Even if you prefer to keep the amount of video your toddler watches at a minimum, sometimes it can be helpful to have some educational videos on hand to help in extraordinary moments. (You’re frying chicken and she wants to stand by the grease splatter. Or you’re pregnant and morning [ahem, all-day] sickness has you down.) Once your child is over the age of 2, short videos can be helpful pauses in his/her day. And in a bilingual home, educational shows for toddlers in Spanish are a perfect fit. The list I’ve compiled below are not Spanish cartoons; instead they are slow-paced and meant to be educational.
Why slow-paced? Check out the note at the bottom of this collection.* (You, as the adult, will probably not enjoy these slow videos nearly as much as your child!)
These video collections are ideal for parents who are trying to promote a bilingual environment for their children in spite of living in an English-only town.
Educational Shows for Toddlers in Spanish
1. Blippi Español
While it’s rather odd watching a grown man play, giggle, and act as a child, the vocabulary growth promoted as he chatters through the playground is astounding. Children will absorb verb conjugation naturally while pointedly learning vocabulary. (For example, he has an episode with Mr. Potato Head in which the body parts are all named.) Another positive is that the episodes are typically only about 12-20 minutes long. And my favorite part? Blippi is an actual person rather than just an animation. Most of the educational shows for toddlers in Spanish are animated, which isn’t my preference.
My only objection is to the flashing screen during the introduction. (Again, check out the note at the bottom of this list for a short explanation.) However, you can always play that part before allowing your toddler to watch.
2. Miminona Stories
Real kids and people singing songs and speaking in Spanish with real-life accents! I’m so happy to have found this channel. Your toddlers will enjoy it thoroughly. (Check out “aprende los colores con globos.”) Miminona is a great example of done-at-home educational shows for children.
3. Baby Einstein videos in Spanish
Baby Einstein goes at a slow enough pace for the most particular mom. 🙂 Using puppets and screen changes that look like turning the page, it’s visually stimulating without being visually overwhelming for little brains. It’s not meant for older toddlers, however, and the language development in the videos directed toward especially young ages is much lower than what Blippi provides. (You can buy Baby Einstein videos online, and some are available on YouTube.)
4. TuTiTu Español
While I wouldn’t allow my (2-year-old) son to watch this channel for long periods of time, one 12-minute video could be a helpful vocabulary assistant, while being enjoyable for a toddler to watch. There isn’t a lot of talking in the videos, but the few words are highlighted/pronounced clearly. (For example, this video that teaches animal names.) TuTiTu also has a Norwegian version, among other languages.
5. Rock ‘N Learn
Rock ‘N Learn has a language-learning playlist that includes vocabulary teaching in several languages, including Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Italian, etc. Toddlers will enjoy the items being clearly highlighted as the word is said in both English and the second language.
6. BabyFirst Español
An example of the type of vocabulary your child will learn: Pandilla de Colores teaches the colors in Spanish, using animated crayons. I don’t find the voices quite as clear as in some of the other shows I’ve listed (reminiscent of Mr. Bean), but it may be helpful for listening comprehension practice.
7. Super Simple Español – Canciones Infantiles Y Más
My new favorite songs for teaching Spanish vocabulary come from this channel. It uses animated puppets to sing songs with repetitive Spanish words. (Check out this chipper song on taking care of personal hygiene, or this calm-video song on dinosaurs.)
8. BuBuTV Español
If your child is obsessed with animals, he or she will enjoy the different animal sounds and types in many of these videos. The animation isn’t all that professional, but I approve of the slow pace. (Accent: Spain.)
Other Videos
Finally, if you’d like for your child to watch animated Bible stories in Spanish, YouTube has a number of options. Some may be a bit advanced or too high-speed for young toddlers, but elementary-aged children will enjoy them. (For example: “La Historia de David y Goliat – Mi Pequeña Biblia.”) Additionally, you can get actual Spanish-learning video collections on Amazon. (For example, check out the positive reviews on this video set.)
Do you have recommendations for toddler-safe, educational shows or single videos that will promote Spanish learning and retention?
I’d love to hear about them! Just let us know in the comments below.
You may also enjoy reading some of the following articles:
Raising a Bilingual Toddler: The Pros and Cons
Essentials for A Bilingual Children’s Library
21 Bilingual Board Books for Your Baby
Resources I Use to Make a Bilingual Home
*Note: (The AAP recommends that until 18 months old, your child not be allowed to watch any television at all. I’ve listed some of their guidelines in this article.) You want to choose thoughtfully and carefully what your child is watching. Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a researcher on causes of attention deficit disorder and other problems in very young children, is paraphrased as saying that, “…unrealistically fast-paced visual images typical of most TV programming may alter normal brain development.” [Source]
So handle screentime with care! But, when real life strikes, the videos above could help your child’s Spanish vocabulary retention and pronunciation.
