How to Learn Dutch for Children

Teaching children a foreign language isn't a chore when you've an objective in mind. Whether you're seeking to develop your child's brain by giving her second language options, you're moving to the Netherlands and wish to prepare her ears for a new tongue or you want to honor a granny whose native tongue is Dutch, approach this teaching project with patience and make it fun so your child thinks of mastering a second language as more of a game than a chore.

Things You'll Need

  • Flash cards
  • CDs and DVDs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Understand a bit about how children's brains process language before you start. Acknowledge the way kids perceive language; rather than distinguishing words, they pay more attention to sounds for verbal cues during the first years of life.

    • 2

      Introduce rudimentary Dutch words one at a time to avoid confusion, matching only concepts your child already understands---food, dog, cookie---to get him off to the right start. Reinforce your child's mastery of each word by using the Dutch translation often throughout the day.

    • 3

      Post flash cards with pictures and the English and Dutch translations for each throughout the home so your child begins to associate letters and pictures with Dutch terms. Support the flash cards with CDs, music and DVDs in the Dutch language only to allow your child's ears to become familiar with the sound of words in her new language.

    • 4

      Employ language replacement methodology to teach your child standard phrases used in ordinary conversation throughout the day. Choose one phrase at a time (e.g., good morning) by replacing the English greeting with the Dutch translation every morning until your child expects and responds to the greeting in her second language. Ask caregivers and relatives to support your efforts and as soon as one phrase is mastered, introduce another, perhaps, good night.

    • 5

      Strive to make sure your child explores his bilingual talents in a relaxed manner. Sing words to enhance word retention (song lyrics and words are stored in separate parts of the brain). Try formal Dutch language programs written exclusively for youngsters to support the other methods you've put into place.

    • 6

      Allow your child's age to guide your teaching efforts. Introduce Dutch textbooks after the age of seven when her reading skills are being developed in school. Watch for signs that your second language efforts are frustrating her. Get creative to steer her back to your goal. For example, if she's old enough to make a craft, find a project with a Netherlands theme and associate new Dutch words with the craft to bring back the fun you both enjoyed at the beginning of your journey.

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