Learn about Eclipses in Spanish with Free Spanish Activities

In this post: Get all the Spanish resources you need to teach kids about eclipses en español. Perfect for bilingual homeschooling and any Spanish classroom! 

Any Eclipse is exciting when you get to experience it with children. Celestial changes like a lunar or solar eclipse are an amazing opportunity for not only learning more about space and science, but also bring Spanish to life in real-word situations! On April 8th 2024 many of those living throughout the U.S will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a total solar eclipse! It’s a great time to learn all about them and grow your Spanish language skills. 

This post is all about helping you find free and engaging Spanish resources to teach kids about eclipses in Spanish.

How to Say Eclipse in Spanish?

Having the necessary Spanish vocabulary for talking about eclipses is key! Let’s go through basic keywords to help you learn and teach about eclipses en español. We’ll learn key vocabulary for studying both lunar and solar eclipses. 

•El Eclipse solar (eh-kleep-seh soh-lar) – Solar eclipse
•El Eclipse lunar (eh-kleep-seh loo-nahr) – Lunar eclipse
•El Sol (sol) – Sun
•La Luna (loo-nah) – Moon
•La Sombra (sohm-brah) – Shadow
•La Penumbra (peh-noom-brah) – Penumbra
•La Umbra (oom-brah) – Umbra
•La Fase (fah-seh) – Phase
•El Fenómeno (feh-noh-meh-no) – Phenomenon
•La Astronomía (ahs-troh-nh-mee-ah) – Astronomy
•La Órbita (ohr-bee-tah) – Orbit
•El Eclipse total (eh-kleep-seh toh-tahl) – Total eclipse
•Eclipse parcial (eh-kleep-seh pahr-syal) – Partial eclipse
•Eclipse anular (eh-kleep-seh  ah-noo-lahr) – Annular eclipse

What is a Solar Eclipse?

First, let’s learn what a solar eclipse is. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. This causes the moon to temporarily block out the sun’s light, casting a shadow over certain parts of the Earth. There are a few different types of solar eclipses, including total eclipses, partial eclipses, and annular eclipses. During a total eclipse, the sky may appear darker and some stars and planets may become visible.

Remind your kids that it’s important to never look directly at the sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection, as it can cause permanent damage to your eyes.

The next solar eclipse visible from North America will be in on April 8th 2024. Solar eclipses are fascinating and rare events – don’t miss teaching your kids all about them as you learn and practice your Spanish!

What is a Lunar Eclipse? 

Next up – let’s figure out what happens during a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the moon’s surface. This occurs during a full moon night when the alignment is just right.

The moon may take on a reddish hue, often called a “Blood Moon,” due to sunlight refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to observe without eye protection, making them a captivating spectacle for kids and families! They can occur multiple times a year, but their frequency varies.

I hope this blog post all about eclipses in Spanish helps you as you prepare to celebrate and learn all about the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th 2024! By exploring eclipses in Spanish, you’re not just learning a new language; you’re also delving into the fascinating realm of astronomy and fostering a deeper connection to the world around you. 

>> As you prepare for this exciting cosmic event, make sure to explore my FREE SPANISH ECLIPSE ACTIVITY PACK (INSTANT DOWNLOAD)! <<

Happy learning!

Spanish Poem for Kids about the Sun

Los rayos del sol me calientan

Los rayos del sol me iluminan

Los rayos del sol me dan fuerza

Para empezar este nuevo día

Rough English Translation:
The rays of the sun warm me,
The rays of the sun illuminate me,
The rays of the sun give me strength
To start this new day.

Here are some YouTube videos in Spanish to help reinforce your child’s learning about the solar eclipse: 

¿Qué es un eclipse solar?

SOL Y LUNA| Canciones para Aprender

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un Eclipse Solar y un Eclipse Lunar? | Videos Educativos para Niños

PLUS our bilingual story time channel offers a convenient way for your kids to get enough comprehensible input in Spanish. They can learn independently, and you don't need to speak Spanish yourself. I will be releasing a brand new video this Sunday 7th april 2024 reading Total Solar Eclipse By Jayme Sandberg. Although this is an English story I will translate it into Spanish!

Additionally, our Bilingual and English Children's Book Clubs provide an immersive learning experience through storytelling and language activities. With limited spots available, we keep class sizes small to ensure every child can participate fully.

Enrollment Details:

- Enrollment Deadline: June 1st, 2024

- Start Date: July 1st, 2024

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