How to Teach High-Frequency Words in Spanish (Hands-On Playdough Activities)

If you teach in a bilingual or Spanish classroom, you’ve probably noticed this:
Your students recognize high-frequency words during lessons…
but when it’s time to actually read, they still guess.

This is very common with high-frequency words in Spanish (palabras de uso frecuente). Students may memorize the words, but they don’t always read them automatically or recognize them when they see them in books.

That’s why how we practice high-frequency words matters just as much as which words we teach.

Why High-Frequency Words Matter in Spanish

High-frequency words are the words students see again and again in texts. When students can recognize these words automatically, they:

• Read more fluently

• Gain confidence as readers

• Spend less energy decoding and more energy understanding

But memorization alone isn’t enough.

Students need repeated, meaningful practice with palabras de uso frecuente in different ways so the words truly stick.

Why Worksheets Aren’t Always Enough

Worksheets can be helpful, but they often ask students to practice words the same way every time.

What many students really need is:

• Hands-on interaction with words

• Opportunities to read words in sentences

• Practice that feels engaging instead of repetitive

That’s where hands-on Spanish word work makes a big difference.

How I Teach High-Frequency Words in My Classroom

When we practice high-frequency words, I use a consistent routine so students know exactly what to do.

My students:

• Read the high-frequency word

• Trace and write the word

• Build the word with playdough

• Read a simple sentence that includes the high-frequency word

This helps students see the word on its own and in context, which supports Spanish reading fluency and helps them stop guessing.

This hands-on routine is part of the High-Frequency Words in Spanish Playdough Mats I use regularly in my classroom.

For more interactive language practice ideas, you might also like 7 Fun and Interactive Must-Have Boom Cards for Spanish Class.

Try a Free High-Frequency Words Practice Activity

Before building a full routine, it can be helpful to give students quick opportunities to practice high-frequency words in different ways.

That’s why I created a free Palabras de Uso Frecuente practice activity you can use right away with your students.

This freebie works well for:

• quick centers

• morning work

• extra practice

• increasing exposure to high-frequency words in Spanish

👉 Grab the free high-frequency words activity here

A Ready-to-Use Resource for Spanish Word Work

Once students are familiar with the words, I like to use my High-Frequency Words in Spanish mats for deeper practice.

Each mat includes:

• A high-frequency word to read

• Space to trace and write the word

• A build-the-word section

• A simple sentence that includes the word

These mats are low prep and easy to reuse, making them perfect for:

• Spanish literacy centers

• Independent practice

• Small groups

👉 You can find the High-Frequency Words in Spanish mats here

Final Thoughts

Helping students become confident readers doesn’t require more worksheets or complicated lessons.

Often, it’s about:

• Consistent routines

• Hands-on practice

• Giving students multiple ways to interact with words

When students read, write, build, and use high-frequency words in Spanish in context, fluency begins to grow naturally.