How to Make Language Learning Fun for Kids Who’ve Never Tried Spanish Before

Are you worried your child will lose interest in learning Spanish? Let’s be honest. We all need motivation sometimes, and kids won’t do anything if it’s not fun—just like eating their vegetables unless they’re shaped like dinosaurs.

But don’t worry! We’ve come up with some creative tips to keep them excited about learning Spanish, even if they’ve never tried it before. In fact, studies show that learning through play increases memory retention by up to 60%. That. That means your child will use Spanish words before realizing they’re learning!

Also, at the end of this article, you’ll get a free PDF packed with 20 fun activities to make learning Spanish a blast at home!

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1. Turn Spanish into a Game (Who Doesn’t Love Winning?)

Kids love games, so why not turn language learning into one? Gamification can keep them engaged and motivated to learn.

• Use apps like Duolingo Kids to make vocabulary practice feel like a video game.
• Try a Spanish scavenger hunt. Hide objects around the house and give clues in Spanish! “Busca detrás de las macetas” — “Look behind the flowerpots.” 
• Play classic board games but with a twist. Label game pieces with Spanish words. Alternatively, you can buy your kid’s favorite board game in Spanish. Monopoly and Exploding Kittens, to name a few, are now available in Spanish. 

2. Sing Your Way to Spanish Mastery

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head for days? Music is a powerful tool for language retention.

• Create a Spanish karaoke night with songs from YouTube channels like Basho & Friends.
• Learn the days of the week with the catchy tune “Los días de la semana.”
• Make up silly rhymes with Spanish words to reinforce pronunciation. “Canción,” “Corazón,” “Camión,” “Melón,” etc. 
• You can also find plenty of Spanish songs on Spotify, so come up with a playlist and let it rip! Remember, it’s best to include songs whose lyrics are available on the platform. 

According to the academic journal Memory & Cognition, singing in a foreign language helps learners recall twice as much as just speaking. Additionally, according to the National Training Laboratories, students retain 75% of what they learn when they practice it and 90% when they use that knowledge immediately. 

So grab a mic (or a hairbrush) and let the concert begin! 

3. Bring Spanish to Life with Hands-On Crafts

Learning isn’t just about listening; it’s about creating, touching, and engaging all the senses. Here at Homeschool Spanish Academy, we believe that students thrive on a hands-on approach. 

Here are some things you can do with your kid to help them engage all senses while learning Spanish: 

• Make DIY Spanish flashcards with colorful pictures.
• Build a mini piñata while learning about Mexican culture.
• Have your child create their own Spanish storybook with drawings and simple sentences.

Studies show that hands-on activities improve retention because they involve kinesthetic learning, which helps children remember concepts more effectively. 

4. Watch Spanish Cartoons (Because It’s Screen Time with a Purpose!)

Yes, you can let your child watch TV guilt-free, as long as it’s in Spanish!

• Netflix has tons of Spanish cartoons like Pocoyó and Dora la Exploradora. Additionally, you can find original shows in Spanish on almost every streaming platform, this includes family-friendly movies and documentaries. 
• Switch the language settings on their favorite shows and movies to Spanish.
• Watch short animated videos on Spanish Playground to reinforce everyday vocabulary.

5. Let Spanish Take Over Snack Time!

Food is always a good motivator, so why not mix it with learning?

• Have a “Spanish-only” snack time, where your kid must ask for their favorite foods in Spanish. “Hamburguesa” — “Burger,” “Helado” — “Ice cream,” “Pastel” — “Cake,” “Pizza…” Well, “pizza” is the same in all languages, but you get the picture!  
• Cook simple Spanish recipes together, like quesadillas or churros, while learning food-related words like “sal,” “azúcar,” “una cucharadita.” 
• Play a taste test game: give them different foods and have them describe the taste in Spanish (dulce, salado, agrio).

Research shows that associating language with sensory experiences helps kids learn faster. Plus, who doesn’t love a learning activity that ends with snacks?

Want More Fun Ideas? Grab Your Free Spanish Learning Activities Guide! (COMING SOON)

If you’re looking for even more creative ways to make Spanish exciting, download our free PDF: 20 Fun Activities to Spark Your Child’s Love for Spanish! Inside, you’ll find:

• Easy, hands-on activities to make Spanish learning fun. 
• Games, songs, and interactive exercises. 
• Printable worksheets to reinforce new words.

Final Thoughts: Learning Spanish Can Be Fun (Yes, Really!)

The key to getting your child excited about Spanish is keeping it fun and interactive. Whether it’s through games, music, crafts, TV, or food, the goal is to make learning feel like play, not work.

So, grab some flashcards, turn up the music, and get ready to hear your child say, “¡Me encanta aprender español!” (Translation: “I love learning Spanish!”)—and actually mean it!

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Want more free Spanish resources and learning strategiesfor Kids? Check these out!

• How to Help Your Child Speak Spanish with Confidence (Without Feeling Embarrassed!)
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• Spanish for Middle Schoolers: The Perfect Age to Start (Here’s Why!)
• How to Make Learning Spanish Fun for Kids: 7 Engaging Activities
• Why Early Spanish Learning Gives Your Child a Head Start in School
• The #1 Mistake Parents Make When Teaching Kids Spanish (And How to Avoid It)
• Can Learning Spanish Make Your Child Smarter? Science Says Yes!
• How to Make Language Learning Fun for Kids Who’ve Never Tried Spanish Before