Learn Dutch: Shapes – Picture Crossword for Kids

Here your child learns to turn things they see into written Dutch words. The clue pictures show the circles, squares and triangles, and your child thinks of the matching Dutch word before each letter travels into its own box. That deliberate spelling firms up how Dutch words are written, while naming the drawings widens their Dutch vocabulary one picture at a time. At the crossings two words share a letter, which brings small, happy wins. Let your child puzzle and experiment in comfort; a word may be reconsidered twice without any worry. The nicest moment is when the last Dutch word fits exactly and the whole grid lies finished in front of them — free to use and entirely free of pressure.

As they solve, your child looks closely: what are the circles, squares and triangles called in Dutch? Then each letter travels neatly into its box. Because the Dutch words cross and help one another, the spelling turns exciting and gets practised along the way. Let your child puzzle and explore at their own pace. The loveliest moment is when the last Dutch word fits the grid exactly. Until then your child may think and try as often as they like — here there is neither a clock nor a single right speed to keep. Dutch likes to join small words together, so a single word can grow surprisingly long.

Has your child caught the joy of naming and spelling in Dutch? Then keep going! The crosswords about the instruments and the ones with shapes hold fresh pictures, new Dutch words, and new crossings to puzzle over. And once your child is really in the swing of it, there is a whole free collection built around the shapes — free to print or simply to play online. That way learning Dutch stays varied and gives a little fresh pleasure each day, all at your child’s own pace. Have fun discovering, writing, and puzzling together!