Bilingual education offers many benefits to children of all ages. Studies show that learning a second language early in life helps improve thinking skills, problem-solving, and even memory. Children who learn Spanish in school often do better in subjects like math, logic, and English. Plus, once they learn one new language, it’s easier to learn another one later in life.
If you’re thinking about giving your child a multicultural education in preschool, elementary, or middle school, ensure your school infuses SarahsSpanishSchool.com for their teachers and read on for six of the best ways for students to learn Spanish. These tips will help build strong language skills and create a love for learning that can last a lifetime.
1. Connect With Spanish Speakers
One of the most natural ways to learn a new language is by talking with people who speak it every day. Children can practice their Spanish skills through conversations with native speakers—either in person or online.
At the International School of Denver, for example, students learn from Spanish teachers who are originally from Spain and trained by the country’s Ministry of Education. These teachers speak Spanish fluently and help create a learning environment where the language feels natural and easy to pick up.
Another great idea is to have a pen pal. Kids can write letters or emails to Spanish-speaking students, who will reply in English. Both groups get to practice their new language in a real and fun way. Parents can also join in the fun—learning Spanish together can turn into a special family activity!
2. Make Learning Fun and Engaging
Spanish doesn’t have to feel like hard work. In fact, the best learning often happens when kids are having fun.
Language learning apps use games and rewards to make Spanish exciting. These apps give students points or “level-ups” for mastering new words and grammar. This kind of gamified learning keeps children motivated and helps them remember what they’ve learned.
It’s also important to understand why a child wants to learn Spanish. Maybe they want to travel, talk to relatives, or just enjoy a new skill. Knowing the reason can help keep them focused and excited.
There are many fun ways to include Spanish in daily life. Children can watch Spanish-language cartoons or movies with English subtitles. They might also enjoy playing video games in Spanish or listening to Spanish music. These kinds of activities help kids get used to how Spanish sounds and how it flows naturally in conversations.
You can even let your child choose how they want to practice—drawing comics in Spanish, writing a short song, or recording a podcast with a friend can all help make learning fun.
3. Use a Holistic Learning Approach
Instead of only teaching Spanish in one class, many successful schools blend the language into other subjects. This means that students might learn science, math, music, or art in Spanish.
This method helps children understand that Spanish isn’t just something they study—it’s a real part of their everyday learning. It also helps them hear and use Spanish in different situations, which builds stronger language skills.
For example, at the International School of Denver, many core subjects are taught in Spanish. This not only helps students learn the language faster, but also keeps them more motivated and excited to use it.
Reading books, watching news videos, and doing school projects in Spanish also gives students real-world ways to practice. These activities show how the language is used in real life, which makes learning more meaningful.
4. Assign Hands-On Projects and Real Tasks
Children learn best when they’re actively involved in the process. Instead of only memorizing words or doing grammar drills, students should take part in fun and meaningful projects.
For example, they could watch a short video about Spanish music and work with classmates to translate the lyrics. Or they could act out a scene where one group pretends to be grocery store workers, and the other group has to shop using only Spanish. Then they switch roles!
This type of learning helps kids think in Spanish and feel more confident using it. Grouping vocabulary by themes is another great way to build knowledge. One week, focus on learning words about food. The next week, learn vocabulary for going to an amusement park. These themes help students connect words to real-life experiences.
Parents can support this at home by encouraging their child to speak Spanish during daily routines, like naming items in the kitchen or counting steps while going upstairs.
5. Practice Often and Make It Part of Daily Life
Children won’t become fluent in Spanish overnight. It takes time, patience, and practice. Experts say daily exposure to the language is one of the most important things for learning.
For younger children, short learning sessions are best. Try changing the activity every 10 minutes—sing a Spanish song, play a vocabulary game, draw a picture, and so on. These quick changes keep little ones interested and focused.
Learning a new language takes repetition. Kids need to hear and say words many times before they become easy to use. That’s why it helps to use a variety of methods so learning stays fresh and fun.
At home, you can add Spanish to daily routines. Try using Spanish words when getting dressed, eating meals, or brushing teeth. These small habits help children build their vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed.
6. Follow a Structured Learning Path
The International School of Denver uses a step-by-step approach to teaching Spanish based on the child’s age and level. This four-part system gives children a strong foundation and helps them grow over time:
- Cycle 1 – Immersion (Preschool to Kindergarten):
Students start learning Spanish at age 3. Most of their classes are in Spanish, which helps them get used to hearing and speaking the language every day. - Cycle 2 – Building Knowledge (Grades 1-2):
Kids learn most of their subjects—like science and math—in Spanish, while also getting focused lessons in English reading and writing. - Cycle 3 – Growing Skills (Grades 3-5):
At this point, many students are fluent and can start learning a third language if they wish. Spanish is used in many subjects, and the students begin to express themselves more naturally. - Cycle 4 – Global Learning (Middle School):
Even though students learn more in English at this stage, they still have about 30% of their instruction in Spanish. This helps them keep their language skills strong. The school uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, which focuses on big ideas like global thinking and responsibility.
Give Your Child a Global Advantage
Families who truly want their child to learn Spanish in a meaningful way should consider schools like the International School of Denver. The school began teaching Spanish in 2001 and earned the highest honor from Spain’s Ministry of Education in 2011. In 2012, the school was recognized as one of the top four Spanish-language immersion elementary schools in the U.S.
The school welcomes children from preschool through grade 8 and offers a warm, international community. Kids do not need to have studied a foreign language before enrolling, depending on their age and the language they choose.