How to write instructions for a child in Spanish

Introduction

Writing clear instructions for a child in Spanish is a practical skill for parents, teachers, and caregivers. This guide explains simple vocabulary, sentence patterns, and step-by-step methods to create short, polite, and effective instructions in Latin American Spanish for beginner learners.

Why clear instructions matter

Children respond best to short, direct sentences with familiar words. Use simple verbs, concrete nouns, and a calm tone. Avoid long subordinate clauses and complex tenses. Repetition, visuals, and consistent phrasing help comprehension and build trust.

Key Spanish vocabulary for giving instructions

por favor — polite please; use with requests

por favor — later appearances

gracias — thank you

gracias

haz — do (informal imperative of hacer)

haz

pon — put/place (informal imperative of poner)

pon

lleva — take/wear (informal imperative of llevar)

lleva

abre — open (informal imperative of abrir)

abre

cierra — close (informal imperative of cerrar)

cierra

espera — wait (informal imperative of esperar)

espera

ven — come (informal imperative of venir)

ven

siéntate — sit down (informal reflexive imperative)

siéntate

levántate — stand up/get up

levántate

Basic sentence patterns for instructions

Use the informal imperative to address a child you know well. For one child, use tú commands: verbs often end differently than the regular present tense. Examples below use the tú form.

Simple pattern: Verb + object + complement.

Example models:

Haz tu tarea. — Do your homework.

Haz tu tarea.

Pon los juguetes en la caja. — Put the toys in the box.

Pon los juguetes en la caja.

Ven aquí, por favor. — Come here, please.

Ven aquí, por favor.

Polite or softer pattern: Por favor + verb + object.

Por favor, recoge tus cosas. — Please pick up your things.

Por favor, recoge tus cosas.

Using negative commands

To tell a child not to do something, place no before the verb or use negative imperative forms. Keep it short.

No corras. — Do not run.

No corras.

No toques eso. — Do not touch that.

No toques eso.

For reflexive or object pronouns, place them after and attach to affirmative commands (ás, es, etc.), but before the verb with negatives. Example:

Ponlo en la mesa. — Put it on the table.

Ponlo en la mesa.

No lo pongas en la cama. — Do not put it on the bed.

No lo pongas en la cama.

Gender and number agreement basics

Adjectives and nouns must agree in gender and number. For example, juguete (masculine) — juguete pequeño; ropa (feminine) — ropa limpia. When giving instructions about objects, check the article:

Guarda el libro en la mochila. — Put the book in the backpack.

Guarda el libro en la mochila.

Guarda la camisa en el cajón. — Put the shirt in the drawer.

Guarda la camisa en el cajón.

Common verbs and short phrases useful for children

espérame — wait for me

espérame

más lento — slower

más lento

más rápido — faster

más rápido

quieto — stay still

quieto

baja — go down / get down

baja

sube — go up / climb up

súbe

Writing clear step-by-step instructions

Break tasks into numbered or short-line steps. Each step should use one verb and a clear object. Example: making a simple snack.

Preparar un sándwich
1. Lava las manos.
2. Toma dos rebanadas de pan.
3. Pon queso y jamón entre las rebanadas.
4. Corta el sándwich si quieres.
5. Disfruta.

Preparar un sándwich

Politeness and tone

Use por favor and gracias to model respectful communication. For younger children, stick to positive commands when possible. Replace too many negatives with invitations: instead of no grites, try habla con voz baja.

Habla con voz baja, por favor. — Speak in a low voice, please.

Habla con voz baja, por favor.

Common beginner mistakes and how to correct them

Missing agreement: niño contento vs niña contenta. Check the noun gender and match the adjective ending.

Unnecessary subject pronouns: Tú lava las manos is incorrect for an imperative. Use lava not tú lava. Example correction: Lava las manos.

Incorrect accent marks: si (if) vs sí (yes). Teach the difference and use accents correctly in notes: sí with accent means yes; si without accent means if.

Literal translation errors: Do not translate word-for-word. English Ask + verb may become pregunta en español. Instead of Say me your name, use Dime tu nombre.

Dime tu nombre

Simple writing examples beginners can copy and adapt

Ejemplo 1: Nota para antes de la escuela
Buenas tardes.
Recuerda:
1. Haz la cama.
2. Desayuna a las 7:00.
3. Lleva tu mochila.
4. Sal a las 7:30.
Buen día.

Ejemplo 1

Ejemplo 2: Instrucciones para jugar
1. Formen dos equipos.
2. El equipo A corre hasta la puerta.
3. Regresa y toca la mano de tu compañero.
4. Gana el primer equipo que termine.

Ejemplo 2

Ejemplo 3: Nota corta para la tarde
Hola María,
Vuelve a casa a las 5:00.
Por favor, haz tu tarea antes de cenar.
Gracias.

Ejemplo 3

How to build your own short instructions

Step 1: Choose the action verb in the imperative (lava, pon, ven, siéntate).

Step 2: Add the object or person (las manos, los juguetes, aquí).

Step 3: Add time or place if needed (ahora, en la mesa, a las 6).

Step 4: Add politeness if desired (por favor, gracias).

Model sentence: Verb + object + time/place + por favor.

Example to adapt: Come la fruta en la mañana, por favor. Change the activity, time, or object to personalize.

Come la fruta en la mañana, por favor.

Quick checks before giving or writing instructions

Read the sentence out loud and imagine the child following it. Is each step one action? Are the objects familiar words? Are verbs in the correct form? Is gender agreement correct? Keep sentences under 10 words when possible.

Use simple connectors to combine ideas: y for and, luego for then, después for after. Example: Recoge tus juguetes y lávate las manos.

Recoge tus juguetes y lávate las manos.

Guided practice exercises

Exercise 1: Complete the sentence model with your details: ______ la tarea a las ______. (Example answer: Haz la tarea a las 4:00.)

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following into a command for a child: Do not eat candy before dinner. Correct answer: No comas dulces antes de la cena.

Exercise 3: Turn two ideas into one short instruction using y: Pick up your shoes, then put them in the closet. Correct answer: Recoge tus zapatos y ponlos en el clóset.

Practical tips for classroom or home use

Use visuals: pair short written commands with pictures. Keep consistent vocabulary for routine tasks to build familiarity. Practice reading and following one-step instructions, then increase to two or three steps. Encourage the child to repeat the instruction in Spanish to reinforce comprehension.

Conclusion

Writing effective instructions for a child in Spanish relies on short verbs, clear objects, correct agreement, and polite but direct language. Use simple patterns, practice common verbs, and check for common beginner mistakes. With step-by-step templates and guided exercises, beginners can create useful notes, prompts, and commands for everyday situations.