1. Beginner's Guide to Spanish: Start with the Basics

Before getting into complex grammar and vocabulary, it's better if your child has a solid foundation first. It's better if your kids first learn:

Spanish numbers (learning first the Spanish numbers from 1 to 10)

Helping kids learn the Spanish basics first is a wonderful approach. It will help them build a strong foundation, boost their confidence and motivation, and they can immediately apply it to daily life. It makes Spanish learning more enjoyable for kids and it sets them up for success in becoming proficient Spanish speakers!

Make learning an interactive experience! Kids thrive when they're engaged. Here are some ideas to make Spanish learning a fun and interactive adventure:

Sing-Along songs
Use Spanish songs and music videos as a learning tool. Sing along with your child and discuss the lyrics' meaning. Music is one of the most effective ways to pick up a language! I have my YouTube channel dedicated to help you and your kids learn Spanish through song.

Language Learning Apps and Games
There are many language-learning apps and games for kids with interactive exercises, quizzes, and challenges that make learning Spanish fun.

Arts and Crafts
Create bilingual posters, drawings, or crafts that incorporate Spanish words and phrases. If you join my Spanish learning video platform, you'll find +100 screen-free activities! (They are at the bottom of each video and category page).

Storytelling and Role-Playing
Encourage kids to participate actively during storytelling. Ask them questions about the story, characters, or events in Spanish. This promotes vocabulary retention and comprehension. For example, you can ask, "¿Qué pasó después?" (What happened next?) or "¿Cómo se siente el personaje?" (How does the character feel?).

Encourage kids to create and act out simple stories in Spanish. They can use toys or props to make it more interactive. Create scenarios like ordering food at a pretend restaurant, playing doctor and patient, or acting out daily routines in Spanish. This helps them learn practical vocabulary and phrases.

Cooking together
Try cooking Spanish dishes together or any other dish! Discuss the names of ingredients and cooking steps in Spanish. This not only teaches food-related vocabulary but also cultural aspects of the language.

Flashcards and Memory Games
Create colorful flashcards with Spanish words and corresponding images. Play memory games where kids match the word with the picture. This reinforces vocabulary and improves memory.

Language Playdates
Organize playdates with other kids learning Spanish. This allows them to practice their conversational skills.

Language Learning Board Games
Playing board games such as "Bingo" and "Gues Who?" in Spanish can help them practice and expand their Spanish vocabulary.

Language Learning Toys
There are toys designed to teach languages interactively. Look for options that incorporate speaking, listening, and even writing in Spanish.

Nature and Outdoor Exploration
Go on nature walks and use the opportunity to learn and identify objects and animals in Spanish.

Music is a universal language, and it's a very effective tool to help learn a language in a fun and memorable way. Find Spanish songs and sing along with your child. You can also explore children's shows and cartoons in Spanish to combine learning with entertainment. Check my YouTube channel here with catchy melodies to help you learn Spanish singing along with me.

Reading is an excellent way to expand vocabulary and comprehension skills. Use age-appropriate Spanish and bilingual books. Reading stories in Spanish together with your kids exposes them to the language's natural flow, pronunciation, and intonation. It helps them associate words with their meanings and understand how sentences are structured. If you don't know Spanish, you can use an audiobook with images and text or a storytelling video.

Consider enrolling your child in a Spanish language class. Many schools offer Spanish as part of their curriculum. You can also explore community classes or online options. Interactive lessons with qualified instructors can provide structured learning.

Labeling everyday objects around the house with their Spanish names is a fun way to reinforce vocabulary. For example, put a "puerta" label on the door or a "silla" label on a chair. You can use Spanish labels for stuff in the kitchen such as "galletas" (cookies) on the cookie jar.

Consider arranging playdates with other families who speak Spanish or have children learning the language. This can be a fun way for your child to practice conversational skills and make new friends.

Regular conversation is crucial for language development. Encourage your child to speak Spanish with you or with native speakers if possible. This can be as simple as discussing their day or sharing stories.

9. Be patient, stay consistent and positive!

Learning a new language takes time, and children may become frustrated at times. Be patient and offer encouragement. Celebrate small milestones and make learning Spanish a positive experience!

It's better to keep the classes and sessions enjoyable, appropriate to their age, and not too long to maintain the child's interest and enthusiasm for learning Spanish.

