Common Mistakes to Avoid When Teaching Kids Spanish

By Andrea Cubillos

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June 02, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Engagement Matters Most

Choosing the Right Format

Don’t Ignore Benefits Beyond Words

Stay Involved, Even If You Don’t Speak Spanish

Don’t Teach Vocabulary Only—Teach Culture, Too

Avoid Overcorrecting Early on

Mix It Up: Use Different Tools

Keep Lessons Short and Fun

Be Patient—Don’t Push Too Hard

Learn Culture Through Stories and Songs

Use Real Spanish in Real Situations

Watch for Burnout

Support, Don’t Shame

Know When It's Time to Move On

Encourage Progress, Not Perfection

Bringing It All Together

Introduction

Teaching children Spanish can be exciting but challenging especially if mistakes get in the way. Parents want their kids to learn effectively but often wonder what they might be doing wrong. This guide explores mistakes parents and teachers often make when teaching Spanish to kids, and shows how to keep things fun, engaging, and effective.

Engagement Matters Most

One of the biggest teaching Spanish mistakes is ignoring how engaging the lessons are. Kids learn best when they’re having fun. If the lessons feel dull or repetitive, a child resists learning Spanish quickly because it feels like homework, not play.

Instead, use holiday-themed Spanish games, music, and hands-on activities. For instance, turn “Simon Says” into “Simón dice” or play picture-card matching in Spanish.

When lessons are engaging, children don’t see them as chores. They’re more likely to stay motivated when they associate Spanish with fun, not frustration.

Choosing the Right Format

A frequent common error in teaching Spanish to children is picking a format that doesn’t fit the child. Some parents pick expensive tutors, others sign up for apps or online classes but none of these work for every child.

If your child prefers learning face-to-face, a tutor may help. But tutors can be expensive and scheduling may be tough. If they love technology, Spanish language apps and online Spanish courses for children (like Comligo) may suit them better. These let kids learn through games, videos, and interactive content.

Don’t Ignore Benefits Beyond Words

One of the biggest mistakes teaching Spanish to kids is underestimating the other benefits of learning a language.

Studies show that bilingual kids often perform better at problem-solving, switching tasks quickly, and remembering details.

Stay Involved, Even If You Don’t Speak Spanish

A common Spanish teaching pitfall is believing you need to be fluent to help. You don’t! Just being present matters.

Choose a set time for practice. You can watch a short cartoon in Spanish, read a story together, or quiz each other on new words. Use simple household items like “mesa,” “puerta,” or “ventana” to label objects around the house.

Kids gain more confidence when their parents care enough to learn alongside them even if imperfectly.

Don’t Teach Vocabulary Only—Teach Culture, Too

Focusing only on words without context misses a huge piece of how Spanish connects to real people. One of the biggest teaching Spanish mistakes is neglecting the cultural side of the language.

Celebrate Spanish holidays with fun activities for kids. Teach them Spanish words like “Día de los Muertos,” “piñatas,” and “luces de Navidad” for Christmas lights. Incorporate Spanish holiday games and themed lessons. This way, the language springs to life through tradition.

When traditions are part of lessons, Spanish stops being just schoolwork it becomes meaningful and interesting.

Avoid Overcorrecting Early on

When kids start speaking, they won’t be perfect. One common error parents make teaching Spanish to children is correcting every minor mistake. Instead, focus on the message, not perfection.

Praise effort by saying things like, “Great job saying how you feel!” Then offer gentle feedback later. If someone says “Yo comen” instead of “Yo como,” repeat it correctly: “Sí, yo como pizza.” This models correct grammar while keeping encouragement as the focus. Kids will keep trying if they feel supported, not criticized.

Mix It Up: Use Different Tools

Using only one method can slow progress. A trainer who ignores Spanish learning mistakes kids make may miss easier ways to teach. Trying apps but not using songs or crafts, for example, can make learning stale.

Create a toolbox:

A language app for quick daily practice.
A Spanish storybook for reading.
Fun games for bedtime.
Cultural activities for holidays.

