This episode is Part 2 of a heartfelt tribute to grandparents and the beautiful role they play in raising bilingual children.
In Part 1 (Episode 14), I shared personal stories, reflections, and the lasting legacy my dad created in our family. And today… we bring that love to life.
In this special episode, my dad and my youngest son read a bilingual book that’s close to our hearts:
“Todos Estamos Conectados / We Are All Connected” by Gabi Garcia.
This story gently reminds us that no matter how different we may seem, we are all deeply connected to one another, to nature, and to the world around us. It’s a message of empathy, belonging, and shared humanity.
Having my dad and my son read this story together was more than just recording an episode. It was a moment of joy, connection, and laughter.
A keepsake that we’ll treasure forever.
Un millón de gracias, Papi, por ser mi cómplice en esta idea.
Gracias por tu voz, tu tiempo, y tu amor.
Tu legado vive en nosotros.
📚 Book Info:
Todos Estamos Conectados / We Are All Connected
Written by: Gabi Garcia
Illustrated by: Natalia Jiménez Osorio
[🔗 Link to book – https://www.amazon.com/Connected-Estamos-Conectados-Bilingual-English/dp/1949633586]
🎧 Why This Episode Matters:
💛 Want to Try This at Home?
Record a loved one reading a story to your child.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to come from the heart.
Those little recordings? They become treasures. ❤️
Even if someone rolls their eyes at first or says, “I don’t want to do it,” (trust me, I’ve been there!), once they get caught up in the moment. The laughter, the fun, the connection. They’ll love it.
Because it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.
✨ New Here?
If you missed Part 1, listen to [Episode 14 – What Grandparents Teach Us About Language, Love, and Legacy].
Before You Go… Stay Tuned After the Reading!
We’ve included a few bloopers and outtakes at the end. Full of mistakes, giggles, and behind-the-scenes laughter. Because sometimes the best family memories are born in the imperfect moments. When things go off-script, we mess up the lines and just laugh together.
Perfectly imperfect and full of heart.
Coming Soon: Transforma
If you’re a parent or an adult starting the journey of learning Spanish yourself… I’ll soon be opening the doors to Transforma, my signature program for adults learning Spanish with clarity, heart, and support.
✨ I’m inviting only 10 founding members for this special first round.
It’s designed for real beginners. No pressure, no perfection. If you’d like early access to the priority list, send me an email at info@jencova.com.
¡Hasta la próxima! I can’t wait until we meet again!
Episode 14 – What Grandparents Teach Us About Language, Love, and Legacy
Today’s episode is a little different and one that’s been on my heart for a long time.
It’s both a tribute and a reminder.
A tribute to my dad, who has played a huge role in my life and in my children’s lives, and a heartfelt celebration of grandparents and the beautiful, often overlooked role they play in raising bilingual children.
It’s also a gentle reminder to all of us:
Grandparents matter more than we realize… especially in our bilingual journey.
We’ll explore the unique ways they shape language, culture, and connection — and why their presence, even from far away, can make a big difference.
You may think bilingual parenting is all about you… but what if grandparents are actually a missing link?
Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the imperfect, meaningful moments that create lasting bilingual bonds.
Inside This Episode:
Reflection Questions:
Coming Next:
A bilingual book reading, “We Are All Connected / Todos Estamos Conectados”, read by my dad.
This simple recording became a beautiful shared memory — and I can’t wait to share it with you.
An Invitation: If you’re a parent or an adult beginning your Spanish learning journey… I’ll soon be opening the doors to Transforma, my signature program for adults learning Spanish with clarity, heart, and support.
✨ I’m inviting just 10 founding members for this special first round.
It’s designed for real beginners — no pressure, no perfection — just a path that actually works.
Details will follow in the coming weeks, but if you’d like to be on the priority list,
send me an email at info@jencova.com.
Stick around in the next episodes a few bloopers from our recording session because life’s happiest moments are often found in the imperfect ones.
When things don’t go as planned...
When we mispronounce a word...
