The Children’s Council was established during the 2015/2016 academic year. The council includes two children from each of the three oldest groups, and its work is led by the Head of Kindergarten. We gather before important events or meetings of adults to discuss what activities we could organise together and how we could make the kindergarten even better. Through the council, children learn to express their opinions, take responsibility, share roles, and cooperate with others. The Head of Kindergarten collects and summarises the children’s ideas and shares the information with both the Board of Trustees and the kindergarten staff. Together, they help bring the children’s ideas and suggestions to life.
Children’s Thoughts and Activities Through the Years
2025/2026 Academic Year
The first Children’s Council meeting of the academic year took place before the kindergarten’s birthday celebration on 12 January 2026.
The aim of the meeting was to dream about the perfect birthday celebration and record and illustrate all ideas on a poster. The children decided that the dream birthday of Tartu Lotte Kindergarten should include Lotte and her friends, pancakes, balloons, a disco, and many other exciting things. The children’s dream birthday ideas can be seen in the picture. On 15 December, we celebrated the kindergarten’s birthday together with Lotte and friends, inspired by the children’s imaginative ideas for their dream celebration.
2024/2025 Academic Year
During the 2024/2025 academic year, the Children’s Council had a long discussion about kindergarten meals. The children talked about which foods they especially enjoy in kindergarten and which dishes they like less. During the discussion, it became clear that children’s opinions about food can vary greatly — one child’s favourite meal may not appeal to another at all. The children shared their favourite soups, desserts, and also mentioned dishes they would prefer to see less often on the menu. To give all kindergarten children an opportunity to express their opinions, a poster was placed near the dining area where everyone can add their thoughts and suggestions. It is wonderful to see that the poster continues to fill with ideas and provides valuable direct feedback for those planning the menu about children’s wishes and preferences.
2023/2024 Academic Year
During the 2023/2024 academic year, the Children’s Council gathered for the first time on 31 October 2023. The main discussion topics were what children enjoy most in kindergarten and their expectations for the kindergarten’s birthday celebration. A spiderweb-shaped summary chart was created from the ideas, fitting the occasion as it happened to be the weekend of All Saints’ Day. Thank you to all the children who participated!
The Children’s Council met for the second time on 9 May 2024. The children discussed exciting ideas for the traditional Festival of Joy. Before the meeting, the children explored the existing vermicomposter and together also set up a new one.