Teaching Spanish to Toddlers: Fun and Easy Ways

By Marta Prieto

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February 13, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. Use Spanish in Daily Routines

2. Sing Spanish Songs and Rhymes

3. Tell Stories in Spanish

4. Play Games in Spanish

5. Use Spanish Apps and Videos

6. Make a Spanish Space at Home

7. Join Spanish Classes or Playgroups

8. Speak Both Languages Regularly

9. Be Patient and Cheerful

10. Let Them Teach You Too

Conclusion

Introduction

Learning a second language like Spanish is a big advantage in today’s world. Many parents want their kids to start early, and teaching Spanish to toddlers can be a fun and rewarding experience. Toddlers learn quickly, especially when lessons are exciting and simple.

This blog will show parents how to support your child’s Spanish learning at home using fun techniques and activities. These tips will help boost language development in toddlers and make learning Spanish fun every day.

1. Use Spanish in Daily Routines

Spanish for toddlers can start right at home during everyday tasks. When parents use Spanish words during regular activities, toddlers hear and learn the language naturally. For example, at mealtime say "Vamos a comer" (Let’s eat) or "¿Quieres más?" (Do you want more?).

When getting dressed, say clothing names like "zapatos" (shoes), "camisa" (shirt), or "pantalones" (pants). Repeating these words daily helps toddlers connect Spanish with actions. This is one of the easiest techniques for teaching Spanish to toddlers.

You can also include Spanish during bath time or clean-up time. Say phrases like “Vamos a limpiar” (Let’s clean up) or “Es hora del baño” (It’s bath time). Short, repeated sentences help bilingual toddlers grasp word meanings without full explanations. It’s a great way to support language development in toddlers naturally throughout the day.

2. Sing Spanish Songs and Rhymes

Toddlers love music! Spanish songs and rhymes are perfect for helping them remember new words. Singing helps them listen and repeat sounds, which builds language skills. Songs like "La Vaca Lola" and "Los Pollitos Dicen" are great Spanish lessons for toddlers.

To maximize the benefits, consider incorporating interactive elements like using puppets, props, or even homemade instruments while singing. This adds engagement. It helps toddlers link Spanish words to real objects and actions. This reinforces their understanding and makes learning more fun and memorable.

You can sing during playtime, bath time, or even in the car. Add fun actions or simple dances to keep your toddler moving and learning. Spanish activities for toddlers like singing make learning feel like play.

3. Tell Stories in Spanish

Storytime is another great way to help toddlers learn Spanish. Pick colorful books with easy Spanish words and simple sentences. Some good Spanish storybooks include "Oso pardo, oso pardo, ¿qué ves ahí?" and "La oruga muy hambrienta."

During storytelling, ask your toddler questions in Spanish like, "¿Dónde está el oso?" (Where is the bear?). Let them repeat easy words and look at the pictures. These toddler Spanish lessons help build both listening and speaking skills.

4. Play Games in Spanish

Playing is how toddlers learn best. Fun Spanish learning games and activities make learning fun. Try playing "Simón dice" (Simon Says) in Spanish. Say things like "Simón dice toca tu nariz" (Simon says touch your nose).

This helps toddlers learn body parts and follow directions. You can also do a Spanish color hunt: say a color in Spanish and ask your child to find something of that color. These Spanish activities for toddlers are fun ways to build vocabulary while they play.

5. Use Spanish Apps and Videos

Technology can help toddlers learn Spanish through fun apps and videos. Some great apps for toddlers learning Spanish include "Gus on the Go" and "Endless Spanish." These apps have games and lessons just for kids.

Educational videos like "Canticos" and "Little Pim" on YouTube are colorful and filled with songs and stories in Spanish. These tools make it easy to teach toddler Spanish at home, especially when you’re busy.

6. Make a Spanish Space at Home

Create a little Spanish corner in your home. Put up Spanish posters, use labels in Spanish on common items like "silla" (chair) and "puerta" (door), and include books or toys in Spanish.

When your toddler sees and hears Spanish every day, it becomes normal and easier to learn. This bilingual toddler tip helps them learn without pressure. A Spanish-themed space supports a toddler’s language development in a relaxed way.

7. Join Spanish Classes or Playgroups

Toddlers learn a lot from playing with other kids. Spanish classes for toddlers or playgroups give them a chance to practice Spanish with friends. Look for community centers or schools that offer Spanish lessons for toddlers.

These fun classes help build social skills and give toddlers more ways to hear and use Spanish. A bilingual toddler gets the chance to feel confident when using the language around others.

8. Speak Both Languages Regularly

When teaching Spanish to toddlers, it’s okay to mix in English. This helps them understand and feel comfortable. For example, say "Let's clean up" and then repeat it in Spanish: "Vamos a limpiar."

Doing this often builds connections between the two languages. It also keeps your toddler from feeling confused or overwhelmed. Bilingual toddler tips like this make Spanish for toddlers smoother and easier.

9. Be Patient and Cheerful

All toddlers learn at their own pace. Some speak Spanish quickly, while others need more time. That’s okay! The goal is to make learning fun. Celebrate small wins, like saying "hola" or naming a color in Spanish.

Give lots of praise and encouragement. A happy and relaxed toddler learns better. Keep your Spanish lessons for toddlers short and exciting so they stay interested.

10. Let Them Teach You Too

Sometimes, letting your toddler teach you what they know in Spanish makes them feel proud and motivated. Ask, "How do you say 'cat' in Spanish?" If they don’t know, learn it together.

This turns learning into teamwork. It also shows your child that learning Spanish is important and fun for everyone. Toddler Spanish lessons should always feel like a game, not a test.

Let them correct you if you get something wrong, this boosts their confidence and reinforces what they’ve learned. When they feel like the “teacher,” they’re more likely to stay engaged and excited about using Spanish. These moments create a shared experience that deepens your connection while building their language skills naturally.

Conclusion

Spanish for toddlers doesn’t need to be hard. With fun songs, stories, games, apps, and loving support, toddlers learning Spanish will grow confident over time. Parents can easily teach toddler Spanish at home with these simple, enjoyable techniques.

These tips help support language development in toddlers and set the stage for future success. Whether it’s through singing, playing, reading, or chatting, every little effort counts. Keep it playful, and you’ll see your Spanish toddler grow into a happy little bilingual learner!

Remember, it’s okay if progress feels slow at times. Every toddler learns at their own pace, and even just a few words a week add up quickly. Celebrate every “hola” and “gracias” they say it’s a sign of growing confidence and curiosity. The most important part is keeping things light, loving, and consistent.

And if you ever feel unsure, you’re not alone. Look for Spanish classes for toddlers in your area or online. Join parent forums or bilingual groups for support and fresh ideas. With some creativity and community, teaching Spanish to toddlers can be fun and rewarding for you both!

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.