Stimulating Dutch language development for children

Fun Games, Apps and Books – and the Best Way to Practise Dutch from Abroad

Living abroad as a Dutch family and wanting your child to maintain strong Dutch language skills? You’re not alone. Many parents read aloud, play language games and use apps, yet still feel unsure: Are we doing enough? Are we doing the right things?

The good news: stimulating language development doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right activities – and the right structure – your child can continue to grow in Dutch in a fun and effective way.

And in this blog I’ll tell you how!

Games, Apps and Books That Support Language Development

🎲 Games (screen-free)

1. I Spy (Ik zie, ik zie wat jij niet ziet)
Stimulates vocabulary, descriptive language and speaking in full sentences.
Tip: let your child take the lead and describe what they see in detail.

2. Create a Story Together
Make up a story together, taking turns to add one sentence at a time.
This helps with sentence structure, creativity and logical thinking in Dutch.

3. Who Am I?
Guess a person, animal or profession by asking yes/no questions.
Great for practising question forms, vocabulary and reasoning skills.

📱 Apps (fun as an extra, not a complete programme)

1. Squla (Dutch language)
Fun exercises for reading, spelling and vocabulary.
Many parents say the huge amount of content makes it difficult to know where to start. Nice as an extra, but without a clear lesson structure.

2. LetterSchool
A great app for younger children to practise letter recognition and writing. Especially suitable for beginning readers.

3. Lees Simpel (AVI reading)
Helps children practise technical reading at different AVI levels. Useful as a supplement alongside other activities.

📚 Books (essential for language development)

1. Juf Braaksel – Carry Slee
Accessible, funny and motivating for children to keep reading. Great for reading comprehension and vocabulary.

2. De Gorgels – Jochem Myjer
Very appealing to many children and encourages discussion about the story and characters.

3. Dummie the Mummy – Tosca Menten
Humorous and rich in language, ideal for children who sometimes struggle with reading motivation.

These are great additions, especially when used regularly.
But… they also have clear limitations.

👉 They do not replace structured language education
👉 They often do not fully align with Dutch educational goals
👉 And it’s hard to know whether your child is developing at the right level

But… do you want real clarity, structure and progress?

Games, apps and books are great additions.
But if you want your child to work in a structured way on all aspects of the Dutch language – without you having to figure out what, when and at which level – then the 1-to-1 live Dutch lessons from Dutch for Kids or the Dutch for Kids Academy are the solution.

Each week, the lesson is ready and clear.
Your child simply follows that lesson, in the right order and at the right level.

No endless exercises.
No confusion.
Just clarity, structure and confidence.

The difference between the Academy and 1-to-1 live lessons

At Dutch for Kids, there are two ways to support your child’s Dutch language development:

the Dutch for Kids Academy and 1-to-1 live lessons.

The Dutch for Kids Academy is ideal if you are looking for:

• a structured programme
• clear lessons that are ready each week
• flexibility to work at your own pace
• a low-threshold way to practise Dutch from home

Your child follows the lessons independently, with structure, progression and clear goals.

1-to-1 live lessons are more suitable if:

• your child needs more intensive guidance
• there are specific learning challenges
• there is a stronger need to focus on speaking the language
• or you are looking for fully personalised, live support

👉 Not sure what fits your child best?
You can always start with the Academy and adjust along the way.

NEW: The Dutch for Kids Academy: everything loose tips are missing

Did you know that the Dutch for Kids Academy is new? It’s the most accessible and complete way to practise Dutch with your child while living abroad.

The Academy is:

🌍 Specifically designed for Dutch children living abroad

👩‍🏫 Created by a professional team of Dutch for Kids teachers

📚 Fully aligned with the learning goals of Dutch primary education

🏡 Online, from home and at your own pace

Your child works with clear lessons and benefits from structure, repetition and depth.
No loose fragments, but a logically built programme that really supports progress.mma.

Clarity and confidence for you as a parent

Parents especially appreciate that:

• At the end of the school year, their child receives a progress report
• They know exactly where their child stands
• They don’t have to play the role of teacher themselves

And perhaps most importantly:
👉 the level is always flexible

Is your child officially in Grade 5 but finding it too challenging? No problem – we can easily switch to Grade 4.
If a higher level fits better, that’s of course possible too. The programme grows with your child.

And yes – your child can complete the entire Dutch primary school curriculum, all the way through Grade 8.
There is no greater gift you can give your child than a strong connection to their language.

Not sure if it’s the right fit? Just try it

Wondering whether your child can handle the level or whether online lessons will work?
My advice: just try it.

✅ The first lesson is free
✅ You can switch levels within the first month
✅ No pressure, no risk

Living abroad and want your child to stay strong in Dutch?

Then don’t wait.

👉 Start today with the Dutch for Kids Academy
The place where your child follows online Dutch lessons, at their own pace, from home – with quality, structure and enjoyment.