Parents often wonder how they can help their children learn Spanish, especially if they don’t speak the language themselves. The answer? Passive learning! Just like kids absorb their native language simply by hearing it around them, they can pick up Spanish naturally through exposure in their daily routines. The best part? It requires minimal effort! Here’s how you can make passive learning work for your child.
1. Incorporate Spanish into Entertainment
One of the simplest ways to introduce Spanish to your child is through entertainment they already enjoy. Many streaming services allow you to switch the audio on cartoons to Spanish—so why not try it? Shows like Dora la Exploradora, Pocoyó, or Peppa Pig in Spanish use simple vocabulary and repetition, making them ideal for young learners. Even if your child doesn’t understand everything at first, their brain will start recognizing words and patterns over time. Read this blog post about my Top 10 Children’s TV Programmes in Spanish.
Another effortless way to surround your child with Spanish is through music. Playing Spanish nursery rhymes or kids’ songs in the background while they play, eat, or get ready for bed can help them pick up new words without even realizing it. Songs like Los Pollitos Dicen, Cabeza, Hombros, Rodillas y Pies, or La Vaca Lola are great for beginners and can make learning feel like playtime. I love Maria Elena Walsh, I used to always listen to her songs with my children when they were younger in Argentina. Audiobooks in Spanish are another excellent option, as they expose children to native pronunciation while engaging their imagination with fun stories. Audiobooks like Simple Stories in Spanish offers a range of short stories as a stepping stone for beginners.
2. Create a Spanish-Friendly Environment
Beyond screen time, you can easily weave Spanish into your home environment. Label household objects with their Spanish names—stick a note on the puerta (door), mesa (table), or ventana (window) so your child starts recognizing these words naturally. Even casual exposure like this helps reinforce vocabulary without formal lessons.
Another idea is to set a short “Spanish time” each day, where you and your child use as many Spanish words as possible. This could be during breakfast, bath time, or bedtime. Even small efforts, like greeting each other in Spanish (¡Hola!), saying gracias and por favor, or counting in Spanish, can have a lasting impact.
By making Spanish a natural part of daily life, your child will absorb the language effortlessly. What’s your favorite Spanish song for kids? Share it in the comments and let us know how your child reacts to it!