When we laugh at the same line over and over again...
That’s where the real joy is.
Perfectly imperfect — just like family.
Thank you for being here.
¡Hasta la próxima! I can’t wait until we meet again. 💛
In today’s magical episode, we join Luna la Mariposa as she explores the days of the week in Spanish — through colors, counting, and friendship! This bilingual story weaves in familiar vocabulary from past Luna episodes and introduces new phrases and expressions to help young learners build confidence and comprehension.
You’ll hear the story twice:
Whether you're listening at home or in the classroom, this episode is designed to make Spanish fun, natural, and memorable for your little learners.
What We’re Learning:
Free Printable Activity Pack
Download the matching printable pack to practice what you’ve learned:
👉 www.jencova.com/free-resources
This pack is perfect for reinforcing vocabulary, building sentences, and connecting the story to real language practice — whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver.
Previous Luna Stories:
Missed earlier episodes? Don’t worry! You can always go back and enjoy stories that teach:
Each comes with its own printable activity set — all available at the same link above.
Let’s Stay Connected:
If you’re enjoying the stories, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who wants to introduce Spanish at home.
Until next time…
¡Gracias por escuchar!
Buenas noches, Luna. Descansa. 💫
In today’s episode, we are reading a beautiful bilingual book for families: No tengas miedo / Don’t Be Afraid by Ingo Blum.
This story is perfect for families raising bilingual children, with the text presented in both Spanish and English—making it a gentle and meaningful read that helps build language and emotional vocabulary at the same time. This story is all about courage, kindness, and facing big feelings with love and understanding. It's a sweet reminder for little ones (and grown-ups, too!) that it’s okay to feel scared—and that with support, we can be brave.
In this special episode, I had two amazing guest voices who helped bring the story to life. A big thank you to Darciah Costa and Cristian Varela for sharing their voices, accents, and heart in this reading. I’m so grateful to have you as part of this journey. ¡Mil gracias!
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another family on their bilingual journey. Every listen helps us grow this beautiful community. ¡Gracias por estar aquí!
https://a.co/d/bv6ABse (Amazon link) - Note: This is not a sponsored episode. I don’t receive any commission for recommending this book. I just genuinely love it and think it’s a beautiful resource for bilingual families.
https://www.amazon.com/El-Ratoncito-Perez-Tooth-Fairy/dp/0545162270
This is the Spanish for Children and Families podcast. In today’s episode, we read one of my favorite books for bilingual families. "El Ratoncito Pérez y the Tooth Fairy" and/or “The Tooth Fairy and El Ratoncito Pérez”. The book is perfect for families raising bilingual children, with the text presented in both Spanish and English, making it an amazing read that celebrates the best of both worlds.
As shared in my last episode, this is such a cute bilingual book that brings together two beloved childhood traditions: El Ratoncito Pérez from Spanish-speaking cultures and the Tooth Fairy from English-speaking ones. The story follows the adventures of these two magical characters as they team up to collect a lost tooth, showcasing the values of teamwork, friendship, and cultural exchange.
In this special episode, I had the best accomplices—my children—who jumped in and brought the story to life by doing all the voices. A warm gracias, thank you to them for being the best companions. ¡Los amo infinitamente!
Welcome back to the Spanish for Children and Families podcast! In this exciting return episode, we dive into a topic that isn't often discussed but is crucial for many bilingual families: when the partner who doesn't speak Spanish feels excluded. As a Spanish language coach with over 21 years of experience, I share practical strategies and heartfelt advice to help you navigate these challenges and strengthen your family's bilingual journey.
Episode Highlights:
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.amazon.com/El-Ratoncito-Perez-Tooth-Fairy/dp/0545162270
Communication is key in any relationship, especially when raising bilingual children. By addressing these challenges openly and finding strategies that work for your family, you can ensure that both parents feel valued and involved in this beautiful journey.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Your feedback helps shape future episodes, and I’m always listening to your suggestions.
¡Hasta la próxima, familias! Keep planting those seeds and fostering bilingual magic in your home.
