How to help my child learn Spanish? Strategies that work!

Hi! I'm Yeimi, and as a bilingual education specialist and someone who grew up speaking both Spanish and English, I completely understand the doubts and hopes we can have as parents. Sometimes we wonder: "Am I doing this right? How can I help without pressuring them?, "Will I be able to help my child learn Spanish?"

I want you to know that you don't need to be a teacher or have perfect Spanish. The most important thing is to create a fun and natural environment where learning Spanish feels like an adventure, not a chore.

Here I share 8 effective strategies, backed by science and my experience, to make this trip fun and successful for both.

1. The Magic of Songs and Rhymes

Singing is pure magic. Rhyming songs (la "La Vaca Lola") help your child's ear become more attuned to the sounds of Spanish. Psychology tells us that music activates multiple areas of the brain, including those related to language and memory. Playing Spanish music while you play or in the car is a gift for your little one's brain!

2. Let's play in Spanish

Associate Spanish with their favorite activity: playing. If they're building with blocks, they can say numbers or colors in Spanish. If they're playing with toy cars, they can do the same. By connecting words directly with the action and the object, learning is deeper and more natural.

3. Bilingual Story Reading

Personally, this is my favorite! Choose a story they already know well in English and read the Spanish version to them. Seeing familiar pictures will help them understand the meaning of new words. Studies show that shared reading strengthens not only language skills but also emotional bonds. If you don't know how to read in Spanish, you can find this story on YouTube and listen to it together.

4. Predictable Routines

Use Spanish at specific, routine times throughout the day. For example, always during bath time ("manos," "jabon") or when getting dressed ("camisa," "medias"). Repetition in a familiar context provides security and makes learning easier and faster.

5. The Power of TV Series and Cartoons

A little bit of well-chosen screen time can be a great tool (15-20 minutes recommended). Putting on their favorite cartoons in Spanish (with subtitles if they're older) is fantastic. They learn intonation, pronunciation, and new vocabulary almost without realizing it.

6. Be their Learning Partner

Instead of "teaching" them, learn with them. You can say, "Wow, look at that fun word: 'Mariposa'!" Showing curiosity conveys to them that learning is an exciting thing to do as a team.

7. Celebrate every small achievement

A simple "Well done!" or applause when a child says a new word works wonders. Psychology is clear: positive motivation is the most powerful engine for learning. Celebrating the effort, not just the result, will encourage them to keep trying.

8. Patience, Patience and more Patience

Mini Bilinguals are doing extra organizational work. Sometimes they'll mix languages, and that's perfectly normal! It's a sign that their brain is flexible and resourceful. Trust the process. Your patience and support are essential.

Remember, it's not about creating a little genius, but about opening a window to the world for them. You are their best guide on this adventure.

You Can Do It!

Together We can!

Remember that if you need help to better understand your child's path to bilingualism, or if you have any questions about this process, send me a message today. minibilingues@gmail.com

With love,

An educator who was also a Mini Bilingual.