Increase language proficiency

Language development begins in the first months of life. For children from multilingual families, this can be particularly challenging, especially when they hear different languages in their environment, such as at school. Interactive reading is a valuable way to stimulate this development and makes language learning enjoyable. As a storyteller, I am happy to help utilize all languages within the family so that children can fully benefit from their language environment at home. More information

Interactive Storytelling Sessions

Comfort is key in these interactive storytelling sessions, where children will eagerly anticipate and relax in their familiar surroundings.
Each storytelling hour follows the same structure, so your child knows exactly what to expect, providing them with a sense of calm and security.
If desired, all family members can participate in the storytelling sessions.
Reading aloud is interspersed with activities such as games, songs, or the use of a storytelling box.

About Me

My name is Mariëlle de Graaf and I live with my family in Leiden. In the multicultural neighborhood in Nijmegen where I grew up, literally the whole world lived around us. My interest in language and culture started at a very young age and has always remained. After studying Tourism Management in Breda, I started working as a flight attendant, where I met many families from all over the world during my work. Additionally, my knowledge of multiple languages has been very useful. As a volunteer through the Voorleesexpress, I gained a lot of experience by reading to multilingual children.

 

Schedule a Non-committal Appointment for an Introductory Meeting

Are you an expatriate living in Leiden and wanting to enhance your children's Dutch language proficiency? Feel free to schedule a non-committal appointment for an introductory meeting at your home. During this conversation, which will last approximately half an hour, I will get to know you and your family, explain my approach, read a book, and, following a brief interview, provide advice and estimate how we can achieve the desired goal through customized solutions. Make an appointment

Mariëlle is a super nice lady, who connects naturally with the children and builds a realtionship with them based on fun, trust and respect. My kids always look forward for the reading session with Mariëlle and once she arrives, they go open the door, take her to the sofa, pick the books they want from her bag and sit all in the sofa to start. It is a ritual for them that they truly cherish.
She really makes the story telling a pleasant moment for them, where they can listen to her stories, and can also participate, ask questions, play games and be themselves in a fun way.
As a foreigh family, these sessions also really helped them with their Dutch, creativity and development.
Mariëlle was definately born for working with kids. she has a gift when interacting with children and they instantaneously love her and see her as a friend they can trust.

Inês Antunes
Expat from Portugal

Mariëlle is a super human being and agreat storyteller. She connects very easy with the children and they feel at ease close to her!
I recommend Mariëlle to any family that enjoys creativity and imagination in storytelling.

David Gadyt
Expat uit Portugal