Keeping Spanish active between summers prevents the “summer slide” and makes the next immersion experience even richer. We know that sometimes it is easy to lose track when there are loads of homework to do. However, we have found an easy but cool option. The trick is short, regular practice that feels fun — not like studying. Here’s a simple plan.
Make practice daily but short
Consistency wins, so you should aim for 10–20 minutes a day instead of long, rare sessions.
Tips:
- Morning routine: name 3 things in Spanish at breakfast.
- Bedtime: a 5-minute Spanish story or audiobook.
- Use sticky notes on common objects (door, fridge, lamp) with the Spanish word.
Turn media into teachers
Kids love screens, so use them to your advantage.
Ideas:
- Let your children choose a Spanish TV show and watch one cartoon episode each week (subtitles in English or Spanish as needed).
- Play Spanish songs in the car and make a simple dance or lyric game.
- Use kid-friendly apps for 5–10 minutes: flashcards, matching games or short speaking prompts. We suggest Duolingo, Lingokids, and Gus on the Go.
Make it social
Language is social and interaction motivates learning.
Options:
- Pen pal: set up a “language postcard” exchange with another camper or Spanish-speaking classmate.
- Family challenge: a weekly “Spanish night” where everyone says the menu items in Spanish.
- Local groups: joining a weekend language playgroup or attending cultural meetups are nice ice-breakers for speaking Spanish.
Practice real tasks
Real tasks build confidence because they have a purpose. Moreover, applying language knowledge to our own environment reinforces understanding.
Examples:
- Give your child simple chores in Spanish (set the table “pon la mesa”, clear up your toys “recoge los juguetes”).
- Let them narrate a small video in Spanish. Then record them and share it with grandparents or family.
- Recipe project: follow a simple Spanish recipe together.
Results
Short, daily habits add up quickly. You will notice that our child does not only gain fluency but also a confidence boost in terms of speaking Spanish. These tips are very useful to keep up the level during the school year. In the end, it comes the summer, and with it a great opportunity to put into practice all their knowledge: a Spanish immersive camp, although we like to call it the best summer of their lives. Click here to discover it.
