Frequently asked questions about online Dutch lessons

When your child takes online Dutch lessons via Zoom or another video call program, you don’t need much. However, a number of things are essential. These things are listed below.

Furthermore, children like to have their own things ready for the lesson, such as their own notebook, pen, pencil, eraser, colored pencils or markers, scissors and eraser.

If more items are needed, the teacher will let you know well in advance.

What is needed at least every class is the following:

• First, a functioning computer. This sounds obvious, but in practice, computers sometimes work less well than is desirable for a good lesson.
• Next, a good Internet connection. Here everyone depends on the provider and the country they live in. So far, connections have almost always worked out. But with everyone, including us, sometimes things go wrong.
• A video calling program like Zoom. You can easily install this for free. See also this FAQ to see how this program works. You create a name for yourself or your child and then you can video call the teacher.
• Then also like to have headphones (for younger children) or earbuds (for older children). This for when the kids have a lot of background noise around them where they are being taught is really nice.
• A printer handy (but not necessary). Especially when using only the digital teaching materials. Some kids don’t mind doing everything off the screen, but most kids fare best working from and on paper.
• Textbooks if that is the desire. You will have to order it yourself; we will you help you with the resources.We have the teaching materials digitally.
• And last but not least, preferably a fixed desk chair for the younger children.

Many people ask: What does online tailor-made lessons really mean? Online customized Dutch lessons is exactly what it says. In other words, they are lessons adapted to the student, tailored to the student. In short, an online Dutch lesson at Dutch for Children is unique for each child.

We adapt our teaching process according to the goals and wishes set. This means that we look carefully at the way of learning, the goal and the means we use. We also look at the student who wants to achieve this goal. During the lessons, level, motivation, interests, learning style and living environment are decisive.

Unique for every student

Dutch for Children therefore designs Dutch lessons tailored to each individual student. We do this according to the learning lines established in the Primary Education Act. Dutch for Children also uses modern Dutch teaching methods either as a whole or in the background. In addition, we have a range of online options of educational learning environments and practice environments.

It works!

And: it works! Children and parents are enthusiastic and the learning results are good! Check out one of our videos showing our online lessons in practice. Or read the experiences of other parents.

A common question. The lessons at Dutch for Children are customized. An online Dutch lesson is therefore unique for each child and completely adapted to his interests, level and way of keeping attention. We first get to know your child through an introductory conversation and through what you tell us about him. If you want to read more about what “customized” means exactly, please also read our page on online customized Dutch lessons.

“My child has a very short attention span, but I want it so badly…”, we also often hear. Fortunately, this is also possible. We always try out a lesson first, to get an impression of how the child reacts to the lesson. If there are then doubts, from our side or the side of the parent, we agree on four weeks of ‘trial’ lessons. After that we evaluate together and see how we can continue together.

Online Dutch lessons at Dutch for Children are done together: child, parents and Dutch for Children.

Moreover, our teachers use different things to keep the youngest children involved: alternating work forms, lots of movement, music, singing and dancing and hand puppets and cuddly toys that stubbornly ‘take over’ the lesson. For example, the most shy children do talk more easily with one of our hand puppets.