The European Union through the Eyes of Fourth Graders? Fun and Playful!

At the beginning, they jointly explored what the European Union actually is, how it was formed, and how it functions. The children guessed how many member states it has — their estimates ranged from 13 to 39. They discovered the real number while coloring a map showing the EU's expansion. They learned about what the EU brings and supports through a "traveler’s suitcase" full of surprises. The children experienced the symbols of the EU with all their senses — they listened to the anthem, read its lyrics, touched the EU flag, and connected Europe Day with Robert Schuman. Each child created a simple model of the so-called institutional triangle. Using a concrete example — a petition to bring back plastic straws in Capri-Sun — they understood how a citizen’s initiative can work within the EU legislative process. The morning session ended with a team quiz on the EU, where the fourth graders answered with such confidence that even ninth graders would have been impressed.