There is something magical about the phrase Erase una vez… It might be that most of us heard it from our mothers or grandmothers after some dessert.
Personally, it was always after an arroz con leche and with these words she opened up a world that in time became so much more than just bedtime tales. Through these stories, she passed down culture, emotion, language, and love.
They became blueprints for kindness, courage and how to be in this world.
Many of them were bilingual, or sprinkled with words in Spanish that at that time didn’t require a translation. Words like: corazón, mija, travesura… so full of feeling that one does not need to grow up bilingual to understand what they meant.
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The Role of Storytelling in Raising a Bilingual Child
Bilingual storytelling is one of the most natural and meaningful ways to connect kids to a second language. It is not flashcards, pressure or endless “en español” every time they say something in the society language.
It is about laughter. Rhythm and tradition.
When kids hear stories in both languages, they are not just learning vocabulary, they are learning identity. They are absorbing humour, values and history. And they get to understand language not as a subject to be studied, but as a part of their family legacy.
Whether it is stories like Caperucita y el lobo, or El Patio De Mi Casa, these little stories and rhymes live on. And as we pass them down, even if they are imperfect, we anchor our kids to something beautiful. We are saying, “This is yours too.”
If you are raising a bilingual child (or trying to), here are a few fun, practical ways to make storytime in Spanish a learning experience your kids will look forward to.
5 Tips To Raise A Bilingual Child Through Storytelling
1. Tell them the stories you grew up with (use Spanglish if that’s what you’ve got)
You don’t need perfect Spanish to start telling stories. You just need your heart behind it and pick your favourite family memory, a folktale, or something you made up.
Season it with Spanish words you know, it can be names, colours, or even just fun sound effects or sayings.
Really, what matters most is your presence and the connection to the language you will be setting the foundations for.
2. Use songs and Rhymes
There is a reason why you know all the songs your kids listen to. Songs stick. Rhymes and songs in the language you are trying to teach your children is a powerful tool.
Don’t worry if you are not musical, your kid doesn’t care, they just love when you are silly.
3. Create a “Story Ritual”
Kids thrive on repetition. So, if you create a routine they will be able to start expecting certain things and begin to recognise vocabulary without ever trying.
Try choosing phrases you can repeat every time like:
“Érase una vez…”
“Colorín colorado, este cuento se ha acabado”
“Y vivieron felices para siempre.”
Soon enough, your kid will be saying them with you.
4. Don’t Translate Everything
Instead of stopping the story to explain every word you say, let some of it be a mystery. Your child will pick up the meaning through tone, expression, and repetition.
If they ask you what something means, celebrate their curiosity but try not to turn every question into a vocabulary lesson. Keep it playful.
5. Create a “Cuentoteca”
Start collecting a small stack of books in Spanish or bilingual books. You can even keep it online or on your phone.
Let your kid pick the one they like or better yet, have them read it to you. Even if they guess based on the pictures. That works too.
Wrapping Up
If you are feeling intimidated by the idea of raising a bilingual child, especially if you don’t know the language yourself, let me tell you: you are not alone. And you are more equipped than you think.
You don’t need perfect pronunciation or grammar charts. You just need a little intention, playfulness, and the willingness to show up.
Here are more tips and information on how to teach children a second language even if you aren’t fluent yourself.
So tonight, grab a blanket. Make up a silly story. Sing a little song in Spanish, even if you mess up the words.
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