Little Dutchies

Fun, One-on-One Dutch Language Lessons for Kids in Amsterdam

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Woordkaarten Little Dutchies: One-on-One Dutch Language Lessons for Kids in Amsterdam The Netherlands
Woordkaarten Little Dutchies: One-on-One Dutch Language Lessons for Kids in Amsterdam The Netherlands

At Little Dutchies we transform language anxiety into playground confidence through expert-led playdates in the convenience of your home.

Moving to the Netherlands is a grand adventure, but the language barrier can feel overwhelming for a child. At Little Dutchies our certified teachers transform anxiety into confidence through expert-led, one-on-one playdates at home. We focus on functional school Dutch through the universal language of play, empowering your child to find their voice, make friends and truly thrive.

Start building your child’s confidence today!

New world, New words – The Great Dutch Adventure

Every child’s path in their Great Dutch Adventure is unique. Whether your little explorer is just starting at Basecamp or is ready to start Unlocking the Letter Chest, our expeditions are designed to meet them exactly where they are.

The Basecamp

Nouns & Articles

Early explorers (ages 3–4) or those brand new to the Netherlands.

The Bridge Builder

Sentences & Adjectives

Children ready to move from single words to making their first friends.

Unlocking the Letter-Chest

Sounds & Letters

Explorers preparing for the big leap into Dutch reading and writing.

The Number Navigator

Maths Vocabulary

Children who “get” maths but need the Dutch words to show what they know.

The Summer Trail

Confidence Boost

Explorers who want to keep their Dutch skills sharp during the summer break.

Not sure which path to take? During a free virtual coffee session our certified primary school teachers can assess the perfect starting point for your child. Book a free virtual coffee!

Schedule a Free Consultation

From “I don’t understand” to “I can do this!”

The Reality of a Dutch Classroom

Little Dutchies krul

According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Dutch primary school classrooms average 22 students — one of the highest class sizes among OECD countries. Combined with a teacher shortage of nearly 16% in Amsterdam and other major Dutch cities (Dutch Education Inspectorate), even the most dedicated teachers simply don’t have the hours in the day to give every child the 1-on-1 language support they need. This gap often leaves non-native children in an isolated “Silent Period” on the playground — and it’s exactly the gap Little Dutchies bridges.

How we work

Number 1

Let’s
connect

Before the first playdate we ensure a perfect match.

Tell me more
  • The Virtual Coffee: A free 30-minute online meeting with parents to discuss your child’s personality, current Dutch language level, specific school challenges and your preferred level of support.
  • The Match: We pair your child with a certified primary school teacher who fits their temperament and learning style.
Number 2

The Expedition

One-on-one playdates at your child’s pace.

Tell me more
  • The Playdate Sessions: 8 focused sessions where we use the “universal language of play” to either introduce vocabulary, build sentence structure, learn letter sounds or maths concepts.
  • Active Learning: We move from your child just listening to Dutch, to your child actively participating while learning the Dutch language.
Number 3

The Mid-Way Check-In*

Transparency is key to our fixed-price promise.

Tell me more
  • Progress Report: A quick update for parents: How is your child’s confidence growing? Which new words have been offered/which new words is your child using most?
  • Tuning the Focus: If a child is excelling in one area but struggling in another, we pivot the play-method to ensure they reach the Package goal.

*Part of the Starter and Full Expedition Package

Step 4

The
summit

We celebrate the growth!
.

Tell me more
  • The Expedition Certificate: A “Little Dutchies” certificate for the child to boost their pride.
  • The Road Map Review: A final evaluation for the parents with “Next Step” tips to keep the momentum going at home and at school.*
  • Choosing Your Next Expedition: During our final talk, we’ll look at your child’s progress and give advice on which package—like The Bridge Builder or The Number Navigator—is the perfect next step in their adventure.

* Part of the Full Expedition Package

Ready to start an adventure?

We don’t just teach a language

At Little Dutchies we believe every child deserves to feel competent and safe while exploring their new world. But as experienced primary school teachers we also know the reality for a child: the playground feels quiet, the classroom feels overwhelming and children are unable to express who they are.

