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Limburgish in childcare with Zjuulke

We encourage the use of Limburgish in childcare with the support of Zjuulke: the cheerful mascot and programme line of 't Hoes veur 't Limburgs. With Zjuulke, we bring Limburgish words, songs and stories into the daily routine in a playful way. This familiarises children with multiple languages and shows parents and educators how bilingualism enriches their child.

Language development and identity

The use of Limburgish in childcare is much more than just a nice addition. It contributes to rich language development, strengthens cultural identity and promotes social cohesion. Children who grow up with multiple languages often develop a broader vocabulary and greater linguistic sensitivity. It also gives children confidence that their background matters and that they can be themselves.

In this way, we build a strong foundation for communication and connection together.

Zjuulke in the group: this is how we do it!

Educational professionals use Limburgish in one-on-one moments with children. In addition, there are also regular group moments in which Limburgish takes centre stage:

  • together in a circle

  • during mealtimes at the table

  • songs and rhymes in Limburgish

  • reading aloud from children's books in Limburgish

  • pictograms with Limburgish and Dutch words

  • daily routines with Zjuulke's picture cards

  • language with humour, sound and play

Materials and songs are also shared with parents and carers so that they can join in at home.

The Zjuulke project is now being implemented at various locations in Limburg, within childcare centres and after-school care facilities. The following locations are participating:

Nurseries

  • Daycare centre 't Boemeltje (Born)

  • Daycare centre Carré – formerly De Rode Loper (Sittard)

  • Daycare centre Aelse (Elsloo)

  • De Wereldster nursery (Meerssen)

  • De Leeuwerik nursery (Einighausen)

  • Reuzepas nursery (Geleen)

  • Juliana nursery (Maastricht)

Toddler care

  • 't Soosje Toddler Care (Einighausen)

  • Ukkepuk Toddler Care (Buchten)

  • Valkenburg Toddler Care (Valkenburg)

  • Broekhem – Stoepert Toddler Care (Valkenburg)

  • De Hartendiefjes Toddler Care (Sibbe)

  • Rakkertjes Toddler Care (Born)

  • Montessori Toddler Care (Maastricht)

  • Humpie Dumpie Toddler Care (Margraten)

After-school care

  • After-school care Ratjetoe 2 (Born)

  • After-school care De Avonturier (Buchten)

  • After-school care Montessori (Maastricht)

  • After-school care De Wereldster (Meerssen)

  • After-school care Margraten (Margraten)

The number of locations is growing. New locations are gradually joining the Zjuulke project.

groep volwassenen in zwarte t-shirts van ton meisen poseert lachend voor camera

Support Limburgian, buy a T-shirt!

Out of love for the Limburgish language, Ton Meisen (lead singer of the Janse Bagge Band) designed t-shirts featuring lyrics from songs by Limburg troubadours. With permission from the copyright holders, he uses this form of activism to show pride in Limburgish. A portion of the proceeds from each t-shirt sold goes to projects that teach Limburgish to preschoolers and toddlers, including the Zjuulke program. The t-shirts are available in children's sizes in Ton Meisen's online store.

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