Every summer, many bilingual families ask themselves the same question:
How can my child continue practising Spanish during the holidays without feeling like they’re doing homework?
For children growing up abroad, maintaining a language takes more than grammar exercises or occasional reading. It requires meaningful opportunities to communicate, express themselves and connect with others.
At Cucu Spanish, we wanted to create something different.
Something that encourages children to use Spanish naturally while making new friends and discovering the joy of writing.
That is how “Letters to My Spanish Friend” was born.
Why Summer Can Be Challenging for Bilingual Children
For many children, Spanish is part of their everyday school life during the academic year.
They speak it in class, complete assignments, prepare presentations or practise for their IB Spanish assessments.
However, once summer arrives, those opportunities often disappear.
Without regular interaction, children naturally begin to:
- use fewer Spanish words in daily conversations
- lose confidence when speaking
- forget recently acquired vocabulary
- write less frequently
- rely increasingly on their dominant language
This doesn’t mean they are forgetting Spanish altogether.
It simply means that, like any skill, language needs regular and meaningful practice.
This situation is especially common among:
- Bilingual families living abroad, where Spanish is one of several languages spoken at home.
- Expat children in Madrid, who often attend international schools where English becomes the dominant language outside Spanish lessons.
- IB Spanish students (Ab Initio, Spanish B SL and HL), who want to maintain their fluency before the new academic year.
- Children learning Spanish as an additional language, who benefit from continued exposure outside the classroom.
The good news is that keeping Spanish alive during the summer doesn’t require hours of study.
It requires opportunities to use the language for something that feels real.
Five Ways Children Keep Their Spanish Alive During the Summer
Parents often ask us what they can do to help their children maintain their Spanish over the holidays.
The answer is simpler than many people imagine.
The most effective activities are those that encourage children to use Spanish naturally and consistently.
1. Speak Spanish at Home Whenever Possible
Even short daily conversations during breakfast, cooking together or discussing holiday plans help reinforce vocabulary and confidence.
Consistency is far more valuable than long study sessions.
2. Read Books That Match Their Interests
Whether it’s comics, adventure novels or short stories, reading in Spanish expands vocabulary while helping children develop reading fluency without feeling like they’re studying.
3. Write to a Spanish Pen Pal
Writing with a real purpose is one of the most powerful ways to develop language skills.
When children know that another child is waiting to read their letter, writing becomes exciting rather than an academic exercise.
4. Join Conversation Activities
Games, online clubs, creative workshops or language exchanges provide opportunities to use Spanish in authentic situations while meeting other children.
5. Use Spanish for Real Communication
Ordering an ice cream, asking for directions, writing postcards or chatting with grandparents all help children understand that Spanish is a living language, not just a school subject.
The more meaningful the communication, the stronger the learning.
Why Writing Letters Is More Powerful Than Worksheets
Worksheets certainly have their place.
They help children practise grammar, spelling and vocabulary.
But language is not simply about completing exercises.
Language exists to communicate.
Writing letters gives children a genuine reason to use Spanish.
Instead of answering questions created by a textbook, they are writing to another child who is genuinely interested in what they have to say.
This simple difference changes everything.
Through letter writing, children naturally develop:
- Written communication skills by organising their ideas clearly.
- Reading comprehension as they interpret and respond to authentic messages.
- Vocabulary related to their own interests and everyday experiences.
- Confidence, knowing their Spanish is understood by another person.
- Creativity, as they describe holidays, hobbies and personal stories.
- Cultural awareness, discovering similarities and differences through friendship.
Perhaps most importantly, writing letters encourages patience, curiosity and empathy—skills that extend far beyond language learning.
Introducing “Letters to My Spanish Friend”
Letters to My Spanish Friend is Cucu Spanish’s summer pen pal project designed to help children continue using Spanish in a natural, enjoyable and meaningful way.
Each participant is carefully matched with another child of a similar age who shares comparable interests.
Over the summer, they exchange handwritten letters in Spanish, introducing themselves, talking about their hobbies, asking questions and gradually getting to know one another.
There are no grades.
No exams.
No pressure.
Just authentic communication.
Our role is simply to guide the process, encourage participation and make sure every child enjoys the experience while continuing to build confidence in Spanish.
Who Is This Project For?
Although every child learns differently, this project has been designed especially for families who want Spanish to remain an active part of everyday life during the holidays.
It is particularly suitable for:
International Families
Families raising multilingual children who want to maintain Spanish naturally while living abroad.
Expat Families in Madrid
Children attending international schools who have fewer opportunities to use Spanish outside the classroom during the summer.
IB Spanish Students
Students preparing for Spanish Ab Initio, Spanish B Standard Level or Spanish B Higher Level, who want to continue developing their written communication and confidence before returning to school.
Heritage Speakers
Children growing up with Spanish as part of their family identity who want to strengthen their literacy and maintain a meaningful connection with the language.
Children Learning Spanish Abroad
Young learners who simply enjoy Spanish and want to keep practising through friendship rather than traditional homework.
At Cucu Spanish, we believe children learn languages best when communication has a real purpose.
This summer, every letter becomes an opportunity to practise Spanish, discover new perspectives and build friendships that go beyond the classroom.
Because languages are not only learned.
They are shared.
Un abrazo,
Esther Amorós
Free Download: Spanish Pen Pal Pack (Comment and share this article to get it for Free)
Includes:
- ✨ Letter-writing prompts
- ✨ Vocabulary ideas
- ✨ A printable page to add a photo of your child’s letter
- ✨ Reflection questions in Spanish and English
Frequently Asked Questions
How can children practise Spanish during the summer?
The most effective approach combines small daily habits with meaningful communication. Reading, speaking at home, listening to Spanish, joining conversation activities and writing to a pen pal all help children maintain their language skills naturally.
How can bilingual children maintain Spanish?
Consistency is more important than intensity. Regular exposure through conversation, books, writing and authentic interaction helps bilingual children keep Spanish active while enjoying their summer holidays.
Is letter writing good for language learning?
Yes. Writing letters encourages children to use Spanish with a real purpose. It develops vocabulary, writing fluency, reading comprehension and confidence while making language learning enjoyable.
How can IB Spanish students improve their writing?
IB students benefit from writing regularly for authentic audiences rather than only completing classroom tasks. Letter writing encourages organisation of ideas, accuracy and natural written communication, all valuable skills for Spanish assessments.
What activities help children keep speaking Spanish?
Activities such as family conversations, reading, creative writing, language games, cultural experiences and pen pal exchanges provide meaningful opportunities to continue using Spanish throughout the summer.
How do bilingual children avoid losing Spanish over the summer?
The key is maintaining regular, enjoyable contact with the language. Children are far more likely to continue speaking Spanish when they associate it with friendship, curiosity and meaningful experiences rather than homework alone.