Our philosophy is simple: we don’t just teach a language, we equip young explorers with the tools they need to navigate their new world with confidence.

More about our own adventure
One-on-One Dutch Language Lessons for Kids in Amsterdam - Little Dutchies
Woordkaarten Little Dutchies: One-on-One Dutch Language Lessons for Kids in Amsterdam The Netherlands
Reviews

What parents say about Helen

I highly recommend Helen from the bottom of my heart! She is warm, patient and incredibly understanding, with a wonderful approach to children. Helen supported my daughter’s language development and helped her settle into school life. My daughter still talks about Helen to this day!”

Aleksandra 

“Helen is a warm, caring, and enthusiastic teacher who truly sees every child. She understood exactly what my daughter needed and created a safe, nurturing environment where she could grow and thrive.”

Claudine 

“Helen has a wonderful way with children. She always speaks to them at their level, with so much patience, kindness and respect. She is not only an amazing teacher but also a genuinely kind person. Any child would be lucky to have her as a teacher.”

Anastasia 

“What makes Helen so special is the wonderful combination of knowledge, experience and above all, a great deal of love for the children. She truly sees every child, gives them confidence and ensures they feel safe and loved.”

Shadi 

Helen is gentle and truly listens to children. She pays genuine attention to what they want to tell her and has a keen sense of where their needs lie. Our daughter went to school with joy every day, because she felt she was allowed to be herself.”

Ike 

“Helen is super sweet and has an eye for every child. Even though a strict schedule had to be adhered to during the lessons, there was a relaxed atmosphere, and my son, just like all his classmates, felt completely at home in Helen’s class.”

Tsak Kin

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the one-on-one playdates take place?

We believe children learn best where they feel safest. Our Guided Playdates take place in the comfort of your home. This allows your child to enjoy their adventure using their own toys and familiar surroundings.

Note: Our Guides currently travel through Amsterdam, Amstelveen and Diemen. Extra travel fees may apply for adventures outside these areas.

How is the one-hour session structured?

Every great adventure requires a calm start and a clear map. We divide our 60-minute journey into three stages:

  • The Warm-up (5–10 Mins): We create a safe space for your child to get comfortable with their Adventure Guide. This is also the perfect time for parents to ask questions about Dutch culture or the “landscape” of moving to the Netherlands.
  • The Adventure (45 Mins): Pure, high-energy language immersion. Through the universal language of play, your child actively practises Dutch in a low-pressure environment.
  • The Debrief (5–10 Mins): We wrap up and inform you on which milestones were reached during the playdate.
How do you work with my child's school?

We don’t explore in a vacuum. Especially in our Full Expedition Package we provide a formal advice report and a 1-on-1 transition consultation. Our goal is to ensure the Dutch your child learns with us translates directly to confidence in the classroom and on the playground.

How often should we schedule our sessions?

To build real momentum we recommend one to two sessions per week. Consistency is the “secret sauce” that helps a child move from passive listening to active speaking. While some families prefer an “Intensive Expedition” (twice a week), a weekly rhythm allows your child to process new vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed.

What if I have more than one child?

We believe in the power of undivided attention. However, we have flexible options for families with multiple explorers:

  • Back-to-Back Sessions: We can schedule two or more separate 1-on-1 sessions on the same day.
  • Sibling Adventure Rates: We offer a 20% discount on the second and 30% discount on the third package when booked for back-to-back sessions on the same day.
Do I need to be present during the sessions?

We want you to feel like a part of the journey without having to do the heavy lifting. Here is how we handle your presence during the sessions:

  • The Warm up (First 10 mins): We ask that you are present at the start of each session. This is the time where we connect with you, answer your questions about Dutch culture and, help your child transition smoothly into the session.
  • The Expedition (Core 45 mins): For the main part of the session you are free to step away. In fact, we often find that children are more daring with their new language skills when they aren’t looking to their parents for translation. You are welcome to stay in the house and relax, but we encourage a “one-on-one” environment between the child and their Guide to build true confidence.
  • The Debrief (Final 5 mins): We wrap up and inform you on which milestones were reached during the playdate.

In short: You don’t need to sit with us, but we do require a responsible adult to be at home for the duration of the playdate for safety and the start/end consultations.