As a teacher, parent, and now grandparent, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and learning about effective ways to…
To develop Spanish listening skills, learners need hours of exposure to spoken language. In addition, the language has to be…
When I began to teach in the late 80s, Stephen Krashen’s input hypothesis of second-language acquisition was revolutionizing language classes…
One of the things I enjoy most about writing Spanish Playground is the opportunity to stay on top of what’s…
As teachers, we set the stage for language acquisition by providing comprehensible input. Techniques that expose learners to comprehensible input…
I really appreciate teachers who write elementary Spanish blogs! On social media, I can ask a question and get helpful…
I’ve been teaching for 30 years and have been lucky enough to see amazing changes in language education. We have…
One of the keys to learning a language is consistent exposure over time. A small amount of Spanish in different…
If you are like me, you are always on the lookout for opportunities to expose children to Spanish. Of course…
Are you homeschooling Spanish for multiple children? It can be a real challenge to meet the needs of all of…
I love Spanish. And I decided a while back that I want to pass that love of Spanish on to…
Yesterday morning, a parent raised a concern I hear over and over. He was worried learning Spanish might confuse his…
The most basic functions of a phone are useful tools for learning language. Try these 5 creative, interactive ways to…
When you’re raising kids, time flies. This is especially true when you are raising bilingual kids. Every day is an…
I think I have one of the best jobs in the world, and the other Spanish teachers I know feel…
Teaching preschool Spanish is wonderful! Preschoolers are active, curious little people ready to play and learn. However, many teachers contact…
When bilingual children start school in a language that is different than the one they speak at home, it can…
Not long after I started Spanish Playground, Adam Beck began writing his blog Bilingual Monkeys. As I read his early…
Video is a wonderful source of language for young learners. With video, students can hear different native speaker voices supported…
Teaching listening is important. Listening takes tons of practice, and we need to teach it with attention to developing key…
In spite of the divisiveness that dominates much of the news, there is remarkable consensus on the benefits of speaking…
Spanish learning in this country keeps getting better and better! My most recent find is a new preschool Spanish program…
I’m always excited to hear about quality programs for teaching Spanish to children. I recently learned of ¡Hola! Playgroup, a…
Reading different kinds of text in Spanish helps kids develop vocabulary and understand the different ways we use language. The…
As part of the Spanish summer reading program, we share progress sheets, or reading logs. Many kids enjoy making a…
As kids are learning Spanish vocabulary, I point out different contexts where we use the same word. Introducing additional contexts…
We like to think of summer as a time to take part in fun activities, but the summer of 2020…
It is important for kids reading in Spanish to have fun. We also want them to engage with the language…
At Spanish Playground, we are dedicated to supporting parents as they help their children learn Spanish. I am so happy…
Sentence building in Spanish is helpful for kids who are learning to read and also for second language learners as…
Teaching language draws on all our skills. We apply our creativity and abilities to what we know about learning language…
Practicing yoga in Spanish is a wonderful way for kids to learn language. It also helps them become happy, healthy…
To provide a valuable experience for children learning language, teachers and parents have to communicate with each other. Inevitably, language…
One of the best ways to teach Spanish is by using a variety of activities related to a content theme. Using…
Imaginaciones by Carolyn Clarke has 17 very short imaginary adventures told in easy Spanish. These read-aloud relaxation stories help children…
Most days, teaching kids Spanish is fun. Playing together and watching your children learn will motivate you. Most days, you…
Family Language Learning: Learn Another Language, Raise Bilingual Children by Christine Jernigan is a practical guide to raising children with…
Most parents understand that learning another language benefits children. However, like most worthwhile endeavors, structuring language learning takes work. I…
Raising bilingual kids is a complex, challenging undertaking. Of course, if there is one thing being a parent teaches you…
Talking to animals in Spanish can help children learn language. You can enlist the help of animal friends in several…
It is obvious to Spanish Playground readers that speaking more than one language is an advantage in every way. We…
It’s almost here! Summer means a change of routine for most families. It can be a challenge at times, but…
Montessori treasure baskets are a collection of objects for children to explore. These objects are related to a theme or…
Another year is about to begin. This is a good time for families to take stock of where their children…
Languages shape our perceptions. Usually I understand that concept in terms of subtleties of meaning or interaction. Recently though, inspired…
We all know that children absorb a lot of what we do and say. It is a boon when it…
I am always looking for materials that make teaching Spanish to young children easier. Because my littlest students do not…
Parents often ask me how they can help Spanish learners if they only speak English. There is no denying that…
Bilingualism is credited with everything from improving cognitive skills to better job opportunities. In today’s competitive academic environment, there are…
Author and teacher Jessica Gracía writes about five benefits of using readers theater with children learning Spanish. Readers Theater is…
One of the things I found made teaching Spanish to my kids easier was that I was a teacher and…
If there is one thing being a parent teaches you, it is that you can do more than you ever…
Anyone who speaks two or more languages knows the beauty of cognates. They give children learning Spanish a head start…
This week I am hosting the MKB Book Club discussion of Family on the Loose, a wonderful book about family…
Research has shown that children learn more language when they are engaged in conversation than when they just listen to…
Do you travel with your kids? Are you making plans for a new adventure? Whether you are an experienced family…
The New Year is a time for taking stock and setting goals. If you have a child learning Spanish, or…
This post on teaching Spanish syllables as a first step in learning to read is written by Frances of Discovering…
This is part of a series of posts featuring multicultural bloggers who are raising their children speaking two or more…
This post kicks off our Multicultural Kid Blogs Book Club! We are reading Bilingual is Better by Ana Flores and…