How to Teach Spanish to Preschoolers

It’s no secret that learning a second language can have a myriad of benefits for children — but did you know it can also help them better understand their native tongue?

At ChildCare Education Institute, we’re dedicated to helping educators like you get the training you need to set your students up for success, both in and out of the classroom.

That’s why we’re sharing our top tips on how to teach Spanish to preschoolers, and why exposure to Spanish words for toddlers the language can be so beneficial for your students.

Why should you include Spanish in your curriculum?

Enhanced language skills are just one of the many benefits of learning a second language. Research indicates that bilingual students often have improved problem-solving abilities, cognitive skills, and abstract thinking.

Furthermore, early exposure to a foreign language can lead to better performance in math, reading, and standardized tests later in life.

Additionally, toddlers who learn a second language are more likely to develop greater empathy. Introducing students to a new language also exposes them to different cultures, laying the groundwork for future lessons on cultural awareness and diversity.

What should the lessons look like?

Start with the Familiar

The easiest and most effective way to begin Spanish lessons in your classroom is to introduce words or phrases related to concepts your students already know. For instance, if your students are familiar with colors, start by teaching them the Spanish words for colors. This approach helps students connect new vocabulary with their existing knowledge and provides context that aids comprehension.

Include Physical Props

When introducing new Spanish words to toddlers, use real objects or visuals to enhance understanding. For example, if you’re teaching colors, have various colored objects or posters that you can point to and pass around as you introduce each word. Use these props during the initial lessons to help with comprehension and recall.

Rely on Repetition

Repetition is crucial in preschool classrooms, and Spanish lessons are no exception. Begin each new lesson with a review of previous terms and concepts to help students become more familiar and confident with the vocabulary. This can be done through group review sessions or individual activities and worksheets.

Get Your Students Moving

To keep students engaged and active, incorporate movement into your Spanish lessons when possible. For example, if teaching Spanish words for body parts, have students stand up and point to the corresponding body part as you say the word. This method helps them connect the word with its meaning. You can also include movement by taking regular “wiggle” breaks, allowing students to get up, jump, and move around before returning to their seats ready to continue learning.

Incorporate Unique Activities

Once you’ve introduced a set of Spanish words, guide your students through engaging and fun activities that use the vocabulary from their lesson. These activities could include songs, games, videos, or stories—whatever best resonates with your students. Keep activities short to maintain attention and vary them to include both individual/quiet activities (like worksheets) and movement-based activities.

Find a Routine and Stick to It

As an early childhood educator, you understand the importance of routines for your students and your program. The same principle applies to Spanish lessons. Set aside a specific time each day or week for Spanish instruction and structure each lesson consistently. For example, start with a review session, introduce new words, follow with a group activity, and conclude with an individual activity. This routine helps students know what to expect and reinforces their learning.

What are some popular activities to include?

As previously mentioned, incorporating engaging activities into your Spanish lessons can help preschoolers practice what they’ve learned. Here are some of our favorite activities:

  • Spanish Color Word Mats: These interactive mats are excellent for helping students match Spanish words with their corresponding colors. They also serve as a fun fine motor skills activity.
  • Spanish Yoga: Using yoga cards that feature different poses, you can combine Spanish language practice with mindfulness and physical activity. Each pose represents a different Spanish word for students to recognize and mimic.
  • Bingo: After teaching Spanish words for numbers, create bingo cards with numbers 1-10. Write the Spanish words for each number on separate pieces of paper and call them out. Students can practice comprehension and mark off the numbers on their bingo cards as you call them.
  • Sing-alongs: Encourage singing and dancing with bilingual song videos designed specifically for preschoolers. These songs make learning Spanish fun and interactive.
  • Storytime: Bilingual board books are a great resource for hearing vocabulary words in context. They help students understand stories in both languages and reinforce their learning.

How can parents help?

Parents can be a valuable resource in helping students master Spanish. To involve families and encourage active participation, consider creating “How to Teach Your Child Spanish at Home” packets for each student. These packets should include a timeline outlining the vocabulary and topics students will cover, activities parents can do at home with their child, and links to useful resources such as YouTube videos, songs, and more.

Interested in learning more about teaching Spanish to preschoolers or creating a multicultural classroom environment? Or are you a parent looking for ways to teach your child Spanish at home? Our online courses offer the information and tools you need!

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