I’m a huge advocate for learning languages. Do whatever you can do to make it happen for your kids. Introduce your kids to new languages early. I don’t expect a miracle for my own kids, but I do hope for a life-long love of being interested in other languages. For those reading Russian children’s books, this post on books that teach Russian to children might be a fun match.
Related: Children’s books in Russian
I organized this post into different sections depending on level. A basic introduction, the alphabet, the words, the grammar, and finally – fun non-book sources.
Take a look!
Kid-friendliest introduction to learning the Russian Language
Teach Me… Everyday Russian, Vol. 1 and 2
These books are perfect introductions to learning Russian. Especially if the kids and parents have no experience with the language. There’s limited availability, but you should still be able to find these in the bookstores.
Volume 1 is an introduction, while Volume 2 focuses on the seasons.
Buy on Amazon: Volume 1, Volume 2
Russian Language: Step 1, the Alphabet
My First Russian: Alphabets
Learning the alphabet is the first part of language learning, and is especially important when the written form is different from what we’re used to. This book introduces the Russian, Cyrillic alphabet with pictures and English translations
Russian Alphabet: Bilingual Coloring Book
by Kristina Malidovskaya
This takes things to the next level by making it a little more interactive for kids. Learn the alphabet, and then color the alphabet.
Russian Alphabet Flashcards
by Lolo
I like these because they’re geared towards native English speakers. The cards use fun imagery, but also include pronunciation and usage tips. Their website provides even more tips on using these cards to help remember the Russian alphabet.
Russian Language: Step 2, the Words
My First Book of Russian Words
by Katy R. Kudela
Use familiar images to introduce kids to basic Russian Words. It’s a great first step for young linguists-to-be.
Russian Picture Word Books
by Svetlana Rogers and illustrated by Barbara Steadman
Using scenes to introduce words in another language helps reinforce the words. Even better, the scenes help lead to discussions about what’s happening, which is a more organic way to help kids learn.
Russian Flashcards, Everyday Words
by Usborne
You can’t go wrong with flashcards. They aren’t just used when kids are learning a new language, but my old college roommate used them to help her study for her master’s degree in speech pathology tests. They’re useful because it’s easy to test knowledge, sort out what you already know, and parents can even stick these around the house for impromptu vocabulary studies.
Russian Language: Step 3, the Grammar
Russian Step By Step for Children
by Natasha Alexandrova and illustrated by Elena Litnevskaya
This is a series of workbooks for teaching kids Russian. It’s aimed for Russian-language learners between the ages of 7 and 17. It’s meant for kids with very limited exposure to the Russian language. Their website includes audio download and powerpoint slides. Each workbook is meant to take about 30 instruction hours to master.
Buy Workbook 1 on Amazon – Children’s Workbook | Teacher’s Manual
Buy Workbook 2 on Amazon – Children’s Workbook | Teacher’s Manual
Buy Workbook 3 on Amazon – Children’s Workbook | Teacher’s Manual
Buy Workbook 4 on Amazon – Children’s Workbook | Teacher’s Manual
Buy Workbook 5 on Amazon – Children’s Workbook | Teacher’s Manual
This author has a lot of Russian-learning resources on her Amazon page.
More resources for making learning Russian fun for kids
- Handwriting: Help the kids learn the traditional methods for writing Russian letters with this book.
- Interactive alphabet wall poster: This electronic poster hangs on the wall and kids can press the letters to hear the pronunciation.
- Magnetic Cyrillic alphabet: This set includes both letters and numbers. Put them on any magnetic surface for hours of fun.
- Preschool activities: These worksheets are similar to the preschool worksheets kids use to learn their letters, but with a Russian side to them.
- Little Pim Videos: Amazon Prime subscribers get access to the Little Pim language for kids videos. They have at least 3 videos about Russian.
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