Get a free 6 day mini course from Rocket Spanish- $29.95 value

Why speak Spanish? Teaching kids to speak a second language like Spanish can be an immensely rewarding experience, and can open their young minds to a whole new world of sights and sounds. Even if you’re not entirely fluent in Spanish, here are five simple ways you can help your child learn to speak Spanish confidently and easily.

1. If you can, start early. The sooner the better. By the age of two, a child’s brain is sucking up and processing all the information he or she comes in contact with, so it’s an ideal time to start learning a second language. You may think, “But he hasn’t even mastered ENGLISH yet!” That’s okay! Believe it or not, children can easily juggle two (or more) languages at once without the difficulty that their adult counterparts may have if they try to learn the same language when they’re older. Learning two separate languages will also not hinder your child’s reading or speaking ability. In fact, it will actually improve and broaden their vocabulary as they get older, since many foreign language words are used in English as well.

2. Just like with learning English, start your child out on simple words and basic greetings. Learning to speak Spanish does take time and repetition, so only move on when your child feels comfortable and confident in using what he or she has already learned. If you’re not completely fluent yourself, but still want your child to have the benefit of a second language, purchase a good dictionary and work book to reinforce what you already know so that you can teach it to your child.

3. Set aside a special “Language-Only” time. Practice the language together with your child through music, books or videos and use this time to speak and play together using only the second language. It’s a great way to build up the child’s interest in another culture and will help him learn the language more completely and thoroughly.

4. If your significant other speaks or can speak Spanish, consider having him or her speak only in Spanish to the child, while you speak to them in English. This will quickly help the child understand each language’s structure and differences, and he won’t be as likely to get confused. Remember though, language learning is a slow and steady process. Let your child know not to worry about making a mistake or sounding silly. That’s the only way he or she will become confident enough to speak the language on a regular basis.

5. Whenever possible, immerse your child in Spanish as often as you can. Taking trips to the place where the language is spoken is a great way to make a language feel “real” to a child. Children mimic what they see, so seeing others speak and use the language in their day-to-day lives will show him that he can do the same! Take them to a Mexican restaurant and let them talk to the waiter or waitress. Allowing them opportunity to speak it themselves will greatly reinforce what they have learned and the excitement of using the language to communicate will encourage them to learn more.

Above all, treat learning Spanish like a fun “adventure” rather than a tedious chore. If you keep these tips in mind, it won’t be long before your child is equally comfortable and proficient in both languages! Good luck!

Want to learn to speak Spanish quickly? Claim your free 6 day course here.

This program is great for homeschoolers!