Staying consistent is key! Learning Spanish can open doors to new cultures and opportunities :-)

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Spanish Songs for Kids
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Best Ways to Help Kids Learn Spanish: Tips to Make Spanish Learning Fun and Effective

Why is it important to limit screen time exposure?

Finding a balance between screen time and other activities promotes:

Physical health:
It's good to find a balance between screen time and getting out there to explore the world for a healthier and active life.

Mental and emotional well-being:
Being glued to the screens can increase stress, anxiety, and even depression in children.

Healthy sleep patterns:
Too much screen time, especially before bedtime, can negatively affect your child's sleep patterns.

Academic success:
Too much screen time can get in the way of homework and reading, which could impact their academic performance.

Social development:
Face to face interactions helps a child develop communication skills, empathy, and relationship-building abilities. When they spend most of the time watching the screen they miss out on these important skills.

Creativity:
Allowing time for screen-free activities encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.

Family bonds:
Excessive screen time can interfere with parent-child bonding. Setting limits on screen use encourages quality time spent together and fosters stronger relationships.

Tips on how to help kids cut down on their screen time

Set Clear Boundaries
It's good to establish clear rules and schedules for screen time. Let your child know when it's appropriate to watch something on the screen and when it's not.
It can be a good idea to designate screen-free zones in your home, such as the dining room and bedrooms, to encourage face-to-face interactions.

Lead by Example
When adults adapt a responsible and balanced screen use, children are more likely to follow and develop similar habits. If you are on your phone all the time or have the TV on the entire day, your child may copy you wanting to be exposed at the screen all the time.
If parents limit their own screen time during family interactions, prioritize face-to-face communication, and engage in a variety of activities beyond screens, their children are more likely to adopt similar behaviors.

Prioritize Quality Content
Make sure your kids to watch educational content appropriate to their age.
Look for interactive and educational apps and games to help them grow and learn.

Encourage Outdoor Play
Let your kids get outdoors engaging in physical activities such us running, jumping, walking and exploring nature.

Promote Reading
Encourage your child to read physical books. Reading not only stimulates imagination but also reduces screen time.

Screen-Free Meals
Make mealtimes screen-free, fostering family conversations and connections.

It's recommended to avoid screen time other than video chatting.

Introduce high-quality educational apps and programs, and watch and play together. It's important if an adult also watches and interact with the content with them so that they can better understand what they are seeing.

Limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality content. It's recommended that an adult is present to discuss the content you're watching with the child.

Establish consistent limits on the amount of screen time and ensure it doesn't interfere with their sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviors.

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics): What do we really know about kids and screens?

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics): Screen time and children

AAP: Additional Research on Children and Media

Physical Activity and Physical Education: Relationship to Growth, Development, and Health

How to set Healthy Screen Time Limits for your Kids? Tips and recommended Screen Time guidelines

Find Educational Music Videos to Learn Spanish on my YouTube Channel here. Learn Spanish in a Fun Way! I'm gonna be updating this post with more content so feel free to come back at any time :-)

These Free Spanish Printables are for classroom and personal use only, not for commercial use.

Spanish Alphabet Flash Cards.pdf

Spanish Alphabet Chart: Name of Letters & Pronunciation.

Spanish Alphabet Words: 34 Pages of Spanish Vocabulary! One Page per Letter with Words & Images!

Printables to Learn the Colors in Spanish

Colors in Spanish - Rojo Red, Azul Blue, Amarillo Yellow, Verde Green _ Canta Con Jess--.pdf

List of 4 Basic Colors in Spanish & English: Red, Blue, Yellow & Green.

Colors in Spanish and English - Learn Spanish for Kids.pdf

11 Basic Colors in Spanish and English: Pack of 3 Pages.

11 Basic Colors in Spanish for Kids.pdf

List of the 11 Basic Colors in Spanish for Children: 1 Page with Colors in Circles.

10 Colors with Elements and Bilingual Sentenceswith Spanish masculine and feminine words (UN vs. UNA): 4 Pages.

Bilingual Flash Cards: Spanish Numbers from 0 to 23.

Presentation: Spanish Numbers 1 to 10 with Exercises.

Spanish Numbers Tracing: Trace the Words and Numbers 0-9.

Printables to Learn the Days of the Week in Spanish

Download Fall Printable: One autumn word per page.

