How to Teach Spanish to Elementary Kids: 10 Proven Strategies

By Marta Prieto

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October 31, 2025

Contents

Introduction

Why Teach Spanish to Elementary Kids?

Putting It All Together

Tips for Success

Conclusion

Introduction

Introducing Spanish to kids ages 6-10 can be fun and rewarding. Parents and teachers can use engaging lessons, games, songs, and apps to make learning Spanish exciting. These strategies help kids speak smoothly. They also boost creativity, confidence, and cultural awareness.

Why Teach Spanish to Elementary Kids?

Teaching Spanish to elementary kids offers many benefits. Bilingual kids excel in problem-solving, memory, and tackling new challenges. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world.

Learning it connects kids to different cultures and future opportunities. Starting early, between ages 6 and 10, helps children become fluent. They gain not just vocabulary but also confidence in everyday use.

10 Effective Strategies

1. Create a Fun Spanish Space at Home

To support Spanish activities for elementary school, set up a special area with maps, posters, and charts. Use a whiteboard for doodles and new words. A place dedicated to elementary Spanish makes learning feel official and fun.

2. Use Spanish in Everyday Routines

Make it natural. At breakfast, name items in Spanish, “manzana” (apple) and “jugo” (juice). On the bus or during the drive to class, count landmarks in Spanish.

After dinner, practice simple greetings or phrases. This way, everyday life becomes Spanish class for elementary kids.

3. Use Educational Games and Apps

Apps like Duolingo Kids, Gus on the Go, and Pili Pop Español offer playful Spanish lessons. Adults and kids can also play “Spanish Bingo” or “Word Match” to build vocabulary. These Spanish activities for elementary school combine fun with learning. For more ideas on playful learning, check out these fun Spanish learning games and activities for early learners.

4. Read Bilingual Books and Sing Songs

Books like La Oruga Muy Hambrienta and Cuentos de la Selva (Jungle Tales) are perfect for elementary Spanish lessons. Singing helps pronunciation, rhythm, and memory. Try songs like "Bajo el mar" or “La Cucaracha.” Reading and singing make Spanish learning for elementary natural and enjoyable.

5. Try Online Spanish Classes

Sign up for Spanish curriculum elementary classes online. Services like Comligo offer interactive lessons with speaking, listening, and writing practice. They fit well into busy schedules and bring structure to teaching Spanish to elementary students.

6. Practice Speaking with Family and Friends

Conversation is key. Speak Spanish at home or with bilingual friends. Set weekly video calls for speaking practice. The more natural Spanish learning for elementary feels, the better kids remember it.

7. Watch Spanish Shows and Movies

TV shows and movies help with listening skills. Watch shows like "Dora la Exploradora" (Dora the Explorer) or movies like “Coco.” Use Spanish subtitles to read and listen together. These are fun methods of teaching Spanish to elementary kids.

8. Flashcards and Visual Aids

Create flashcards with pictures and Spanish words. Use them in memory games or to label items around the house. Visual aids help cement new words as part of your Spanish lessons for elementary students.

9. Set Up a Reward System

Motivate with small rewards like stickers or extra screen time. For example, celebrate learning 20 new words with a Spanish-themed outing. This keeps learning lively and shows why Spanish for kids ages 6–10 is worth the effort.

10. Involve the Whole Family

Make it a family project. Speak Spanish together, cook Spanish recipes, or play games in Spanish. When everyone’s involved, the language becomes part of your family culture. This boosts elementary Spanish education for all.

Putting It All Together

Here’s how a weekly plan might look for elementary Spanish lessons:

Monday: Start with greetings; hola, adiós, gracias, por favor. Role‑play a Spanish-themed restaurant or play “Spanish Hello Bingo.”
Tuesday: Learn colors and shapes; rojo, azul, cuadrado, círculo. Color scavenger hunt.
Wednesday: Practice numbers and counting through snacks or building blocks. Sing a Spanish counting song like “Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco.
Thursday: Talk about body parts using flashcards and play “Simon Says” in Spanish: “Toca la cabeza.”
Friday: Introduce foods; manzana, leche, galleta. Snack time becomes a Spanish tasting lesson.
Weekend: Review and play. Watch a Spanish show, review flashcards, and celebrate progress with a reward.

This blends Spanish class elementary age structure with fun.

Tips for Success

Short, daily sessions work best: Aim for 10–15 minutes every day instead of long sessions once a week.
Mix it up: Rotate games, reading, apps, crafts, songs, and conversation.
Focus on conversation: Encourage full sentences, not just listing words.
Use repetition: Review words weekly to reinforce learning.
Model enthusiasm: Show excitement about learning, and kids will follow.
Track progress: Keep a list of new words learned and celebrate success.

Conclusion

Teaching Spanish for elementary students (ages 6–10) at home or school can be fun, effective, and meaningful. Use these 10 effective strategies to build a fun Spanish curriculum for kids. Explore our top Spanish resources for kids that can support their learning journey. Blend games, songs, apps, books, and family involvement for the best results. Kids learn faster and more deeply when they’re actively engaged.

By making Spanish part of daily life, you turn “teaching Spanish to elementary students” into a natural habit. Soon, learning “Spanish for kids ages 6–10” won’t feel like homework, it’ll be part of their world. Let us know what strategies worked best for your family or classroom!

Marta Prieto

Management Team

Marta Prieto, Director of Academics at Comligo, combines a strong academic background with entrepreneurial experience. She previously founded and led De La Mano Spanish, a successful Spanish school in Asia. Passionate about language education, Marta prioritizes motivation, communication, and interaction to ensure Comligo’s programs provide engaging and effective Spanish learning experiences.