How to Keep Your Child’s Spanish Skills Strong Over the Summer

How to Keep Your Child’s Spanish Skills Strong Over the Summer

Summer is a time for fun, adventure, and relaxation—but did you know it’s also when many kids experience the dreaded "summer slide"? Studies show that children can lose 20-40% of what they learned during the school year if they don’t continue practicing over the break.

For parents raising bilingual or Spanish-learning kids, this means that months of progress could fade away without regular exposure to the language. But don’t worry! With the right strategies, you can turn summer into an opportunity for language growth rather than a setback.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to help your child retain and even improve their Spanish skills this summer through immersive and engaging activities—without feeling like schoolwork!

Why Do Kids Lose Language Skills Over the Summer?

The "summer slide" happens when kids aren’t regularly exposed to a language. In a school setting, children engage with Spanish in a structured way—through conversation, reading, listening, and writing. But when summer break arrives, this consistent exposure often disappears.

Here’s why language loss happens:

• Lack of Daily Practice – Without regular listening and speaking practice, vocabulary and grammar fade.
• Fewer Real-World Applications – Kids aren’t using Spanish in everyday situations, making it harder to recall.
• Shift in Routine – Summer schedules prioritize play, travel, and relaxation, which may not include language learning.

But summer doesn’t have to be a language-learning dead zone! In fact, it’s the perfect time to make Spanish an organic part of your child’s everyday life.

Fun & Effective Ways to Keep Spanish Alive This Summer

1. Make Spanish a Daily Habit

Consistency is key! Even just 15-30 minutes of Spanish a day can make a huge difference. Here’s how to incorporate Spanish naturally into summer days:

• Start a “Spanish Only” Breakfast – Encourage conversations in Spanish during meals.
• Label Household Items – Use sticky notes to label everyday objects in Spanish to reinforce vocabulary.
• Have a Spanish Storytime – Read one short Spanish book or bilingual story each night before bed. (We’ve got awesome books on Natlingo, wink wink!)

2. Watch Spanish TV Shows & Listen to Music

Kids love entertainment, so why not use it to boost language skills?

• Spanish Cartoons & Movies: Shows like Dora la Exploradora, Pocoyó, and El Chavo expose kids to natural Spanish.
• Spanish Music Playlists: Dance along to Latin American children’s songs and catchy tunes.
• Audiobooks & Podcasts: Platforms like Spotify and Audible offer Spanish-language audiobooks and fun kid-friendly podcasts.

3. Engage in Interactive Spanish Games

Turn language learning into play!

• Bilingual Board Games: Games like Lotería (Mexican Bingo) and Scrabble en Español are fantastic for vocabulary building.
• Scavenger Hunts: Create a list of Spanish words and send your child on a scavenger hunt around the house or park.
• Language Learning Platforms: A platform like Natlingo makes learning feel like a game!

4. Enroll in a Spanish Immersion Experience

The best way to keep Spanish alive over the summer is through immersion—and what better way than an interactive Spanish learning adventure?

In the Natlingo Latin America Adventure for this summer, kids don’t just practice Spanish—they live it! Through virtual experiences with native Spanish-speaking tutors, your child will:

✅Explore Latin American cultures through interactive storytelling
✅ Have real conversations with native speakers
✅ Play games, sing songs, and connect with the Spanish language in a meaningful way

This isn’t just a Spanish class—it’s a cultural journey that keeps kids engaged and learning all summer long!

5. Connect with Spanish-Speaking Friends

Language is best learned in social settings, so encourage your child to practice with others:

• Join Spanish playgroups or bilingual story-time at your local library. 
• Set up virtual playdates with Spanish-speaking friends or relatives. Or join Natlingo and invite a buddy to join your session, for free!
• Encourage your child to write letters or voice messages in Spanish to friends or family.

6. Use Travel as a Language Learning Opportunity

If you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country this summer, make it a full immersion experience! Encourage your child to:

• Order food at restaurants in Spanish.
• Greet and interact with locals.
• Take photos and create a travel journal in Spanish.

Even if you’re staying home, try a “Spanish culture day”—cook Latin American food, listen to traditional music, and learn fun facts about different countries. What better way to do this than through our Latin America Adventure this summer?

Give Your Child the Gift of Spanish This Summer!

With the right mix of fun, interaction, and consistency, your child can not only retain but improve their Spanish skills over the summer. And the best way to do that? Join the Natlingo Latin America Adventure!

This immersive summer experience is designed to make Spanish learning fun, engaging, and natural. Your child will build confidence, make new friends, and explore the rich cultures of Latin America—all from the comfort of home!

🚀 Spots are limited! Give your child the ultimate Spanish adventure this summer.
Click below to learn more:

 Join the Natlingo Latin America Adventure Today!