Apps for learning Spanish for kids (not Duolingo).

May 15, 2019 10:26 AM

What are good apps for learning Spanish that are suitable for kids and go to a more advanced level than Duolingo Kids?

My daughter (age 9) just completed the Duolingo Kids Spanish sequence. It worked very well for her - lots of positive reinforcement, fun, a bit silly; low- to no-stress. But: it ended too far soon. She completed all the subject sets (there are just 5) in a week or two.

I want to keep up the momentum, and so does she. Are there other good language-learning apps (iOS), suitable for kids, that go beyond where Duolingo leaves off?

Suggestions of other approaches for language learning for kids are also welcome, but the iPad/phone-based approach makes it super easy to fit into our schedules, which has a big value (it drastically increases the odds that it actually happens).

She is French-English bilingual, in case that information makes a difference for your replies.

posted by louigi to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

I don't know how good it is because I've only just downloaded it, but an app called Mango Languages looks promising. I am playing around with it a little because my son has shown some aptitude for Spanish, and my own Spanish could use some brushing up.

The risk for me was nil, as the app is available from my local (county) library. Perhaps similar things are available to you from your libraries?
posted by Dr. Wu at 1:08 PM on May 15, 2019

At the risk of being too obvious, is regular Duolingo an option? In my experience the app is kid-friendly and highly colorful and gamified, to the point that I'm surprised to learn they have a separate app just for kids. While it might be more challenging, it's still very basic compared to a full-fledged elementary school language class, and she could always just skip irrelevant or difficult sections.
posted by Rhaomi at 11:48 PM on May 15, 2019 [1 favorite]

I know parents who have enrolled their English-speaking kids in predominantly Latino youth immigrant soccer leagues for the purposes of gaining or accelerating their Spanish fluency. At that age, kids can still soak up the language quickly and naturally. Plus a lot of language learning requires picking up on cultural cues, idioms, eye/hand expressions that go with certain phrases. I know it's not an app but if she's already fluent in French, Spanish has a very similar grammar. Maybe look at local Spanish-language newspapers, community centers, grocery stores for notices.
posted by caveatz at 8:03 AM on May 16, 2019