Download Winter Vocabulary in English and Spanish: Common Words & Pronunciation.

Download Spring Vocabulary in English and Spanish: Common Words & Pronunciation.

Feelings in Spanish and English.pdf

Feelings in Spanish: 2 pages with the emotion in Spanish and English and illustrations.

Spanish Feelings.pdf

Feelings in Spanish and English with emoticons: 25 pages, one feeling per page in English and Spanish.

Download FREE PDF here. Learn Christmas Vocabulary in Spanish!

Valentine's Day Vocabulary in Spanish - Printables

Valentine's Vocabulary.pdf

Valentine's Day Vocabulary in Spanish and English. 23 pages.

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Free Spanish Printables, Worksheets and Flashcards to Learn Spanish | Spanish for Kids

Instagram Accounts with Tips for Parenting, Pregnancy, Babies (Newborns) & Toddlers

Pediatrician: Dr. Cathryn.
Good for: Baby's First Year.
@Healthiest_Baby

Brooke: Pediatric NP
Good for: Baby & Toddler wellness.
@SimplyWell.Baby

Community resources.
Good for: tips for raising kids.
@Curious.Parenting

New Mom & Postpartum Community.
Good for: pregnancy tips & new moms.
@mommysbundle 

Sharon Mazel: Parent Expert, Parenting & Pregnancy Author.
Good for: postpartum, breastfeeding, and baby & toddler tips.
@SharonMazel

Toddler experts.
Good for: Kids 1-5 years old, toddler tantrums advice. Lots of "avoid saying" and "try saying".
@BigLittleFeelings 

Devon: Toddler Parenting Expert.
Good for Parenting Tips.
@TransformingToddlerhood

Megan (Dietitian) & Judy (OT Feeding Therapist)
Awesome ideas and foodie tips for kids. Great Nutritional info.
@FeedingLittles

Jennifer Anderson: MSPH (Master of Science in Public Health), RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist).
Great ideas to help kids eat food.
@Kids.Eat.in.Color

Alex Turnbull: Dietitian Mom.
Great kid meal strategies, snacks, portion sizes & more!
@TheFamilyNutritionist

Kristy: Cookbook author.
Lots of recipes ideas and creative smiley faces on food and that kind of stuff ;-)
@OnMyKidsPlate

BLW & Toddler Meals.
Baby & Toddler feeding tips.
@KidFriendly.Meals

Good for: Maternity, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding
@Zona.Mama

Dr. Gretchen Borean: Pediatrician. Master in breastfeeding.
Good for maternity & foodie tips too.
@PediaGreat

Gabriela Acevedo: Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology.
Good for Parenting Tips.
@PsicoInfantil

Susana García.
Tips for Moms & Positivity.
@SoloParaMama

Instagram Accounts with Great Tips for New Moms, Babies, Toddlers, Pregnancy, Kids Food & More!

John Medina on his book Brain Rules for Baby (How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five) says: "There is general agreement that a child's exposure to television of any time should be limited".

Some advice based on John Medina's book and on research in Early Brain Development:

- Try to turn the TV off when kids aren't watching and limit their exposure to the screen.

- Help them choose what they will watch. Watch it together, help them interact with the media (it's recommended to watch shows that allow intelligent interaction and are educational), help them analyze and talk about what they have experienced.

- Try to avoid having a TV in their rooms.

List of kids activities at home instead of screen-time

This list is of activities that kids can do at home instead of watching the screen of a TV, phone or tablet all day long.

Decorate a cardboard box and/or toilet roll tubes

Kids can help making their beds and set the table

Ask your kids for help with laundry and teach them how they can help (putting the clothes in the basket, etc.)

Clean up toys in a bucket of water and soap

Dress up as a character from a book or movie

Write a letter to someone (friend, relative, sibling, etc.)

See photos together, create a photo album

Build a tower of something (pillows, cubes, legos, boxes, etc)

Kick a soft ball to each other back and forth

Treasure hunt: you can hide toys and different things around the house and help them find them by telling them "hot" (you're close) or "cold" (you're far from the hidden object).

Check this other post about great Instagram accounts that have Arts & Crafts Ideas for Kids.

Kids Activities at Home to Avoid Screen Time: Ideas of Things to Do

Hope you find them helpful & resourceful :-)

@busytoddler
Her IG account became very popular for moms!

