Kids

Buwan ng Wika: 5 Fun, Everyday Ways to Teach Kids Filipino

by Alexa Villano
August 14, 2025

Here are ways to teach your kids the Filipino language that’s fun and interactive

August in the Philippines is celebrated as Buwan ng Wika, or the Month of the Filipino Language. It’s a month devoted to our vibrant national language, which, unfortunately, is often overlooked as many families prioritize improving their English.

In many homes today, two or even three languages are spoken. Teaching Filipino can be a powerful way to bond with your kids, because while they learn, you get to rediscover the language too.

Although Filipino is the country’s primary language, it can present challenges, especially with pronunciation or less commonly used words. But learning and practicing Filipino opens the door to more meaningful conversations—and helps children appreciate the many languages and cultures that shape who we are.

Here are five fun and interactive ways to bring the Filipino language into your home, used by parents and teachers alike.

1. Make Filipino Your Family’s Everyday Language

The best way to help your child learn Filipino is to speak it at home. While it may feel awkward at first—especially if you’re more comfortable in English—kids learn quickly through daily exposure and repetition.

Some Filipino words may feel “deep” or hard to explain, but hearing them regularly will help your child grow confident in using and understanding them. Start small: use simple phrases during meals, bedtime, or playtime.

2. Read Filipino Books Together

Beyond speaking, reading Filipino books is a fun and easy way to teach the language. Many Filipino children’s authors have created colorful and engaging stories perfect for young readers.

From nursery rhymes to regional folk tales, these books don’t just teach vocabulary—they also introduce Filipino values, traditions, and cultures. You can also introduce them to the Filipino alphabet, local food terms, and everyday expressions through storytelling.

You can check out Modern Parenting’s list of Filipino books at this link.

3. Watch Filipino Educational Shows

Screen time can be learning time too! Introduce your kids to classic Filipino educational shows that make language learning fun and memorable.

Highly recommended shows include:

Sineskwela
Bayani
Hiraya Manawari
Math Tinik
Wansapanataym
Epol Apple

Most of these have full episodes available on the Knowledge Channel YouTube page, making them easy to access anytime.

You can also learn Filipino through the free videos on YouTube.

4. Play Traditional Filipino Games

Yes—language learning can happen through play! Classic Filipino games are not only fun, but they also encourage kids to use the language naturally and engagingly.

Start with games like:

Piko
Tumbang Preso
Jackstones
Taguan (Hide and Seek)
Aguan Base (Tag)
Jakempoy
Palosebo

You can even talk about the origins and meanings of these games as part of your bonding time.

5. Sing Filipino Songs

Music is a great way to improve pronunciation and vocabulary—and it’s fun! Start with simple Filipino nursery rhymes like “Bahay Kubo”, which are available online with lyrics and videos.

You can also introduce them to Filipino music icons like:

Freddie Aguilar (Anak)
Noel Cabangon (Kanlungan)
Joey Ayala (Karaniwang Tao)

Singing along builds language confidence and strengthens memory and comprehension skills.

Mahalin ang Sarili Nating Wika

To love the Filipino language is to use it, share it, and pass it on. If we want our children to grow up proud of their roots, it starts with the words we speak at home—whether during storytime, dinnertime, or playtime.

Buwan ng Wika is the perfect reminder that learning our national language isn’t just educational—it’s a way to connect, nurture identity, and celebrate who we are as Filipinos.