With technology such as the iPad, children of any age can learn Spanish anywhere, anytime. A variety of language learning apps have been created for this specific purpose. Some applications provide interactive game-style lessons, others offer simple, but fun drills to improve alphabet, number, and vocabulary skills.
This review highlights the best of the Spanish language learning apps for children ages six and older. All the apps listed below can be found in Apple’s iTunes store. However, prices noted are as of the publication date of this article.
Spanish Language Game Applications for the iPad
Kids learn best through play. These apps teach Spanish through fun, engaging, interactive games.
Play2learn Spanish HD [ClearVision Sp. Z.o.o., $1.99] Designed for kids ages 3 to 12 years old, this application uses a game format to encourage the learning of more than 100 words. The program is colorful, fun, and uses native speakers for the audio.
Spanish Adventures for Kids [WireCloud, $4.99] This interactive game places the learner into a variety of settings including space, the zoo, the farm, the city and others to teach Spanish language skills.
English Spanish Language Adventure [EnsenaSoft, $0.99] Designed for both English and Spanish learners, this app uses games, quizzes, and an audio-supported word study gallery to reinforce vocabulary.
Vocabulary Drill Apps for the iPad
Even drill exercises can be fun when kids can manipulate the keyboard, view bright, engaging graphics, and hear native speakers via the audio. These drill apps reinforce a variety of Spanish vocabulary.
Animals in Spanish [DevelopmentSquared, $0.99] This vibrant app features over 50 animals using photos and audio.
Spanish Alphabet [Erasmos, $2.99] This simple drill application focuses on alphabet recognition. The audio includes the option of two dialects: Spain and the Americas. The Lite version is free, but only contains 10 letters.
Spanish Numbers [Erasmos Inc., $2.99] This drill application reinforces numbers 1- 1,000. The Lite version is free but only works with numbers 1-42.
Spanish Story Apps Teach Kids Spanish
Ana Lomba’s Spanish for Kids [Ana Lomba Early Languages LLC, $3.99; fee intro title] is a collection of individual apps, each featuring a classic story designed to engage children and parents in learning Spanish together. The stories use voice-over by native-speaking actresses and include text in both Spanish and English to aid in comprehension.
The introductory story, “The Little Red Hen,” is free. Other titles include "Cinderella," "The Three Little Pigs," "Thumbelina," "The Ugly Duckling," and "Jack and the Beanstalk."
School age children enjoy interactive games and often prefer to work independently. The apps listed above provide just that kind of interactive, independent experience. However, as with younger children, language is learned best through interaction with adults or other children. Any application that is used in tandem with an adult or a another child will be richer for the experience.
Margaret M. Williams - Margaret M. Williams (Peggy) has been a teacher for over 25 years. She currently teaches first grade in a classroom that combines native ...
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