How Do I Introduce Reading In Spanish To My Child?

If you’ve just decided you want to teach your child another language but you don’t want to just switch one day and start doing everything with them in Spanish then there are things you can do to introduce new habits slowly to your children. One of the best ways to learn a foreign language with your child is to read to them in that language.

More generally you can look at our article: ‘how do I get my child interested in Spanish?’ But if you’re looking specifically for reading habits then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look together.

Find Age Appropriate Spanish Books

One of the most important thing is that the Spanish children’s books you choose are age appropriate. If the book if for a younger children they may find it boring and if it’s for an older child they might not be able to engage because it’s too difficult. You need to find a book that is appropriate for the age of your child.

Find Books That Are Interesting

Just as the appropriate age and level of the books is important, so is how interesting the book is. If you want to build a Spanish reading habit with your child then they need to find the books interesting. Don’t make the books too serious or feel like homework. Look for exciting stories and let your child help choose the books that they want to read so that they find it fun and engaging.

Teach Them Key Vocab Beforehand

To ensure that your child can understand enough of what is going on during the story, it could be a good idea to teach them some of the key vocab before you start. Look at what words are going to come up and teach them to you child. You could do this via flashcards or pictures. Then when the words come up, not only will the children know what they mean but they’ll be able to spot them and feel like they’re learning.

Encourage Your Child To Trace Along With you

Don’t let reading become too passive, get them to trace along as your speak so they can hear the natural rhythms of your speech and relate it to the appropriate words. This will help them to learn how to read for themselves much more quickly.

Check Their Comprehension After Each Page

Making the learning more interactive is a great way to get them to engage with the book and checking their comprehension is one of the ways you can do this. After you’ve finished each page ask your child to identify key words and ask them what they though the story was about. Get them to explain to you and help them to understand if they’re struggling.

Create A Cosy Environment

Probably the most important part of reading to your children in Spanish is to make the experience a special time for you and for them. Make the environment nice and cosy. Snuggle up with them before bed and read to them. They’ll be so happy to be spending the time with you that they’ll happily engage with the language.