Kids are naturally great at learning languages. They pick up new words and phrases just by hearing them in daily life. That’s why childhood is the perfect time to introduce a second language—like Spanish!
So, why not start with Spanish? According to Ethnologue, Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world. It’s used in many countries, which means it can be super helpful for your kids as they grow up and consider their future careers.
However, we all know kids get bored easily. When it comes to teaching Spanish to elementary students, the key is to make learning fun and engaging so they stay interested. Here are some exciting ways to help children learn Spanish while having a great time.
1. Enroll in Online Spanish Classes for Kids
Taking an online Spanish class is one of the best ways to learn. However, not all courses are designed for children. The best ones use interactive lessons that keep kids engaged through games, activities, and storytelling.
Why online Spanish classes?
- One-on-one attention from tutors
- Fun and interactive teaching methods
- Flexible schedules that fit around school and other activities
Many platforms, like Preply, offer personalized Spanish lessons for kids. Tutors make learning enjoyable by incorporating songs, stories, and games into their teaching.
2. Use Spanish Learning Apps
Kids love playing on tablets and phones, so why not use that time for learning? Spanish language apps make studying feel like a game, which helps children stay motivated.
Top Spanish learning apps for kids:
- Studycat – Teaches Spanish through fun games, songs, and activities.
- FunEasyLearn – Uses interactive lessons to teach Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
While apps are a great learning tool, they work best when combined with structured lessons or real-life practice.
3. Read Bilingual Books Together
Reading bilingual books is a great way for kids to learn Spanish naturally. These books show both English and Spanish text, allowing children to compare words and understand their meanings.
Recommended bilingual books:
- Books by Elisavet Arkolaki – Written by a multilingual author, these stories help kids learn Spanish in a fun and engaging way.
- Dr. Seuss’ Spanish Books – Classic stories translated into Spanish that are easy and fun for beginners.
Encouraging children to read in Spanish daily will help improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
4. Sing Spanish Songs and Watch Music Videos
Music is a powerful way to learn a language. Singing along to Spanish songs helps children improve pronunciation and remember new words effortlessly.
Best YouTube channels for Spanish songs:
- CantaJuego – Spanish songs with dance moves, making learning more interactive.
- Super Simple Español – Fun animated videos with lyrics to help kids follow along.
Singing in Spanish can make language learning feel like a fun family activity rather than a lesson.
5. Speak Spanish at Home
One of the best ways to help kids learn Spanish is to use it in everyday situations. Even if you don’t speak Spanish fluently, you can incorporate simple words and phrases into your daily routine.
Ideas for using Spanish at home:
- Have “Spanish-only” time for 30 minutes a day where everyone tries to speak in Spanish.
- Label household objects with Spanish words so kids see them daily.
- Watch Spanish TV shows or cartoons together.
- Cook Spanish recipes while learning food-related vocabulary.
6. Play Spanish Learning Games
Kids love games, and many interactive activities can help them learn Spanish without feeling like studying.
Fun Spanish learning websites and games:
- Spanish Playground – Offers games, stories, and activities tailored for kids.
- Kahoot! – Allows you to create custom Spanish quizzes to make learning fun and competitive.
- Rockalingua – Features Spanish games, videos, worksheets, and even karaoke.
Games help kids stay engaged while reinforcing vocabulary and grammar concepts.
7. Watch Spanish Cartoons and TV Shows
Watching cartoons in Spanish helps kids hear the language in a natural setting, making it easier to learn pronunciation and sentence structures.
Best Spanish-language TV shows for kids:
- Dora the Explorer – Introduces basic Spanish words and phrases through adventure-filled episodes.
- Plaza Sésamo – The Spanish version of Sesame Street, featuring familiar characters with a Latin American twist.
- Go, Diego, Go! – Focuses on animals and nature, teaching kids Spanish vocabulary related to these topics.
Encourage kids to watch with subtitles at first, then try without them as they improve.
8. Hire a Spanish-Speaking Nanny or Babysitter
A Spanish-speaking caregiver can help children learn the language naturally through daily conversations. This real-life interaction makes Spanish feel more like a normal part of their routine rather than a subject to study.
If hiring a nanny isn’t an option, consider finding a Spanish-speaking playgroup or arranging language exchange playdates.
9. Join a Spanish Immersion Summer Program
One of the best ways for kids to learn Spanish is to spend time in a Spanish-speaking environment. Summer camps in Spain and Latin America combine language learning with fun activities like sports, art, and cultural excursions.
Top Spanish summer programs:
- Don Quijote Camps – Offers programs for children and teens in Spain and Latin America.
- Enforex Camps – Spanish immersion programs for ages 5-18 in cities like Barcelona and Madrid.
Even if traveling isn’t an option, there are local Spanish immersion camps in many cities worldwide.
Get Started Today!
There are so many ways to make learning Spanish fun for kids! From apps and books to songs and games, the key is to keep the experience engaging and interactive.
The earlier children start learning a new language, the easier it is for them to pick it up. Whether it’s through online classes, bilingual books, or family activities, every step brings them closer to fluency.
So why wait? Start introducing Spanish into your child’s daily routine and watch them learn while having fun!