@littleoneslearn
Art, activities, sensory play. Ages: 0-7.

@makemerryandcreate
Creative art for kids super easy to make!

@oceanchildcrafts
Super cute and colorful crafts!

@mummyandthebears
Love this page with lots of ideas, simple to do, and with lots of nature!

Wonderful ideas of fun activities to practice numbers and math and other things as well!
@happytotshelf

@cintaandco
Easy learning activities for kids.

Arts and Crafts Ideas for Kids: Activities to Do at Home

Kids have heard about the coronavirus pandemic and they've probably seen many people wearing face masks and spending more time at home practicing social distancing. 

The World Health Organization advices parents and caregivers to:

Try answering questions instead of giving too much information.

Let them talk about their worries. Ask them how they feel.

Focus on what they can do to keep safe: how to wash their hands or sneeze appropriately.

Manage your own anxiety. Take your time to calm down before talking to your child about the pandemic.


Check these great COVID-19 Books to read together with your kids!

A wonderful short story with nice illustrations by Perinatal Psychologist Guadalupe Del Canto.

For other languages available (French, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Deutsch) click here.


Book by Manuela Molina. Her short book explains Coronavirus in an entertaining & educational way and is available in many languages! You can print it so children can draw it and read it together with you or read it online! 

The author reminds us that "emotions are processed through repetitive play and stories read multiple times".

For children under 7. A tool based on fantasy. 

Click here to view the story in full size in ENGLISH.


MY HERO IS YOU: How Kids Can Fight COVID-19

Fun book available in many different languages! It's recommended that an adult read the story together with the children. 

A book for children around the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This book was a project developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG). The project was supported by global, regional and country based experts from Member Agencies of the IASC MHPSS RG, in addition to parents, caregivers, teachers and children in 104 countries".


UNICEF: Talking about CORONAVIRUS with Young Children

How to Explain Coronavirus to Kids: Storytelling Resources!

5 Reasons Why Real People in Videos Make Learning More Fun and Effective

Imagine you're a kid. You turn on a video, and there's a friendly face smiling back at you, singing and speaking in Spanish. It's like having a buddy who's there to share the joy of learning with you. That personal connection is invaluable. Kids naturally connect with real people, and when they see someone they can relate to, it feels like a friend is teaching and guiding them through the learning adventure. This emotional bond makes the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable.

Learning a language is not just about words; it's about emotions and real-life situations. A human host can convey emotions, enthusiasm, and authentic scenarios that make language learning feel natural. It's real communication. The human touch can make Spanish learning more engaging, relatable, and memorable for kids, and even adults!

Kids are naturally curious and love to imitate. When they see a person on the screen singing and dancing in Spanish, they want to join in on the fun! The human presence encourages active engagement. Children mimic facial expressions, pronunciation, and body language. It's like a mini Spanish immersion class that happens right in their living rooms! Children's videos that encourage active interaction, such as answering questions, singing along, or solving puzzles, are more effective in engaging young learners and promoting better retention of educational content.

When children see a real person having a blast learning and sharing Spanish, they can't resist the urge to participate. The enthusiasm becomes infectious, and kids become eager to learn, sing, and dance along. Learning Spanish feels less like a chore and more like a lively fiesta (party)!

5. Children thrive in a secure and comfortable learning environment

Having a familiar face as their Spanish teacher creates a sense of trust. They know they're in good hands, and this trust encourages them to keep coming back for more Spanish adventures! It keeps them motivated to learn Spanish!

When it comes to teaching kids Spanish through music videos, having a human presence is like adding a magical ingredient to the recipe of language education. It makes learning fun, engaging, and unforgettable :-)

Let's keep spreading the love for the Spanish language and keep those young minds buzzing with excitement. Together, we're turning language learning into a lively fiesta that they'll cherish for a lifetime! Yay!

Encourage your kids to watch educational videos with a real person in them for a more effective and enjoyable learning experience!

Jess
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5 Reasons Why Real People Make Kids' Videos More Engaging and Effective for Learning

When learning feels like play, children are not only more motivated but also more likely to retain what they have learned. It's a fun and efficient way to make Spanish learning enjoyable and memorable!

