How can you keep your child's Turkish alive abroad?
What helps keep your child's Turkish alive when growing up abroad: at home, with family and in the community, especially once the school language takes over.
How many Turkish lessons a week does my child need?
Short answer: there's no single number that suits every child. The right rhythm depends on your child's starting point in Turkish, how much Turkish they hear at home, their age and your family's schedule. For most families, regular lessons matter more than the number of lessons.
Four questions to help you decide
1. Where is your child in Turkish? A child who doesn't know any Turkish has different needs from one who understands but answers in English. For children starting from zero, short and frequent contact helps new words stick before they're forgotten.
2. How much Turkish is there at home? If a parent speaks Turkish at home, lessons become a bridge that supports everyday use. If there's little Turkish at home, lessons may be one of the few moments your child speaks Turkish, so frequency matters more.
3. How old is your child? Younger children have shorter attention spans, which is why our 25-minute lessons are a manageable length. For older children, school and activity schedules are often the deciding factor.
4. What can your family's schedule sustain? A plan you can't keep up helps less than a lighter plan you can. Think about which day and time a lesson fits in easily.
Comparing rhythms
| Rhythm | Who it may suit | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lesson a week | Children with strong Turkish at home who need continuity | Turkish use at home matters during the long gap between lessons |
| 2 lessons a week | Children who understand but struggle to speak, or who are just starting | It needs to fit your family's schedule |
| 3 or more | Children with a specific goal (e.g. an exam, moving to Türkiye) | Watch for tiredness and reluctance |
This table isn't a rule; it's a starting point for a conversation. After the free intro lesson, our teacher can suggest a rhythm once they've met your child.
When to change the rhythm
- If your child looks forward to lessons and is progressing quickly, you might add more.
- If your child is tired or reluctant, fewer lessons plus more playful Turkish time at home can help.
- School terms, holidays and visits to Türkiye are natural moments to adjust.
What you can do at home
Short but regular Turkish moments between lessons make a difference whatever the number of lessons: a picture book together, a Turkish game at dinner, a video call with grandparents. For ideas, see our 15-minute home routine.
For packages and current prices, see Turkish lesson prices. For other questions, visit our Parent Decision Centre.
To put lesson length in context, explore how a 25-minute Turkish lesson is structured.
Continue from here
How do children abroad learn to read and write in Turkish?
When and how to start Turkish reading and writing with a child who is learning to read in another language at school. Turkish letters, sounds and simple ideas for home.
Online Turkish lessons and screen time
Where does an online Turkish lesson fit if you're trying to limit your child's screen time? The difference between a live interactive lesson and passive screen use, with practical tips.
Take the first step for your child
Choose a teacher and plan a gift intro lesson, or talk with our education team first.
