Learn Dutch: Tools – Picture Crossword for Kids

This crossword brings your child gently into contact with Dutch. The drawings show the hammers, saws and wrenches, and your child says the Dutch word to themselves before setting each letter into the grid. In doing so they practise turning a remembered Dutch word into its correct written form — a lovely warm-up for anyone just starting to learn Dutch. At the crossing points the words meet on a shared letter, and that is exactly where small moments of "oh, it fits!" appear. Take your time, because this puzzle wants to be solved slowly. There is no timer and no score, only your child, the pictures, and the satisfaction of every Dutch word spelled correctly into place, box after careful box.

As they solve, your child looks closely: what are the hammers, saws and wrenches 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 shapes and the ones with tools 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 tools — 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!