Moreover, kids' songs use simple language and get all the words just right, which makes them an awesome tool for picking up a language

Why music is such a powerful language teacher

And how children's songs, in particular, work their magic when learning Spanish or any other language:

1. The Rhythmic Repetition: A friendly teacher

Music often has a catchy melody, and this repetition is like a friendly teacher. It helps us remember words and phrases more easily keeping kids motivated and engaged in the Spanish learning process. Even if you don't fully understand the language, your ears become familiar with the catchy sounds and rhythms.

2. Pronunciation Practice: Songs help to improve pronunciation

Singing along to songs means practicing pronunciation naturally. We mimic the singer's tones and inflections, making our speech sound more authentic. It's like having a conversation with a song. Songs help us memorize words and improve pronunciation in a more fun and easy way!

3. Emotional Connection: Making Spanish more memorable

Children's songs are like little emotion-filled stories. It's incredible how these songs can convey feelings and stories in such a simple way. That emotional connection is like a secret sauce that makes language learning for our kids so much more memorable and engaging. Kids connect with the song's feelings, making language more relatable.

4. Vocabulary Expansion: Learning new words easily

Songs introduce such a wide range of vocabulary. It's like their little minds are on a journey to uncover new words. Songs are a super fun way for kids to learn Spanish or any other language!

5. Cultural Discovery: Getting to know other places and traditions

It's pretty amazing how through music, our kids get to explore the traditions, stories, and values of a whole new world. They're not just learning a language; they're discovering the heart and soul of another place. It's like a beautiful cultural journey for them, all thanks to those catchy tunes! 🎶

6. Visual Learning: Making Spanish easier to understand

Many of these songs also come with music videos that our little ones love! All the visuals the videos provide are like an extra bonus in the learning journey. They provide context, and they make comprehension even easier. It's like a mini language lesson with a fun twist! Our little language learners can watch and sing along. Try to look for content that is educational and interactive.

7. Playful Learning: Keeping kids motivated while learning Spanish

Children love to play and they learn through play! And songs turn language learning into playtime :-) Singing, dancing, and acting out songs make learning enjoyable and interactive! It will make your kids feel motivated to learn Spanish!

8. Easy Access: Many platforms and apps available at your fingertips!

We have easy access to different streaming platforms that offer a big collection of children's songs in different languages! And the best part is that you can play them wherever you are and whenever you like! So cool!

9. Family Fun: Creating lasting family memories

Learning a language with your child can be a wonderful bonding experience. Sing together, dance together, and share the joy of discovery. It's quality time that becomes a memorable family adventure!

10. Confidence Building through Singing: The path to fluent Spanish

Singing is an amazing way to boost our kids' confidence when they're learning a new language. It's like a little confidence-building secret! When they're singing, they're having so much fun that they don't even worry about making mistakes. Confidence grows, and mistakes just become part of the fun journey!

10 Reasons Why Children's Songs Help Us Learn Spanish More Effectively

Keep in mind that the pronunciation of the Spanish Food Vocabulary guide below is intended to assist you in learning Latin American Spanish. In many parts of Spain, the letter "C" is pronounced differently, like the "th" sound in "thought" rather than the "s" sound as we say it in Latin America. In Spain, some items have different Spanish food names such as 'patata' for 'potato', instead of 'papa'. No worries! It's basically the same language despite some differences :-)

Additionally, in some regions of Latin America, the "LL" sound is pronounced with an "ee" sound rather than the "j" sound as in "jess".

Here are some common food words in Spanish

Spanish word for Food: Comida. Pronounced: "koh-MEE-thah".

Arándanos (Blueberries). "Are-AHN-thah-nohs".

Frambuesas (Raspberries). "Frah-m-boo-EH-sah-s".

Aguacate or Palta (avocado). "Ah-goo-ah-KAH-teh" / "PAH-L-tah".

Espárragos (Asparagus). "Ehs-PAH-rrah-goh-s".

'Pescados y maricos' is pronounced "peh-s-KAH-thoh-s ee ma-REES-kohs".

Mejillones (Mussels). "Meh-hee-JOH-neh-s".

'Comida rápida' is pronounced "koh-MEE-thah RRAH-pea-thah".

Hamburguesa (Burger). "Ahm-boor-GUEH-sah".

Papas fritas (French fries). "PAH-pahs FREE-tahs".

Perrito caliente (Hot dog). "Peh-RREE-toh kah-lee-EHN-teh".