocabulary like altar and marigold, answer comprehension questions, and write a short constructed response explaining how these traditions keep memories alive.
These two resources are just the start. Over the next few months, I’ll be adding more Hispanic and Latino biographies and cultural informational texts so you’ll have a complete library to pull from year-round.
Engage ELLs with Hispanic & Latino Informational Texts
If you’re looking for ready-to-use resources that combine ELL informational text on Hispanic culture with rigorous comprehension and writing practice, this series is for you. Each product provides multiple entry points for diverse learners and helps teachers meet standards without sacrificing cultural relevance.
How These Resources Build Core Skills
Context Clues & Vocabulary
Students don’t just memorize definitions—they discover them. Each text highlights six academic or cultural words, then provides context-clue practice so students learn strategies they can apply to any reading.
Reading Comprehension
Multiple-choice and short-answer questions mirror the rigor of state assessments. Students cite evidence, make inferences, and identify central ideas—skills essential for STAAR and other standardized tests.
Short Constructed Response Writing
The included rough-draft organizer and final-draft page guide students through restating the question, citing textual evidence, and explaining their reasoning. With sentence stems and word banks, even hesitant writers can produce a well-structured paragraph.
Perfect for Multiple Teaching Scenarios
- Whole-class reading during Hispanic Heritage Month
- Small-group guided reading or pull-out ESL instruction
- Independent literacy centers
- Emergency sub plans that still hit rigorous TEKS and CCSS standards
Because each product includes printable and digital formats plus audio, you can differentiate for newcomers, long-term ELLs, and advanced students without extra prep.
Your Role in Shaping the Next Biographies
I want this collection to reflect the interests of your students.
Who are the Hispanic or Latino figures your teens would love to read about?
What cultural topics spark curiosity in your classroom?
Drop your suggestions in the comments below!
Whether it’s a musician, scientist, athlete, or a unique tradition, your ideas will help guide the next wave of resources.
Ready to Explore?
You can find the current titles—and every new release—in my
Informational Texts & Biographies category on TPT.
Bookmark it now and check back often. Each new product will include:
- Two leveled passages
- Context-clue activities
- STAAR-style comprehension questions
- Short Constructed Response prompts
- Editable slides and MP3 audio
Final Thoughts
High-quality nonfiction reading is one of the fastest ways to build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and prepare English language learners for high-stakes testing. When those texts celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture and heritage, students gain both language skills and a sense of pride in the traditions that shape their identities.
These resources are designed to save you prep time while giving your ELLs the challenging, culturally rich practice they deserve.
Check out the Celia Cruz and Día de los Muertos sets today—and don’t forget to leave your ideas for future biographies and informational texts in the comments!