What's it like to raise bilingual children? Curious about the challenges and joys of juggling two languages at home?
Join us in today’s episode! My guest Lucia Garrett and I dive into our experiences raising bilingual kids. Lucia talks about her journey with bilingualism and how it has been to raise her children learning Spanish. Lucia stresses the importance of patience and consistency, even when faced with challenges. We chat about the ups and downs, the struggles of finding good resources for teaching Spanish, and how to overcome them. I also shared my own story about my son's language skills and a heartwarming moment when he was able to help a family having a difficult time communicating. We discuss the benefits of bilingualism, the importance of encouraging reading and writing in both languages, and how to stay positive and determined!
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Guest Lucia Garrett - Mother of a 4 year-old and 18 month-old
Spanish for Children and Families Social Media and Website:
Welcome back to "Spanish for Children and Families", your go-to podcast for bringing Spanish into your home in a fun and engaging way. In this episode, we're diving deeper into the journey of teaching Spanish at home, focusing on planning, flexibility, and tuning into your child’s interests.
Last Episode Recap:
We explored counting from 1 to 10 in Spanish and revisited colors and greetings with "El cumpleaños de Luna la Mariposa." Remember, you can find a free PDF with the story and worksheets on our website to help reinforce learning.
Today’s Focus: Enhancing Your Spanish Teaching Strategy
Structured vs. Flexible Planning:
Deep Dive into Interests:
Examples to Engage Every Learner:
Key Takeaways for a Rich Learning Experience:
Closing Thoughts:
As we wrap up today’s episode, remember that teaching Spanish at home is about more than just language; it’s about connecting with your child and embracing a world of new cultural experiences together. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll tackle navigating negative influences in language learning. Your journey to bilingualism is a profound gift to your child, filled with moments of joy, discovery, and connection.
Thank you for joining us on "Spanish for Children and Families." Until next time, keep embracing the beauty of Spanish in your family’s life. ¡Hasta luego!
www.jencova.com
¡Hola y bienvenidos! We're thrilled to have you join us again. If you missed our last episode, we explored part 1 of the significant realities of teaching Spanish at home, discussing the ups and downs of the learning journey and sharing six strategies to manage emotions. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 in our upcoming episodes.
Today's Episode: We are learning the numbers from 1 to 10!
We're diving into the world of numbers, learning how to count from 1 to 10 in Spanish. Alongside this new lesson, I am sharing a bilingual and Spanish-only story about Luna la Mariposa, followed by a fun activity for you to practice at home with family and friends. Plus, we've got a couple of worksheets available for download in PDF format to extend your learning. Ready to count with me?
Counting in Spanish: 1 to 10
Join us as we count in Spanish, starting with uno (1) and going up to diez (10). We'll say the number in English first, then in Spanish, pausing for you to repeat after us. Don't worry if you need extra practice; you can revisit this segment anytime.
Story Time: El Cumpleaños de Luna La Mariposa
It's Luna's birthday, and she's turning 10! To celebrate, we're sharing a special story about Luna and her friends practicing numbers in Spanish during a birthday scavenger hunt. Learn new words like "colibrí" (hummingbird), "tortuga" (turtle), "fiesta" (party), and "cumpleaños" (birthday) as you join Luna's celebration. The story is available in both bilingual and Spanish-only formats to help develop your listening and comprehension skills.
Activity: Your Own Scavenger Hunt
Inspired by Luna's story, we encourage you to conduct your own scavenger hunt at home. This engaging activity will help you practice the numbers and vocabulary learned today. Whether you're preparing for a fictional friend's birthday party or just having fun, this scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to apply what you've learned.
Free Resources
Don't forget to visit our website at www.jencova.com to download the free resource accompanying this episode. You'll find the story in both its bilingual and Spanish versions, a coloring sheet, and matching worksheets to practice the scavenger hunt vocabulary.
