Teaching your child new words in Spanish doesn’t have to feel like a monumental task. In fact, it can be as simple as tweaking things you’re already doing. Here’s how you can sneak some Spanish into your kiddo’s routine without overcomplicating your life.
1. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat (Yes, It’s That Simple)
Kids thrive on repetition. Think about how many times they asked to re-watch that episode of Bluey. Use this to your advantage! Pick one or two Spanish phrases or questions to sprinkle into your day, like “quieres agua” for do you want some water, accompanied by ‘si, quiero”, or “gracias” for thank you and “de nada” for you’re welcome.
Consistency is key here. Don’t just say the question or phrase once and move on—make it part of the rhythm of your day. “Quieres agua?” (Do you want water?) at snack time or “Gracias por recoger tus juguetes” (Thanks for picking up your toys) at cleanup. Before you know it, those words will become second nature to them—and maybe to you too.
Replace those English phrases with Spanish only and never say “Do you want some water?” in English again.
2. Make It Visual (Kids Are Visual Learners!)
Pair new words with actions or objects to lock them into your child’s memory. For example, when you say “ponte los zapatos” (shoes), hold up their sneakers or point to them and mimic putting them on. Visual and physical connections are gold for little learners.
You can also add sticky notes around the house with Spanish labels for everyday objects. Tape “ventana” on the window, “puerta” on the door, and let them see the words every day. It's like turning your home into a low-key Spanish classroom without the desk or homework.
Always try to couple vocabulary words with complete sentences, so “abre la ventana” or “cierra la puerta”. These are more useful than single vocabulary words.
3. Play All Day (Because Fun Is the Best Teacher)
Let’s be real—if it’s not fun, your kid won’t stick with it. Turn Spanish practice into a game. Play “I spy” but with Spanish colors or objects: “Veo algo rojo” (I see something red). Or try a scavenger hunt where they have to find “una pelota” (a ball) or “un libro” (a book). Or give commands and if they do the command correctly, they get a point. For example, siéntate, párate, cierra la puerta, abre los ojos.”
And don’t forget about music! Kids' songs in Spanish are packed with useful vocabulary, and the melodies make the words stick. Even if your singing voice is questionable (we’ve all been there), belting out a classic like “Los Pollitos Dicen” together can make Spanish learning a joyful experience for everyone. Join Spanish-speaking parenting pages on Facebook, and ask what they’re listening to for age-appropriate songs that will interest your child.
Bonus Tip: Progress Over Perfection
Don’t stress if you can’t roll your R’s or if you stumble over pronunciations. Your child isn’t expecting you to be a language expert—they’re just excited to share this journey with you. Celebrate small wins, laugh off mistakes, and keep going.
By repeating words, making them visual, and keeping the vibe playful, you’ll give your child the tools they need to build their Spanish vocabulary one step at a time. And you’ll be building confidence as a language-learning team along the way.
Let’s make this bilingual journey a fun, no-pressure experience—for both of you.
¡Tú puedes, mamá!
And if you feel like you need the extra help, be sure to check TruFluency Kids Spanish - where we teach kids how to speak Spanish fluently through songs, storytelling and silliness.
