Best methods to learn Indonesian: How to teach children Indonesian

Raising a bilingual child is an exciting journey, and if your goal is to help your child learn Indonesian, you’re in luck! Indonesian is a fun, phonetic, and expressive language. With the right activities and consistent exposure, children between the ages of 2–14 can develop strong language skills while enjoying the learning process. This article includes a wide variety of tips to bring Indonesian into your child’s daily life—at home, in the car, or out in the community.

Build a Strong Language Foundation Through Stories and Songs

• Read Indonesian storybooks together from your local library or online.

• Use puppets or plush toys to act out favorite Indonesian tales.

• Play or sing Indonesian nursery rhymes and lullabies before bedtime.

• Create a picture dictionary or alphabet book together using drawing and coloring.

Make Learning Fun with Play-Based Activities

• Play hide and seek while counting in Indonesian.

• Use flashcard games like Go Fish or Memory to practice vocabulary.

• Play Indonesian versions of classic board games like Snakes and Ladders.

• Set up a “word of the day” game and find that word around the house.

• Explore Indonesian cartoons or kids’ shows on YouTube together.

Connect Language with Everyday Life

• Visit the zoo and name animals in Indonesian.

• Cook simple Indonesian recipes while naming ingredients and actions.

• Decorate your child’s room with posters of colors, numbers, and Indonesian landmarks.

• Take a trip to an Indonesian supermarket or restaurant and talk about the food.

• Explore traditional crafts or create art while naming colors and tools in Indonesian.

Encourage Imagination and Self-Expression

• Use a personalized learning notebook for drawing or writing new words.

• Help your child create their own stories or comics using new vocabulary.

• Dress up, act out scenes, or dance along to Indonesian music or video clips.

• Encourage your child to sing or perform Indonesian songs for family members.

Track Progress and Celebrate Achievements

• Use sticker charts to show vocabulary or goal progress.

• Break long-term language learning into monthly goals.

• Celebrate milestones with high fives, praise, and small rewards.

• Use printable worksheets or drawing exercises for practice and review.

Use Technology to Support Learning

• Stream Indonesian children’s music on Spotify or YouTube.

• Find online radio or playlists and play them as background music.

• Create or follow Indonesian playlists for children’s songs and tutorials.

• Set up a video chat with Indonesian-speaking friends or relatives.

• Explore children’s apps or online games that teach basic Indonesian.

Involve the Community and Family

• Visit public libraries to explore Indonesian books and resources.

• Attend Indonesian cultural events, festivals, or parades nearby.

• Set up playdates with other Indonesian-learning families.

• Involve grandparents or other relatives who speak Indonesian.

• Join online support groups to exchange ideas with other parents.

Explore Educational Tools and Opportunities

• Use Indonesian-themed posters, toys, and learning materials around the home.

• Get a reading pen or talking plush toy that supports Indonesian.

• Consider short-term online tutoring or language camps for kids.

• Try homeschooling programs that include Indonesian in the curriculum.

• Use simple syllabuses and routines to give structure to daily learning.

Why Try Dinolingo?

One of the easiest and most fun ways to start is with Dinolingo. Dinolingo offers online Indonesian lessons for kids that include videos, songs, games, stories, worksheets, and flashcards. Children can access Dinolingo on the web or via iOS and Android devices, and one subscription works for up to 6 users. With gamified rewards, offline materials, and a parent dashboard, Dinolingo makes learning both effective and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re singing songs, reading stories, or visiting the zoo, every small activity in Indonesian helps your child grow more confident and excited about language learning. The key is consistency, creativity, and connection. By integrating these everyday moments into your routine, you’re helping your child build a lifelong love for Indonesian and the rich culture behind it.