Spanish Classes for Kids
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
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2013 Recommendations
2010 - 2012 Recommendations
After school classes in Spanish
April 2011
Looking for recommendations for high-quality afterschool programs in Spanish that provide a variety of enrichment activities and outdoor fun in the general Berkeley/Oakland area for grades K-5 kids. Most interested in programs that go from end of school day until about 5:30 or 6pm. Homework support in Spanish a plus. working parent
Escuela Bilingue Internacional on Alcatraz below College in Oakland has after school programs in their Spanish immersion school that goes from preschool to 8th grade. I'm not sure if their school year program is open to students outside their school, but they definitely have * summer school * in Spanish open to preschool and elementary school kids. Two week sessions are morning, afternoon, or both. - happy parent
Editor Note: responses were also received from these businesses: Lango Kids and Viva el Espanol.
Spanish Class for a 5 year old
April 2010
I am looking for a spanish class for a 5 year old. Not a summer camp where he would have to go every day. Just a once a week class in Berkeley or the West Contra Costa area.
Lango has a bunch of Spanish classes for elementary aged kids. You can check out the current schedule at www.langokids.com and see if there are any that match your schedule. If not, you can always ask about adding other days/times. Cheryl
Feb 2010
hello. i am looking for a place and/or person to work with my son in learning spanish on-going & long-term. any recommendations for an after school class, personal teacher or leaning group? gracias! leslie
Hola, You should really check out 'Viva El Espanol' learning Center.They have a variety of locations in the Bay Area, but their main campus is in Lafayette. The teachers are wonderful and the classes are really fun and innovative. My children have been attending sessions for the past 3 yrs (they are 5 and 6yrs old) and are Bilingual.They're website is www.vivaelespanol.org , their phone number is (925)962-9177. Hope this helps! Denise
Lango offers Spanish classes (also French and Mandarin) all over the Bay Area - various times and locations. www.langokids.com Cheryl
2007 - 2009 Recommendations
May 2007
Hi. Does anyone have any recent recommendations for Spanish classes for pre-school/kindergarten age (other then programs offered at EBI). Looking for something in East Bay....I heard of new group that started locally but can't find any info. on them!? Monique
Lango has spanish classes for kids in Oakland and Berkeley. My 2 and 4 year old have been going for a month, but they also offer classes for older kids, up to 8 or 9 years.. The website is langokids.com Justin
Try Centro Latino on San Pablo Ave at Dwight Way. The class sizes are small.
I'm looking for Spanish classes for my 5-year old . I'd like her to be in a group with other kids.I live in San Leandro, and could travel to Oakland, Berkeley, or Hayward. Any leads? Joseph
Centro Latino in Berkeley (849-4504; www.cenlatino.com) has group classes for children. I heard of them thru a friend of a friend and don't know about the quality of the classes. Jennifer
Spanish for preschooler
Dec 2008
We would like our 3-year old to learn some spanish. She's in preschool already so we'd like a supplemental class that meets once a week, and is in Berkeley or North Oakland (hopefully in the south berkeley/elmwood/rockridge area). We are looking for a class we can drop her off at (doesn't require parent participation). The archives list Habitot classes, but Habitot doesn't appear to offer spanish any more, and the Richmond classes are too far away. Thanks! -anon
I know of a great language program for kids that has several locations across the Bay, including Berkeley/North Oakland. Lango is a language immersion program that uses art, music and games to teach kids a foreign language in a fun, enaging manner. You can find out more about Lango at their website www.langokids.com. Hope that helps! Ginella
Hi there, Viva el Espanol is a great program for infants through adults. Their home base is in Lafayette but their teachers travel to different locations. They come to Point Richmond's Fieldhouse on Mondays, from 11-11:50am, for a parent and me art class. This class is for 1 - 3 year olds with caregiver. Otherwise, they also come for a pre/K Spanish class on Fridays, from either 3-3:50pm or 3-4:50pm (the extended version). This class is for 3 years and older, with no parent participation. Your first class is always free. The Point Richmond Fieldhouse is at: 110 E Richmond Ave, Richmond, CA 94801. Their website is: www.vivaelespanol.org.
