Summer is a wonderful season for young children to explore, imagine, and grow. But beyond just fun in the sun, this time of year also offers unique opportunities for early learners to expand their language skills through play. At Rayito de Sol, our fully immersive Spanish preschool uses every season—including summer—as a chance to reinforce vocabulary, listening, and communication.
If you’re wondering how to keep your child learning during the break, here are three engaging activities for preschoolers in summer that not only entertain but also encourage Spanish language development.
1. Nature Exploration Walks (Paseos por la Naturaleza)
One of the simplest yet most enriching summer activities is a nature walk. Whether it’s a city park, a backyard, or a local trail, the outdoors is full of opportunities for your child to recognize and use the Spanish words they’ve learned in class.
How to do it:
- Encourage your child to name what they see—in Spanish—just like they do at school.
- Ask them to teach you the Spanish word for something, even if you don’t know it yourself.
- Use descriptive words they’ve learned in class, such as grande/pequeño (big/small) or rápido/lento (fast/slow).
Skills reinforced:
- Vocabulary recall
- Listening and comprehension
- Descriptive language
Tip: You don’t need to correct pronunciation or grammar—just showing interest and letting your child be the “teacher” boosts their confidence.
2. Spanish Storytime Picnic (Picnic con Cuentos en Español)
Combine the joy of outdoor picnics with the power of storytelling. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you can enjoy this activity by using books your child is familiar with from school or those with strong visual cues.
How to do it:
- Choose Spanish books with engaging pictures and simple plots (your child can help select them).
- Let your child “read” to you, describing pictures and retelling the story in their own words.
- Ask them what certain words mean or to point to objects you name in English—helping connect the languages in their mind.
Skills reinforced:
- Narrative skills
- Sentence formation
- Reading comprehension
Listening to Spanish—even without full understanding—is valuable exposure that supports long-term fluency.
3. Water Play with Spanish Commands (Juego con Agua y Órdenes en Español)
Water play is a preschool favorite—and a great way to encourage your child to recall commands and vocabulary they’ve learned at Rayito de Sol.
How to do it:
- Set up a safe water play space with buckets, sponges, toy boats, and cups.
- Invite your child to tell you what to do in Spanish—“Fill the cup,” “Make a wave,” etc.—as they remember from class.
- Ask them to explain the meaning of the words, turning play into a mini teaching session for you.
Skills reinforced:
- Verb recognition
- Following directions
- Conversational turn-taking
Why Language Matters in Summer Play
At Rayito de Sol, we believe language is learned best through experience. Our Spanish immersion preschool uses songs, stories, routines, and play to create a rich language environment where children learn Spanish naturally. Summer play is no different.
By asking questions, showing interest, and letting your child share their new knowledge, you help strengthen the skills they’ve built at school. Whether they’re splashing in the water, exploring nature, or telling a story, every moment is a chance to build confidence and deepen language understanding.
Schedule a Tour and See the Rayito de Sol Difference
Looking for a preschool that nurtures your child’s language development while encouraging creativity and play?
Rayito de Sol offers a vibrant, fully Spanish-immersion environment where preschoolers learn through movement, culture, and joy. Our summer and year-round programs are designed to help children thrive linguistically, socially, and emotionally.
Schedule a tour today to learn more about our unique approach to preschool education and give your child a summer filled with language, laughter, and learning!
