- Spanish Children’s Books for Kids can help them build a strong vocabulary!
There are many reasons for wanting your children to learn Spanish. We want to help you find resources that will help you with Spanish for Kids.
Some parents are interested in preparing their children for life in today’s world where it is important to know more than one language. This is even more important in our hemisphere where it becomes increasingly valuable to know Spanish.
Learning a language can be a source of pride and self-esteem for the child who is fortunate enough to be exposed to learning outside of the classroom.
Some parents are concerned that their children grow up respecting the different heritages that surround them and Spanish children’s books are a great way to do that.
Even if both parents speak Spanish at home, quite often the kids answer their parents in English. Look around at your Latin friends and relatives and you will see that most give up on teaching their kids to speak Spanish. Check out these Spanish children’s books in this article.
So, in general terms, parents can fall into one of three groups:
1. those who know NO Spanish;
2. those who know enough to read, even poorly;
3. and those who can model correct pronunciation for their children. d.
3 Reasons for Teaching Spanish to your kids
1. Passive Listening: Everyone should keep the Spanish radio on as much as possible. Keep the radio or TV on while the child is doing other things. It has to be the sea of sound that they swim in while they are beginning their study of Spanish. The child doesn’t have to concentrate on it; they will not be listening to try to understand. After a while, they won’t even hear the radio but it will be affecting them. Little by little they will begin to anticipate the rhythm of the language, even before they understand the words. They will also begin to recognize certain words.
2. Pattern Response Drills: Those parents who know some Spanish can try to run through all the permutations of the new expressions that the child learns. For example, suppose your child just learned to say. “Pedro tiene cuatro aos” rather than translating from the English incorrectly, “Pedro es cuatro”. Now to make this new element of the language stick, you should go on substituting different ages and the names of different people. The child will soon be able to say comfortably, “Mara tiene cuatro aos.” “Juan tiene ocho aos.” “Yo tengo tres aos.” “Cuntos aos tienes t?” There are many examples of these drills in most language courses but the parent can generate them herself.
3. Encouragement: Don’t correct their Spanish when they speak. Don’t interrupt the flow of their conversation. Don’t make their speaking Spanish to be another homework assignment. It should be something special, even something “secret” in your family. Kids like the mystery and intrigue of having something special of their own. Their speaking Spanish should be a joyful, non-threatening experience. If they make mistakes in their grammar, correct their errors by using the same expression correctly a few minutes later. Don’t come right back at them with the correct form or they will begin to feel conscious of their expression and choke off their freedom of expression.
Alternatives other than Spanish children’s books
The Alphabet: If your child is coming up to kindergarten age,
you have a wonderful opportunity to teach him or her how to read in Spanish BEFORE they learn the alphabet in English! Why? I will be brief, hoping that you will catch the direction of my thought (and my practice, with both my children and my grandson!
Toys and Games: Of lesser importance but still a possible breakthrough for certain children could be the use of toys and games (board games and others) as a way to sneak in some fun and variety into the learning process. See if Spanish Educational Toys would be useful for your child.
Computer Games: for kids If you or your child is computer savvy or if you want to combine math or science with Spanish you may want to check out the Educational Software for Children in Spanish: Reader Rabbit, Disney, Jump Start, and many more…
If you want to keep up your Spanish. Try to keep reading books in Spanish on a wide range of topics, la familia, la salud, los negocios, el nio, el adolescents, etc.
Best Spanish Children’s Books for Learning
1. My First English – Español Learning Library
Amazon – Check Here
Wonder House has a dedicated team of editors and designers involved in the development of magnificent and enriching children’s books. The team pays special attention to developing age-appropriate content and does extensive research on every topic included in the book. Our mission is to develop highly informative content that will help the children to master different skills. At Wonder House, we strive to make learning a joy.
2. Indestructibles: Te amo, bebé / Love You, Baby: Chew Proof
Amazon – Check Here
Baby loves hugs. Just like a baby kitty! Baby loves nuzzles. Just like a baby bunny!
Baby loves snuggles. Just like baby Piggy! Indestructibles are printed on a lightweight, paper-like material that even the most determined baby can’t chew through!
3. The Three Little Pigs Los TresCerritoss Bilingual Storybook
Amazon – Check Here
Introduce your child to the world of literature with this timeless classic, Los Tres Cerditos. This 32-page book features striking illustrations that excite young readers and bilingual text to create a love for reading in two languages.
4. First 100 Words Bilingual
Amazon – Check Here
Roger Priddy‘s passion for educating children through fun, informative, and engaging books has led him to create some of publishing’s most enduring and successful nonfiction early learning books. Bestselling titles include First 100 Words, Bright Baby Animals, and Alphaprints: ABC. Roger lives in London and has three children, who have been the inspiration behind many of his best publishing ideas.
5. La Gallinita Roja/ the Little Red Hen
Create an engaging library by collecting each Keepsake Story title. With dozens of titles in both English and Spanish, you and your child can enjoy countless hours of reading Keepsake Stories together.
6. Animals: Animales (Bright Baby) (English and Spanish Edition)
Amazon – Check Here
Bilingual Bright Baby Animals is a great Spanish children’s book from bestselling children’s book author and educator Roger Priddy, will increase your child’s vocabulary by associating words in both Spanish and English with beautiful pictures.
7. Bilingual Bright Baby: Colors
Amazon – Check Here
This book will increase your child’s vocabulary by associating words in Spanish and English with beautiful pictures. Este libro aumentará el vocabulario de su hijo ya que asocia palabras en Espanol y Ingles con bonitas ilustraciones.
8. Numbers in Spanish: Los Números
Amazon – Check Here
This book looks at the numbers in Spanish. The main text on each page is provided only in Spanish, with simple, labeled photographs providing support. A “dictionary” spread at the end of the book features all the vocabulary words in both Spanish and English and also includes a pronunciation guide.
9. Loteria: First Words
Amazon – Check Here
A Lil’ Libros Bilingual Picture Book. Introduce your little one to one of the oldest games of chance, Loteria, as you teach them their first English and Spanish words! Learn el gallo (the rooster), la luna (the moon), el corazón (the heart), and more. Unable to find bilingual first concept books she could enjoy reading to her baby, Patty Rodriguez came up with the idea behind Lil’ Libros.
10. 12 Bedtime Stories in Spanish and English
This is a book with many functions! 12 Bedtime Stories in Spanish and English can be used as a dual language, a bilingual storybook for reading bedtime stories to your children, or it can be an excellent resource for teenagers or adults who want to develop their reading skills and vocabulary. Discover the incredible power of using tales to improve vocabulary, word retention, and communication skills. On top of all these wonderful benefits, you’ll also have the pleasure of reading and sharing precious quality time with your children!
Comment down below your favorite Spanish children’s books
