In this post: Learn how to read to your child in Spanish with Spanish books for beginners, the Montessori Three-Period Lesson, and other tips for parents.
Reading aloud in Spanish can feel intimidating, especially if you’re still learning the language or its pronunciation. And on top of that, you may be wondering how to keep your child engaged while you read.
Good news—Spanish read-aloud time can be simple, fun, and highly effective for language learning.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to read aloud in Spanish using beginner-friendly Spanish books for kids, strategic repetition, and the Montessori Three-Period Lesson. These tips are perfect for parents raising bilingual children or introducing Spanish at home—even if you don’t speak Spanish fluently.
Table of Contents
Choosing Beginner Spanish Books for Kids
With so many Spanish children’s titles available, choosing the right books to introduce a new language can feel overwhelming.
Of course, we want books that are developmentally appropriate—think clear illustrations, simple text, and a manageable words-per-page count. Beautiful illustrations also help keep little readers engaged.
But here are two essential things to prioritize when choosing Spanish beginner books for kids:
- Thematic vocabulary
- Repetitive language structures
Do I Need to Be Fluent in Spanish to Read to My Child?
You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to read to your child! As long as you understand some of the basics and Spanish pronunciation, there are many simple Spanish books for kids that are easy for beginners to read aloud.
Related post: Best Children’s Spanish Beginners Books
Tip 1: start with Thematic Spanish Books
Themed learning is powerful for second-language acquisition because it organizes new vocabulary into meaningful topics.
Here are three books from our bilingual bookshop that we recommend for themed beginners’ Spanish vocabulary:
- Los Colores for learning the names of colors in Spanish
- Las Formas for learning the names of shapes in Spanish
- Cuenta hasta 100 for learning to count in Spanish.
These titles give children an easy entry point by focusing on one topic at a time.
If your child is starting to learn to read on their own, it may be time to explore our favorite Spanish Readers and Leveled Books!
Tip 2: Choose Repetitive Spanish Books
Repetition is one of the strongest tools for language learning. When children hear the same structure again and again, their brains naturally absorb new vocabulary.
Here are some of our favorite beginner Spanish books with lots of repetition for kids:
Llamitas Spanish Level 1 Readers
In our Level 1 curriculum, we include a series of 24 mini readers which provide ample opportunity for vocabulary practice. Each reader corresponds to a unit in the curriculum and practices vocabulary, verbs, and grammar through beautifully illustrated, short readers.
La Oruga Muy Hambrienta is an all-time favorite picture book of kids everywhere, offering plenty of repetition as the caterpillar eats his way through the weekdays.
Oso Pardo Oso Pardo qué ves ahi is another great board book to start with that’s loaded with repetition, rhythm, and Spanish vocabulary.
¡Perros! ¡Perros! Dogs! Dogs! is also a fun picture book with plenty of simple adjectives and verbs to repeat.
Besos for Baby and Sonrisas for Baby are both simple board books great for toddlers if you’re looking for a bilingual option.
How Often Should I Read in Spanish to My Child?
While any amount of reading you can do helps, it’s a great idea to read to your child in Spanish daily—even if just for a few minutes. The repetition of comprehensible input helps to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures for your child.
One of the easiest ways to fit reading into your busy schedule is by incorporating it into your bedtime routine!
Related post: Bedtime Routines in Spanish
Tips for Reading Aloud in Spanish
Now you have your thoughtfully selected books, you’re ready to read! But how?
Tip 3: Use the Montessori 3-Period Lesson While Reading Aloud
The Montessori Three-Period Lesson is great for language acquisition, and it’s really quite simple. With this method, new vocabulary is introduced in three steps, or “periods”:
First Period: Naming
- First, the parent names the word.
- Example: “Es un perro.” (It’s a dog.)
Second Period: Recognition
- The child then identifies the word or object.
- Example: “¿Dónde está el perro?” (Where is the dog?)
Third Period: Recall
- Finally, the child can name the object on their own.
- Example: “¿Qué es?” (What is it?)
If you want to explore the Montessori method further, we also recommend The Montessori Notebook and The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies.
Related post: Montessori Spanish Lessons for the Early Years
Tip 4: Let Your Child Set the Reading Pace
It’s easy to rush through a book when you’re worried about losing your child’s attention, but children stay engaged when they feel in control.
Here are a few simple strategies you can use to encourage engagement:
- Let them turn the pages
- Pause when they’re curious
- Follow their interests
- Embrace repetition—even if it means reading Oso Pardo twenty times
Repetition is not only normal—it’s beneficial for language learning.
What If My Child Doesn’t Sit Through the Whole Book?
If you have an active kid who can’t sit still through an entire book, don’t force it. The next time you have storytime, there are a few techniques you can try to keep your little one engaged. For example, Scholastic recommends incorporating movement, dressing up, or even trying different formats like audiobooks.
Related post: Spanish Audiobooks for Kids
Final Thoughts: You Can Read Aloud in Spanish (Even as a Beginner!)
With thoughtful book choices, simple Montessori strategies, and a child-led pace, reading aloud in Spanish becomes an enjoyable bonding experience—not something stressful.
Make it fun, stay consistent, and keep the focus on connection. ¡Feliz lectura! Happy reading!
Keeping Reading! Related Posts:
Best Children’s Spanish Books for Beginners
How to Raise a Bilingual Child
How to Help Your Bilingual Struggling Reader
Founder of the Llamitas Spanish® Curriculum and former Spanish teacher. Corrie holds two Master Degrees in Spanish and Education. She lives in San Diego, California with her husband and two bilingual children.