Politics for our little ones: Children conquer democracy in KiPa!

Politics for our little ones: Children conquer democracy in KiPa!

Nowadays, political education for children is more important than ever. It enables the youngest to discover the basics of democracy and participation. Children should be given the opportunity to actively participate in political processes as early as kindergarten or primary school. University of Potsdam reports on an example, the children's parliament (KiPa) at the Babelsberg Evangelical Primary School, in which 20 children actively took part in a meeting and discussed topics such as sweets in lunch boxes, equal playground times for girls and the cleanliness of toilets.

Dr. Maik Wienecke from the University of Potsdam emphasizes that children are constantly confronted with political issues in their everyday lives. Traffic signs or the ingredients in food are everyday examples. This illustrates how important a connection to the real world and multiple perspectives are in political education. Here children learn that discussions, arguments and compromises are essential.

The role of educational institutions

Loud Kindergarten pedagogy The kindergarten is seen as a suitable place for political education. Children show interest in political issues, ask questions and want to be involved in decision-making processes. It is therefore crucial that the institutions offer a suitable structure to promote political education.

A model project in Schleswig-Holstein, which was carried out from 2001 to 2003, shows that political education is also possible in early childhood. Over 900 children and 100 employees were given the opportunity to learn and apply democratic principles. Civic education is anchored in the educational plans of the federal states, although access and implementation are often inconsistent.

Participation as key

Children have a right to participation, which is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The principles of political education must therefore become reality in everyday kindergarten life through practical experience. This can happen through participation in decisions, feedback culture or giving positions to children.

Civic education can help counteract extremist views and raise awareness of social participation. Max Droll points out that it is necessary for teachers and parents to reflect on themselves in order to teach children the importance of their voice and the importance of participation.

The weekly class council meetings at the Babelsberg Evangelical Primary School, which are led by children, are a clear example of how these principles can be put into practice. Decisions are made here, which are then passed on to classes, teachers or the school conference. This means the children experience directly that their commitment counts and that they can actively contribute to shaping their environment.