Hi- I can highly recommend,''Viva EL Espanol'', in Lafayette. There are also ''Viva El Espanol''full immersion classes peppered in various cities in the Bay Area.There are classes available for all ages,reasonable prices, very flexible and make learning FUN!My children,ages 4 and 5 yrs old, have been attending the Lafayette campus for almost 3 years and are now Bilingual.And,''Viva''classes are also incorporated in a variety Public Schools, including, my daughter's Oakland Public School,in the Bay Area.Check them out!The phone number is (925)962-9177, the website is www.LamorindaSpanish.com Denise
After-school Spanish for a 5-year-old?
March 2008
I am looking for a Spanish program for my 5 YO daughter during the school year, either after-school or on Saturdays. Can anyone recommend a program (preferably in Berkeley, Albany, or El Cerrito; possibly in Richmond or Oakland)? Also, does anyone know of a good Spanish immersion summer camp (for next summer and beyond) that they can recommend? Thanks! Lori
My almost 5 year old son is finishing up his second week at Camp Lango , a Spanish immersion camp. I was nervous about sending my son to something new and the director, Michael Fee, answered all my questions and was very reassuring. With no previous Spanish experience, my son is learning so much and having a lot of fun. The counselors have been very skilled, kind and energetic. The activities and music program are organized and well thought out. Here is Lango's website: http://www.langokids.com/. The contact phone number is 888-445-2646. Stephanie
Spanish classes for my 3 year old
Nov 2007
I am looking for Spanish play classes or private classes for my 3 year old in the Piedmont area. I know that the Piedmont Recreation Center has one during the day but we would like something after 1 pm. Any recommendations for private tutors that can make it fun for a toddler would be great. He understands Spanish. Thanks Maisy
My son just turned three and we've been taking Spanish classes for several months at Lamorinda Spanish/Viva el Espanol at the Lafayette campus (their main place.). The do have classes in Oakland as well, but I'm not sure where. We live in Emeryville so its a little bit of a trek for us but well worth it. They are wonderful! The teachers speak to the students totally in Spanish and do lots of ''showing'' with their hands to get their point across. You can take a free trial class to check it out. They have several Parent & Me classes for Arte and Musica and pre-K classes as well. They also have classes for older children & teens. He really likes it and so do I. You can check them out online at Lamorindaspanish.com julie
i have to also highly recommend Viva el Espanol in Lafayette! They are an amazing group of teachers and the classes are geared for tots to 8th graders; they are also now offering adult classes. So, you can be in your own class while your 3 year old is in his/her own class at the same time. The classes are in 100% Spanish. My son has done the parent/toddler music class, the parent/toddler art class and is now doing the preschool class on his own and loving it. So, while it's also a trek for us to go to Lafayette, it's well worth the time. If we can't send my son to a dual immersion school, this is the second best thing. Visit them online at: http://www.lamorindaspanish.com viva el espanol fan
2004 - 2006 Recommendations
Summer Spanish Classes Lamorinda
June 2006
I'm looking for fun summer Spanish lessons in Moraga/Lafayette/Orinda for an elementary age child who has never studied before. I saw some classes offered through local community centers but they focus on preschool-K age kids. Any ideas? I'd love to find someplace close by where we can enroll during the school year as well.
