Are you a parent (or teacher) who’s interested in how to teach Spanish for kids? Speaking other languages can be a helpful skill no matter your heritage or where you live. There are many benefits to learning and speaking Spanish, including a better understanding of other cultures, improved ability to think creatively, and more opportunities in the future.
Since children are sponges and have an incredible ability to learn new information, why not start teaching Spanish to toddlers? From simple games and Spanish books for toddlers to unique activities and tv shows, we’re going to share 9 ways you can teach your little ones this exciting language!
You might also be interested in: How to Improve Your Spanish in 30 Minutes a Day
How to Teach Spanish to Toddlers
There are several ways you can make Spanish for kids fun! These activities, games, and tips are easy to incorporate into playdates and quality time with your child.
1. Go Slow
As your toddler will be learning English and Spanish simultaneously, be careful to avoid confusion. Limit the number of words you teach your child every day and be patient with them. Learning Spanish for children should be a fun experience if you want it to be rewarding and something they want to do.
2. Read Together
Pictures aid understanding and enable children to connect words with objects or ideas. Plus, reading books in Spanish is one of the best ways to help children pick up the sentence structures of the language.
Here are some great Spanish books for toddlers:
- 100 First Words for Toddlers English-Spanish Bilingual by Jayme Yannuzzi
- Bright Baby Touch & Feel: Bilingual Numbers by Roger Priddy
- La llama llama rojo pijama by Anna Dewdney
- Goodnight Moon / Buenas Noches, Luna by Margaret Wise Brown
- How Are You? / ¿Cómo estás? by Angela Dominguez
3. Watch Spanish TV and Movies
Kids learn a lot of language through watching children’s TV shows and movies, and watching television in Spanish provides the exact same benefits. If you don’t get Spanish language channels on your TV, you can select Spanish audio on DVDs, use YouTube videos, or find movies in Spanish for kids on Netflix.
4. Play Outdoor Counting Games
Make teaching Spanish to toddlers fun by taking it outdoors! Many outdoor games involve counting, such as catch, jump rope, hopscotch, or soccer, and can easily be played with Spanish numbers.
5. Expressions in the Mirror
This activity is excellent for many reasons, including teaching your little one different emotions and new Spanish vocabulary. Sit in front of a mirror and ask your child to make a face to represent an emotion. You can try happy (feliz), sad (triste), angry (enojado/enojada), and confused (confundido/confundida).
6. Play “I Spy”
All children love a good game of “I Spy,” right? On a long car ride, playing in the backyard, or relaxing on the couch, play in Spanish to help your child learn and practice Spanish vocabulary words.
7. Sing-Along to Music
Another good option for livening up car rides is singing songs in Spanish. This is one of the best ways to teach complete sentences in Spanish for kids. At the same time, your toddler will hear a native speaker singing the language to help with proper pronunciation.
8. Play Simon Says (Simón Dice)
The imperative is a little more complex in Spanish than in English, but even toddlers can learn to respond and produce commands with this game. Simon Says (or Simón Dice) is also an ideal opportunity to practice body parts and movement words.
9. Celebrate a Tradition from a Spanish-Speaking Country
Get your toddler excited about learning this new language by celebrating the culture! Even if you don’t have a connection to a particular Spanish-speaking country, you can celebrate a festival in your home. There are plenty to choose from, including Día de Los Muertos from Mexico, Fiesta de la Candelaria from Peru, and Las Fallas from Spain.
Enjoy Teaching Spanish for Kids!
While learning multiple languages can be meaningful and allow your toddler to grow in many areas, make sure you have fun with it! And if you’re interested in getting more help with how to teach Spanish to toddlers, you can always work with a private tutor to brush up on your own Spanish-speaking skills.
Photo by National Museum of American History Smithsonian Institution
Suzy S.