This mix helps kids retain language in different ways: reading, listening, speaking, and even acting.

Moving between tools helps keep motivation high and makes lessons fun.

Keep Lessons Short and Fun

Kids have short attention spans. A frequent error to avoid in kids Spanish lessons is running long sessions that feel like school. Fifteen minutes five days a week beats one long hour on Saturday.

Short lessons reinforce the idea that language practice is part of everyday life not a chore. Plus, success in quick sessions builds confidence and keeps children coming back for more.

Be Patient—Don’t Push Too Hard

One common mistake teaching kids Spanish is pushing too fast. When children say, “My child hates learning Spanish,” it may be because they feel overwhelmed.

Slow down, let them absorb things at their own pace, and celebrate little victories. A slow, steady rhythm builds lasting habits and reduces resistance over time.

Learn Culture Through Stories and Songs

A mistake when teaching kids Spanish is forgetting about stories and songs. Kids love them and they teach language naturally.

Use childhood favorites in Spanish like “La Vaca Lola,” “Feliz Navidad,” or “Los Pollitos Dicen.” Read short stories every few days and ask questions about them.

When culture and language mix, lessons gain depth. Kids link words to feelings and images, not just definitions.

Use Real Spanish in Real Situations

Another error to avoid in kids Spanish lessons is keeping lessons in isolation. Spanish isn’t just for class it’s for real life.

If your family travels to Spanish-speaking places, let kids order food, ask simple questions, or say “gracias.” If not, use community events or videos like a Spanish-market day or kids’ YouTube shows.

Using Spanish in real contexts helps embed learning in their memory and teaches how useful it can be.

Watch for Burnout

Even the best materials can burn kids out. A common Spanish teaching pitfall is sticking with something too long when it's clearly not working.

If your child shuts down at the sight of Spanish materials, pause and switch tools. Maybe they need hands-on crafts today, or a silly song instead of an exercise. Pay attention and adapt.

Support, Don’t Shame

A major Spanish teaching mistake is comparing kids with each other.

Avoid saying “Your brother already knows more Spanish.” That creates anxiety. Instead say: “That was great you’re improving steadily!”

Help them feel good about trying, not bad for making errors.

Know When It's Time to Move On

Sometimes the problem is not tools, but readiness. A child may be resistant because they’re not in the right headspace.

If that’s the case, try mixing Spanish into other interests sports, art, games. Let them lead: maybe they want to learn Spanish songs for a soccer camp. That gives them ownership and kids learn best when they choose what interests them.

Encourage Progress, Not Perfection

Celebrate mini-milestones: learning ten new words, greeting someone in Spanish, or finishing a story. Use charts or stickers. This builds momentum and shows learning is rewarding not just work.

Summary: Avoid These 5 Common Teaching Spanish Don’ts

Don’t use dull methods or long lessons.
Don’t push too fast or correct too much.
Don’t ignore culture or real-life use.
Don’t compare them to others.
Don’t hesitate to change methods if things aren’t working.

Bringing It All Together

Teaching children Spanish doesn’t have to be a battle. Avoiding pitfalls can boost your child's confidence. For a more detailed look at successful strategies, check out: Spanish for Kids: The Ultimate Guide for Parents.

To help your child get started the right way, explore the top Spanish programs for kids to get started the right way.

Teaching children Spanish doesn’t have to be a battle. Avoiding pitfalls can boost your child's confidence. Focus on these tips:

Don’t just fix grammar.
Make learning fun.
Avoid pushing too hard.
Don’t overcorrect.

These simple steps can keep your child motivated.

Use engaging formats, short lessons, cultural content, and real-life opportunities. Support them with empathy, patience, and celebration. With the right approach, even a child who resists learning Spanish can grow to love it.

Andrea Cubillos

Academic Team

Andrea Cubillos is a seasoned Spanish teacher from Bogotá, Colombia, with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in both Spanish as a native and foreign language. Currently teaching in Medellín, Andrea combines her love for literature, art, and baking to create inspiring, creative learning experiences for her students.