We hope today's episode has been both educational and entertaining, making your journey into Spanish more enjoyable. Remember, learning a new language is a journey filled with small victories, and every number you learn opens up new possibilities for communication and fun.
Thank you for tuning in to "Spanish for Children and Families." Espero que tengas un buen día, and we look forward to joining me for more language adventures. ¡Hasta luego!
Welcome to Episode 6 of Spanish for Children and Families! Whether it's morning, afternoon, or night where you are, I'm thrilled to have you join us! In this episode, we take a slight detour from our language lessons to address something equally important: the emotional and practical aspects of teaching Spanish at home.
In this episode, we reflect on last week's exploration of greetings, colors, and the enchanting story of Luna la Mariposa, which we offered both in Spanish and a bilingual version, with a free PDF available for download at our website, www.jencova.com. We deeply appreciate your invaluable suggestions, questions, and feedback, which you can continue to send to info@jencova.com.
Today, we pivot from our planned lesson on numbers 1 to 10, which I will cover soon, to address a heartfelt message from a listener who is navigating the challenges of teaching Spanish to her 6-year-old at home, dedicating this episode to anyone facing similar hurdles. We delve into acknowledging difficulties, addressing feelings of shame and frustration, and the importance of being ready to adapt our teaching strategies. We also discuss setting realistic expectations by understanding each child's unique growth path and the significance of celebrating every small victory along the way. Additionally, we offer strategies for managing emotions, including normalizing mistakes, setting achievable goals, and practicing self-compassion. Looking ahead, we preview Part Two, where we will explore planning ahead, tuning into your child's interests, and dealing with negative influences, continuing our journey into the realities of teaching Spanish at home.
Key Takeaways:
Teaching and learning Spanish at home is a journey with its ups and downs. It's crucial to acknowledge the challenges and learn from them.
Resources Mentioned:
Next Episode Preview:
Don't miss Part Two of "The Realities of Teaching Spanish at Home," where we'll look deeper into planning, engaging your child's interests, and navigating through negative influences.
Thank you for listening to Spanish for Children and Families. Remember, it's okay to take breaks and breathe, but don't give up on this rewarding journey. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Show Notes for Episode 5: Greetings and Colors in Spanish
Welcome back to "Spanish for Children and Families," In this fifth episode, we explore basic greetings and the colorful spectrum of colors. Join us as we lay down the foundational blocks for daily communication and share the enchanting story of Luna la Mariposa, accompanied by printable resources to enhance your learning experience.
In This Episode:
¡Espero que tengas un buen día! I hope you have a great day! Hasta la próxima! See you soon!
What if I told you there's a theory that can revolutionize the way you approach learning Spanish? Get ready for a linguistic adventure as we explore the magic of Comprehensible Input (CI) in today's episode.
In this episode, I talk about the transformative power of comprehensible input and its impact on learning Spanish, changing the way families approach language acquisition. I contrast the traditional method, filled with grammar drills and vocabulary memorization, with the more natural and immersive approach of CI.
CI creates an immersive and enjoyable learning experience, breaking down language barriers and promoting shared language adventures. It facilitates gradual progress, boosting confidence and motivation for learners of all ages. CI integrates into daily life, ensuring consistent and natural language exposure, and creating a positive association with the Spanish language.
In the latter part of the episode, I introduce a 10-Day Challenge designed for families wanting to infuse their daily routines with Spanish, incorporating CI and other language learning methodologies. This challenge covers greetings, introductions, and the Family Unit, providing lesson plans, activities, practice exercises, flashcards, and audios. Each day focuses on different aspects of CI application, building a strong foundation for language acquisition.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Thanks for joining me on this language journey! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends. Hasta la próxima!
Have you ever wanted to teach your children Spanish at home but found it challenging?
In this episode, I explore the complexities parents face when teaching Spanish to their kids at home. I discuss five primary challenges: consistency, bilingual confidence, engagement, potential resistance, and adapting to different learning styles. Each challenge presents unique hurdles but also opportunities for growth and connection. From establishing a regular schedule to incorporating interactive activities and celebrating successes, I offer practical strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Key takeaways:
· Consistency is key in establishing a routine for Spanish activities at home.
