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Teaching Spanish to Young Learners: Why Early Matters and How to Start

 




Teaching Spanish to Young Learners: Why Early Matters and How to Start

Language is more than vocabulary—it’s identity, connection, and confidence. And when it comes to teaching Spanish to young children, the earlier we begin, the deeper the roots grow.

What Is a “Mother Tongue”?

A child’s mother tongue is the language they learn before the age of 8. According to UNESCO and multiple linguistic studies, early exposure to a language—especially in everyday, emotionally rich contexts—can lead to native-like fluency and cultural attachment. That means if your child begins learning Spanish before age 8, it can become part of their foundational identity—not just an academic subject.

This is especially powerful for families where one parent speaks Spanish and the other does not. You don’t need to be fluent to support your child’s bilingual journey—you just need to be intentional.

Why Early Spanish Learning Matters

  • Children under 8 absorb language naturally through play, repetition, and emotional connection.

  • Bilingual children often show stronger cognitive flexibility, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

  • Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world—and in Georgia classrooms.

At My Other Tongue Language School, we design Spanish classes and tutoring programs that meet children where they are. Our scaffolded, joyful approach helps students build vocabulary, confidence, and cultural pride—one word at a time.

Explore our programs and enroll here:


At-Home Activity: “One Parent, One Language” + Family Word Wall

If one parent speaks Spanish and the other does not, try the One Parent, One Language (OPOL) method. It’s simple: each parent consistently uses one language when speaking to the child. Over time, this builds natural fluency and emotional connection to both languages.

To support this method, create a Family Word Wall in your home:

How to do it:

  • Choose 5–10 everyday Spanish words (e.g., casa, comida, abrazo, gracias).

  • Write each word on a sticky note or index card with a picture or translation.

  • Place them in high-traffic areas—kitchen, bathroom, bedroom.

  • Encourage your child to use the words during routines (e.g., “Gracias” at mealtime).

Bonus Tip: Let your child decorate the cards or add new words weekly. Ownership builds excitement.

📲 Resources to Support Bilingual Learning at Home

Your My Other Tongue platforms are full of tools families can use right now. Here are three favorites:

1. Bilingual Affirmation Cards

These printable cards help children build emotional vocabulary in both English and Spanish. Use them during morning routines or bedtime reflections to reinforce language and self-worth.

2. Birthday Vocabulary Mini Pack

This freebie includes Spanish birthday words, phrases, and a coloring activity. It’s perfect for celebrating milestones while reinforcing vocabulary in a joyful way.

3. Community Reflection Prompts

In my previous blog post , I shared how community nurtures language and emotional growth. Use the reflection prompts with your child to explore what belonging means—in both languages.

Final Thoughts

Teaching Spanish to young learners doesn’t require perfection—it requires presence. Whether you’re monolingual or bilingual, fluent or just beginning, your child’s journey starts with small, consistent steps. Language becomes a mother tongue when it’s lived, loved, and shared.

Let’s raise bilingual kids who are curious, confident, and connected—through story, strategy, and soul.

Warmly, 

Lisa Renea Shaw  Founder & Instructor, My Other Tongue Language School

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