Preparation 

Integrating the Elfje exercise into your own syllabus: it can be used to introduce a new topic/unit to the class or as an activity to close a unit. 

Alternatively, the assignment can focus on pupils writing their Elfje about something connected to the minority language or culture. 

Step 1: Introduction 

Explain what an Elfje poem is. 

“Elfje” (Dutch), or “Elfchen” in German, are the diminutive form of the number eleven in Dutch and German. The Elfje is a popular poem in Dutch and German primary schools.

What the structure looks like: An Elfje is a poem of 11 words divided into 5 lines. The first line has 1 word, the second line has 2 words and so on. The fifth line again has 1 word and usually summarises the theme of the entire poem. 

Pupils think about a topic fitting the teacher’s assignment/connection to the minority language or culture and prepare the Elfje in [minority language]. 

Step 2: Classroom activity 

The pupils are now going to write their own Elfje on scrap paper, and depending on their language proficiency they can first write their poem in the majority language. Then they are going to neatly write the poem in the minority language. They may use a dictionary or online application to translate words. 

Step 3: Conclusion 

Have students read their own poem to the class. Discuss the Elfjes in class: Why have the students chosen their topic? Did they find it difficult to write an Elfje? Why (not)? 

Step 4: Activity outside the classroom (intergenerational communication) 

Their homework assignment is to explain what an Elfje is to their grandparents/-aunt/-uncle and together they prepare a new Elfje in the minority language about the lessons topic OR about something connected to the minority language or culture. 

Step 5: Conclusion 

Pupils present what they have created with their family members. Discuss the presented Elfjes in class.

Example Elfje 

Leaves 

Rainy days 

Warm cosy clothes 

Less sunshine each day 

Autumn