Viva el Espanol in Lafayette is running camps this summer, as well as daily classes during the summer and throughout the school year. They have classes for all ages, including a dedicated class for elementary aged kids. My two kids ages 5 & 8 are enrolled in the ''Under the Sea'' camp this week and are loving it. They will participate in ''Bugs Life'' next week. They have been enrolled in the dialy classes all of last year. I'm very impressed by the teachers, and the curriculum involves music and art so it is very fun for the kids. Their website is www.LamorindaSpanish.com
Spanish classes for toddlers
Jan 2006
I am looking into Spanish classes for my twins. I am hoping to find classes, locally that start teaching kids around 2 years of age. Any recommendations?? isabella
Please check out HABITOT. Call and ask to speak to Caroline Lacey. There are two classes that meet on Monday afternoons. The first is EXPLORANDO ESPANOL. This class meets Monday 3- 3:45. The second class that they are still trying to enroll is NINOS EN LA COCINA. It is a cooking class for children. This one will meet 4-4:45 if they can get the enrollment up. The teacher is Liza Sanchez, and she is wonderful. My son loves it. As far as ages, they really want kids close to 3, but if your 2's were close to 3, I bet they would be accepted. LR
PRAM runs Spanish classes for children aged 3 and up (they have to be able to attend independently). Classes are ongoing throughout the year and hopefully they'll continue next year when you're children are older. You can get more info from www.PRAM.net They're located in Pt. Richmond at 110 E. Richmond Ave. buena suerte
we take a great class in Pt. Richmond offered by PRAM on Thursday afternoons from 3:30-4:15 at the Fieldhouse. You can call for info (510)620-6843, but I have found them less than responsive, so I just showed up one day & signed up. the teacher, Rosie, is great. all the kids love the class. they learn common vocabulary words, incorporate art projects, food, etc. she even does little parties for the holidays. it is very affordable- $40 for 8 sessions. your kids do need to be able to attend by themselves (ie parents are not allowed to stay- the instructor has found the kids are better able to focus) buena suerte, mama of a spanish learnin' 3 year old
Orinda Community Center has a wonderful Spanish class offered for toddlers ages 2-4 and their caregivers. It is a class made up of singing, playing games and creating art while learning Spanish. Taught Fri. from 11:30-12:15 pm. from 1/20-3/24. Cost is $109 for non-residents of Orinda. There is also lots of free parking and a great park to play in right outside of the class when the lesson is done. If you like it, the class continues 4/21-6/2 for $85. There is still space, it is not too late to get in. Call 925-254-2445 to register. Address: 26 Orinda Way, Orinda CA (right off the BART line.) Mom into Spanish
2003 & Earlier
Maintaining kids' Spanish after a year in Ecuador
June 2003
We've been living in Ecuador for the last year with our two daughters, ages 5 and 8, and they are now rattling away in Spanish to each other and friends. We will be returning to Oakland this summer and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about how to keep up their Spanish when we are back. I can't think of any obvious way to maintain their Spanish effectivley. If we lived in Berkeley we would do everything we could to get them in one of the immersion programs. But Oakland, and Chabot, (their school), has no immersion programs. I have never heard of a Spanish Bilingual private school in the East Bay. Is there one? Having them take an afternoon class a week doesn't seem like much. We have friends that they can talk with but its not the same as full day immersion in Spanish (Our Spanish is passable but not good enough to conduct our home lives in Spanish). Any thoughts? Thanks, Liz
I would try to have your children make friends with Spanish speaking children at school and invite them over for after-school play as often as possible. Try to encourage them to watch Spanish-language TV. Unfortunately there aren't many good children programs on network TV (though they do have cartoons), so you may want to check into cable-TV offerings. buena suerte! anon
We have a similar circumstance as you -- we have spent a sabbatical year living in Mexico, returning in August, and now have a 5 year old son who speaks Spanish much better then we do. (How do they get that subjunctive tense!??) Though we live in Berkeley we are sad that we didn't get into the Cragmont immersion program as it would have been a natural extension for him (grumble grumble at the school choice lottery...)
But to assure that he continues to be truly bilingual we are doing several things: 1) It may be impractical for you, but we are bringing back a Mexican student to live with us, enjoy a California adventure, and speak only Spanish with our son. At the least you might try to find an occasional babysitter who can speak spanish with your children. Also, lots of Cal students speak spanish and you might ''employ'' one to come over to talk with your kids afew times a week. 2) Before we left Berkeley, my son took a Saturday kids class at Centro Latino. Perhaps they will offer a more ''advanced spanish'' course for kids like ours if we get enough interest. Also, Habitot Children's Museum in Berkeley is starting a spanish language class -- ditto re influencing them to hold an ''advanced class'' as their classes are always great. 3) I know of at least one other child in Berkeley/Oakland who is spanish-english bilinqual -- I am sure there are MANY -- perhaps we can organize a play group when we get back?? The rule: solo hablando en espanol! Anybody interested please feel free to send me a personal email. Felicidades on giving your children the gift of two languages! Kathy
There are wonderful new spanish lessons for 1-14 year olds in both Lafayette and Piedmont put on by 1 Worldly Wise Language & Culture Organization. The classes are for beginners & those with experience and kids have a lot of fun doing what they like to do in Spanish with age-appropriate activities. Check out the website at www.1worldlc.org chris
Spanish for 1-3 year olds
June 2003
I am looking for videos that teach young children basic spanish. I do not speak/understand spanish myself. Individual videos or a series would be great. Please let me know where these videos are available also. Any recommendtions would be appreciated. Princess3kaz
OK, I am not sure how old your kid is, so I am giving some for different ages. Your local children's librarian can give you sepcific choices based on your kid's age. My list is not exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination.
