Twice a year, the after-school care educators at the International Montessori School Berlin share a large survey about the all-day program with the students. Once in the spring and once in the fall.

The results always surprise us with regard to the creative and funny ideas of the children.

As part of the social project of the 1st to 3rd graders and the break supervision of the 4th to 5th graders, we interviewed the children about their suggestions and wishes for the educational program and for the afternoon activities. The active participation and involvement of the IMS students is important to all of us. This way, the children feel seen, heard, true, and taken seriously. For us, being in dialog and involving children in the decision-making process using age-appropriate language is active participation. This is how they learn to take responsibility for themselves, among other things.

Here are some of the children’s voices:

  • M. 9 years old: “A good method! Everyone was able to have a say!”
  • D., 10 years old: “We were able to give our creativity free rein!”
  • J., 9 years old: “That was a good idea. I was able to say which working group I would like to join if I’m ever bored!”
  • R., 11 years old: “There could be a stick-throwing working group!”

You can find the program developed with the children here.