Introduction
Disney’s Encanto isn’t just a visually stunning film—it’s also a goldmine for teaching Spanish. Set in Colombia, the movie weaves Spanish phrases, cultural references, and vibrant songs into its storytelling. Whether you’re introducing kids to Spanish for the first time or reinforcing their vocabulary, Encanto provides the perfect blend of language learning and fun. Let’s explore how to use this magical film as a teaching tool.
1. Why Encanto Is Perfect for Spanish Learning
- Spanish Words and Phrases: The film naturally incorporates Spanish vocabulary into the dialogue and songs.
- Cultural Immersion: Kids can learn about Colombian traditions and values while practicing the language.
- Catchy Songs: Tracks like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” are packed with simple, repetitive phrases that are easy to memorize.
2. Key Vocabulary From Encanto
| Category | Spanish Words | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Familia, Abuela, Tía, Primo | Family, Grandma, Aunt, Cousin |
| Emotions | Triste, Feliz, Preocupado | Sad, Happy, Worried |
| Magic | Milagro, Don, Casa Mágica | Miracle, Gift, Magic House |
| Nature | Flor, Montaña, Río, Mariposa | Flower, Mountain, River, Butterfly |
| Food | Arepas, Café, Plátano | Corn cakes, Coffee, Plantain |
3. Spanish Phrases in Encanto
Common Phrases From the Film:
- “Mi familia es todo.”
(My family is everything.) - “Abre los ojos.”
(Open your eyes.) - “Te quiero mucho.”
(I love you very much.)
Song Highlights:
- “La familia Madrigal” introduces words like “abuela” (grandma) and “casa” (house).
- “Dos Oruguitas” teaches “mariposa” (butterfly) and “amor” (love).
4. How to Use Encanto for Teaching Spanish
A. Sing-Along Sessions
Play Encanto songs in Spanish and English. Pause after each line to practice pronunciation.
- Example: In “La Familia Madrigal,” pause after “abuela runs this show” and repeat “abuela” with your child.
B. Vocabulary Flashcards
Create flashcards for key words in the movie, like “milagro” (miracle) and “don” (gift). Use pictures from the film to make the flashcards more engaging.
C. Scene Breakdown
Rewatch specific scenes to focus on new words. For example:
- The kitchen scene with arepas introduces food words.
- The family tree explanation teaches family vocabulary.
D. Role-Playing Games
Act out scenes from the movie, such as Mirabel talking to her abuela or Isabela creating flowers.
5. Fun Activities Inspired by Encanto
A. Family Tree Craft
Draw a Madrigal-style family tree with labels in Spanish. Kids can include their own family members using terms like mamá (mom) and hermano (brother).
B. Magic Door Game
Create “magic doors” (drawings or crafts) for each family member, writing their “don” (gift) in Spanish.
C. Food Tasting
Prepare Colombian snacks mentioned in the movie, like arepas or plátanos, and label them in Spanish.
D. Butterfly Craft
Make paper butterflies while learning the word “mariposa” and the symbolism behind it.
6. Recommended Resources
Songs From Encanto
- Stream or download the Spanish versions of popular songs like “Dos Oruguitas” or “La Familia Madrigal.”
Books About Encanto
- The Art of Encanto: Features behind-the-scenes details and Spanish phrases.
- Encanto: Mi Familia Madrigal (Spanish Edition): A great bilingual book for kids.
Apps for Spanish Learning
- Studycat for Spanish: Fun vocabulary games.
- Lingokids: Perfect for Spanish beginners.
7. FAQs
Q: Should I show Encanto in Spanish or English?
A: Start with the English version if your child is new to Spanish, then watch it in Spanish with subtitles for a deeper learning experience.
Q: Can younger kids learn Spanish this way?
A: Absolutely! The bright visuals and catchy songs make it easy for toddlers and preschoolers to pick up simple words.
Q: What if my child struggles with pronunciation?
A: Encourage repetition and focus on fun—don’t stress about perfect pronunciation right away!
8. Conclusion
Encanto is more than just a movie; it’s a magical way to teach kids Spanish vocabulary and phrases. By singing along, acting out scenes, and exploring Colombian culture, kids can build their language skills while enjoying the magic of Disney. So grab some popcorn, press play, and let the Spanish adventure begin! ¡Vamos a aprender con Encanto! (Let’s learn with Encanto!)
