Best Spanish toys for toddlers
Many schools begin teaching kids foreign languages such as French and Spanish around the sixth grade. But is this too late? Research is very clear that that the earlier a child begins to learn a new language, the better.
Due to a concept known as brain plasticity, younger people can learn new ideas and concepts more quickly than adults, whose brains are more fully formed. Kids who start learning Spanish early gave greater overall comprehension, longer language retention rates, better fluency and vocabulary, and higher language production skills. As a parent, anything that you can do to encourage your kids to learn Spanish early will only benefit them in the long run.
You can give your kid a leg up for school and later on in life by exposing them to Spanish early, while their pliable brains can more readily absorb a new language. It will be much easier for them to learn if they build a good foundation as young children than to start from scratch in middle school or later.
Toys to help kids learn Spanish
Obviously, young kids do not want to sit down and run Spanish conjugation drills or practice vocabulary by rote memory. Thus, it is important to find ways to make language learning fun!
The best way to do this is to slowly incorporate Spanish language learning toys into their regular playtime. At first, they will barely notice that they are learning while they play. As your kids advance, you can begin to integrate more and more challenging Spanish learning toys.
Best Spanish toys for young kids
| Image | Brand | Product | Why it's great | Recommended Age | Batteries required? | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | LeapFrog | Learning Friends 100 Words Book | This bilingual speak-aloud book contains over 100 age-appropriate words from 12 Learning categories, hand-selected by top learning experts | 18 months+ | 2x AA | Check price |
 | Chicco Toys | Talking Farm | Kids will enjoy exploring the different farm animal sounds while they practice over 250 words and phrases in English and Spanish | 12 months+ | 2x AA (included) | Check price |
 | LeapFrog | Learn and Groove Musical Table Activity Center | This is a great way to get even very young babies started with learning Spanish. Some of the included Spanish skills are ABC’s, 123’s, colors, opposites, and animal sounds. | 6 months+ | 3x AA (included) | Check price |
 | Fisher-Price | Laugh and Learn Puppy’s Playhouse | Includes lessons on letters A-Z, numbers, colors, opposites, greetings, manners and first words in English and Spanish. You can toggle between Espanol/English modes with the touch of a button. | 6 months+ | 2x AA (included) | Check price |
 | Dora the Explorer | Dora Explore and Play Pad | A familiar Spanish-speaking children's character guides kids through lessons | 2 years+ | 3x AA | Check price |
 | iPlay, i Learn | Musical Turtle Toy, English & Spanish | Includes fun and educational games, including letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. | 6 months+ | 3x AA | Check price |
 | LeapFrog | LeapStart Learning Friends: 200 Words in English & Español | 30 replayable activities keep kids entertained using a combination of audio and animations. Note: A computer with an Internet connection is necessary to download books onto the device | 2-5 years | Not required | Check price |
All of these toys can help your child learn a foreign language faster! It’s important to start exposure to Spanish early in life for optional results. By slowly integrating these children’s Spanish learning tools into playtime, you are helping to create a solid foundation for language learning later in life. This will give your children a leg up in school, and ultimately in the workforce.
Why teaching kids a foreign language is important
In today’s global economy, an understanding of foreign languages and culture is correlated with better career outcomes, as potential employers will look favorably upon these skills. It also demonstrates the candidate’s ability to learn new skills, which is beneficial in any office environment.
How to help young kids learn Spanish
Also never forget to get your kids practicing Spanish in other ways! These bilingual toys will only get your toddler so far; they will eventually also benefit from focused tutilage, practicing with fluent speakers that can guide and correct their speaking, and immersion. For more tips, visit Ten steps to teach your toddler Spanish.
We hope to have helped you get your kids started on their Spanish language learning journey! If you have any feedback for us, or comments or suggestions about how you helped your kids learn to speak Spanish, please let us know! Feel free to subscribe to our mailing list below for more bilingual toys, Spanish language learning tools for kids, and other toy and parenting advice.
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