· Embrace the learning journey alongside your child to make it a shared experience.
· Incorporate fun and interactive elements like games, music, and storytelling into lessons.
· Celebrate small victories to foster a positive attitude towards language learning.
· Adapt teaching methods based on your child's unique learning style for an effective learning experience.
Resources:
· Join the Facebook group "Mundo Fantástico, Spanish for Children" for additional resources and support.
· Email us at info@jencova.com
Have you ever considered the profound impact of brain plasticity on a child's ability to learn Spanish and how it influences their cognitive development?
In this episode of the "Spanish for Children and Family" podcast, I explore the concept of brain plasticity and its connection to learning Spanish.
Brain plasticity is especially powerful during childhood. Neuroplasticity, as it's known, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning and experiences. The early years, marked by high plasticity, create an ideal phase for language acquisition, laying the groundwork for learning languages like Spanish effortlessly.
However, it's not solely about language skills but also about nurturing an appreciation for culture, fostering empathy, and preparing the brain for future language learning endeavors.
I provide actionable insights for parents or caregivers, focusing on exposure, consistency, and engagement as key elements in facilitating effective language learning. Parents: embarking on the learning journey alongside their children, even without fluency, can be enriching for both parties.
Key takeaways:
· Brain plasticity in childhood facilitates efficient language acquisition, especially for learning Spanish.
· Introducing Spanish early fosters cultural understanding and creates opportunities for future language learning.
· Parents' engagement and a language-rich environment are key in facilitating effective language learning.
Resources:
· Book Recommendation: "The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
· Join the Facebook group "Mundo Fantástico, Spanish for Children" for additional resources and support.
· Email us at info@jencova.com
Thank you for joining me on another insightful episode of the "Spanish for Children and Family" podcast. If you found this helpful, remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends. Let's continue this amazing journey together. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Have you ever wondered why it's crucial to introduce Spanish to children at home? Join me as we explore the profound significance of teaching Spanish to children and the incredible impact it can have on their lives.
In this episode, I approach the questions and uncertainties parents often face when considering how and when to start teaching their children Spanish. I also emphasize the vast cultural opportunities and the global perspective that come with learning Spanish.
The first step is seeing the home environment as the initial classroom for a child. I stress the comfort and familiarity of home as an ideal setting for language learning, where you integrate Spanish into daily routines to create a natural learning atmosphere for children. While acknowledging challenges like consistency and resource accessibility, I emphasize the immense rewards that persist through these challenges can offer.
The conversation extends to both families with existing Spanish knowledge and those without, assuring that fluency isn't a prerequisite to kickstart a child's language journey. I stress the abundance of resources available for families embarking on this language adventure together, and I remark on the shared experience as a bonding opportunity and a model for lifelong learning.
Starting the Spanish learning journey early shapes not only the child but the entire family. It's a discovery path that connects hearts through words, fostering a love for language that transcends generations.
Key takeaways:
· Early exposure to Spanish enhances cognitive skills and cultural understanding.
· Brain plasticity in childhood is pivotal for language acquisition.
· Teaching Spanish at home is a comprehensive journey shaping open-minded, globally aware individuals.
Resources:
· Join the Facebook group "Mundo Fantástico, Spanish for Children" for additional resources and support.
· Stay updated on upcoming free challenges and access additional resources.
· Email us at info@jencova.com
Thank you for tuning in to another episode of the "Spanish for Children and Family" podcast. If you found this helpful, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends. I'm looking forward to sharing more insights with you in the next episode. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Jenny Corredor Varela is a native speaker, Spanish coach, and program creator. With more than 21 years of experience, she has helped children, adults, and families learn this beautiful language whether they speak Spanish at home or not. In the Spanish for Children and Families podcast, she shares great tips for language acquisition, overcoming challenges, and raising bilingual children. She also shares Spanish lessons and helpful resources.