How to Encourage Bilingual Learning at Home During the Summer Without Overwhelming Your Children
- Carmen Juncal
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Summer vacation is an exciting time for children. However, for parents who want their kids to maintain and improve their skills in a second language, it can be a challenge. Many children may be reluctant to do homework or study, and parents—tired after the school year—look for strategies that turn learning into an enjoyable activity, not a battle.
This article explores bilingual learning during the summer and presents fun and effective solutions to practice both Spanish and English without it feeling like a burden.
The Problem with Bilingual Learning in Summer
During vacation, many children experience what is known as “summer learning loss.”
A review conducted by researcher Harris Cooper at Duke University found that students can lose between one and three months of academic learning if they don’t practice regularly over the summer. Without proper stimulation, it’s common for them to forget important vocabulary and grammar structures in both Spanish and English—something that can be discouraging for parents.
In addition, children’s resistance to studying can be a major obstacle. For many of them, summer is all about fun and adventure. That’s why sitting down to study may seem boring. And parents—tired and busy—may feel they don’t have the energy to implement structured learning methods.
Fun Strategies for Bilingual Learning During the Summer
To face these challenges, it’s essential to find learning methods that are engaging and enjoyable. Here are three strategies that can help:
1. Bilingual Board Games
Board games are a great way to combine fun and learning. Games like Scrabble or Bananagrams allow children to practice vocabulary in both English and Spanish.
For example, if your child builds the word “casa,” you can encourage them to also place “house” on their board.
You can also create your own family games using words your children already know. This not only makes learning more fun, but also encourages teamwork.
2. Art Projects That Incorporate Language
Art can be a powerful tool for learning. Encouraging your children to create a mural at home about their vacation—using labels in both Spanish and English—can motivate them to explore new vocabulary. Some studies suggest that art projects integrated with other subjects can significantly improve long-term retention of information.
Additionally, you could encourage your children to create illustrated stories where they write short tales in both languages. This process blends creativity with effective learning.
3. Bilingual Storytime Hours
Storytime is an excellent tool for language practice. You can organize weekly sessions where books are read in both languages. Alternatively, read a book in one language and have your children retell it in the other. This not only improves reading comprehension but also reinforces fluency in both languages.
Listening to audiobooks in Spanish and English—during car rides or before bedtime—can keep children exposed to the language in an enjoyable way.
Convincing Children: The Playful Approach
To motivate children to engage in these activities, it’s essential to present them as adventures, not schoolwork. Celebrating small achievements—like learning a new word or completing a creative project—can help build their love for learning.
Implementing a simple reward system, such as letting them choose a movie to watch or giving a small prize, can increase motivation. Turning learning into a family challenge where everyone participates adds excitement to the experience.
Why Bilingual Learning Shouldn’t Take a Vacation
Maintaining bilingual learning at home, especially during vacation, is essential not only for retaining knowledge but also for fostering a love of language. Various studies show that bilingual skills offer cognitive advantages and can be a valuable asset in today’s job market.
By using creative strategies, parents can turn learning into an anticipated and enjoyable part of their children’s daily routine. These moments can also become cherished family memories.
Time to Learn and Play
Summer break doesn’t have to mean learning loss. With a bit of creativity and the right approach, you can transform free time into valuable opportunities for bilingual growth. By engaging your children in fun activities, you’ll create a low-pressure environment that promotes natural learning.
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Enjoy the summer by keeping learning active and fun!