How to teach your child Spanish: 6 top ways

In our previous article we talked about: why you should teach your child Spanish, at which age to begin and what if you as the parent don’t speak Spanish at all.

Today, it’s time to look at some easy ways to teach your child Spanish at home:

1. One Word at a Time. Let your child know that objects can have two names, one in English and one in Spanish. As your toddler learns new words in her native language, tell her the Spanish version, too.  Make it a practice every day to say ‘good morning’, ‘hello, how are you’ and ‘goodnight’ and other common but simple greetings.
2. TV shows. Many television shows like Sesame Street introduce Spanish words. If you live in an area that has Spanish-language programs, find one suitable for children and watch it with her.
3. DVDs. Most DVDs offer audio tracks in other languages. If your child has a movie that she knows well, select the Spanish audio track watch her favorite movie transformed to another language.
4. CDs. Teaching through music is a great way to learn a new language. You can get Spanish children’s songs, or simply make up Spanish lyrics for familiar songs, like “Skip to My Lou” or “Farmer in the Dell”. Children will learn the songs quickly because they’re already familiar with the tune.
5. Toys & Games. Connecting a word with something tangible, like a favorite doll or a piece of fruit, makes learning realistic. You can also play games like “I Spy With My Little Eye” and have your child point that word out in the real world.
6. Books. Reading simple books or hearing you read a book to her are great ways to improve your child’s comprehension skills. Read aloud in Spanish to her each night, and don’t worry if you’re not fluent – you’ll be learning along with her. If you’re really having difficulty, you can always check out some books on tape from the library

Remember, kids learn best when in a fun, interactive environment. Active learning is essential for success, such as creating easy Spanish lessons through song, dance and games. Take daytrips to neighborhoods where Spanish is spoken to help your child absorb it. Children are great at mimicking what they see and hear.

The bonus is, you’ll learn Spanish right along with your kids. Just don’t be surprised if they surpass you!