Bilingual Baby Spanish So Smart! Spanish Lyric Language Spanish Peli the Clown
There are also some nice tape/CD kits with books that you can use if your kid is older. denise
How to teach Spanish to a 2.5 year old
April 2003
We would love to teach our children spanish. Any suggestions for books, tapes/CDs, videos or other inexpensive methods to teach a 2 1/2 year old? We looked into classes but can't believe a one hour ''spanish play group'' for $16 once a week will teach him spanish. anon
Have you checked into the Spanish TV stations and Sesame Street in Spanish? It's called Plaza del Sesamo and your child will probably pick up a lot by watching. Totally free! Elaine
January 2003
I am looking for CDs or tapes to help my 1 year olds learn Spanish. ginnyfine
Jose-Luis Orozco makes great spanish children's music. I believe he has several CD's on the market. Linnea
May 2002
I would love to introduct my children to the basics of the Spanish language, with a fun class including music. Does anybody know of something like this? Thank you! Michelle
Does anyone know of a local (East Bay) Spanish class for children younger than 3? The archives contain a brief recommendation for Centro Latino in Berkeley, but their youngest students are 3, and my daughter's just turning 2. I'd like to find out whether there's anything local that's the sort of mommy-and-me type of play-based language course that a friend is doing with her delighted 2-year-old in Portland. Thanks. Darcy
Try tuning to the Spanish TV station when Plaza del Sesame (Sesame Street) is on. My husband is from Mexico City and we wanted my son to learn Spanish. The program is identical to the English version of Sesame Street, only conducted totally in Spanish, of course! My son is 7 now and can translate conversational Spanish for me, so it has helped a great deal. EB
well, my almost 3 y.o. daughter is English-Spanish bilingual (Enlish dominant)... here are my recs: although i think muzzy has a horribly sexist, classist story line (not to mention the fat/thin thing goign on with the female characters), i have to say that my kid loves it, particularly the audio tape (just the audio from the videos) that we play at least twice a week in the car. the videos look like they were made in 1985 or so, but again, she loves 'em. they've been well worth the rather high price.
we also have 3 or 4 disney 'canta con nosotrsos'' videos, and she likes one for a month or two and then changes her mind... they occasionally have some scary song/scenes (well, scary for my kid), but the rhythms are great--they're disney songs! the only other i can speak to is the ''family circus learns spanish'' (or something similar). inadvisably bought at barnes & noble on a whim--cheesy, hard to follow songs (hard to follow in English AND in spanish), kids doing cheesy things... one more thing: if you don't have them, jose luis orozco's De Colores, an audio tape and a book (sold separately) are great, and everyone--my mother, my aunts, my kid--loves the songs. jessica
I have tried a few Spanish videos with my daughter (20 months) and her favorite is So Smart! Baby Language School - www.sosmart.com. It is all music set to simple animations - no plain speech. She is mesmerized by the cartoons and loves the songs. She has even picked up a few words. The Bilingual Baby videos are also good - http://www.small- fry.com/bilingualbaby.html. This is all speech with classical background music and live children acting out the words and phrases. The video teaches one words at a time, then puts them together to make a sentence. Plaza Sesamo videos are great if your child likes Sesame Street. A lot of the same characters are in both, and some of the same songs are just dubbed. Other songs and characters are unique to Plaza Sesamo. The videos are hard to find, but 30 min episodes are on KTEH at 7am on Sundays.
You can always get copies of favorite Disney movies dubbed in Spanish, but I have found those to be less interesting for toddlers. We do have a Spanish-dubbed copy of Blue's Clues that my daughter enjoys, but Steve's mismatched lips and voice drive me crazy! Jaime