Eesti Toitumisnõustajate Ühendus (Estonian Nutritional Counselors Association) has been a member of SAPERE International since 2019. Since then, we have developed a curriculum and program for Estonian children (mostly pupils) based on the SAPERE method, which is built on sensory learning techniques. In the lessons, through playful activities, we create interest and curiosity by letting children test and trust their senses. Through this, the courage and willingness develops and children are more eager to eat different fruits and vegetables and discover new tastes.
We let children explore and try different flavors, and within the process, they learn to trust food and eat healthily. In the lessons, we also introduce the topics of growing, origin, and preparation of food. In addition, children also gain knowledge about food culture and table manners. Realizing that food is an important part of our culture and nature and affects the environment, children grow up to be conscious consumers.
All exercises and tasks are structured in such a way that the child learns, becomes aware of and uses all his senses.
Mentors – Each kindergarten and school have its own mentor from our Association who also trains staff and parents during the program.
KÜSK project – In the years 2019-2022, we carried out a proof-of-concept project in kindergartens and schools.
Feedback from teachers on our activities
As part of the pilot program, we prepared in 2022 the manual for kindergarten teachers and parents and a manual for schoolteachers and parents is also currently being prepared and will be ready in 2024. The manuals have practical value, i.e., they can be used independently in kindergartens, schools, and homes after completing the training.
Cooperation
ETNÜ offers cooperation opportunities for the implementation of senses-based learning in kindergartens and schools and has set a higher goal to add our program into the Estonian national preschool education curriculum.
In addition, we cooperate with various national organizations, e.g. Health Development Institute, Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Ministry of Social Affairs, local authorities. We also participate in various public procurements to support the implementation and design of public sector health policy.
Meelte Kool (The School of Senses)
Meelte Kool is a non-profit organization established in May 2023 with the mission to promote food education among children and young people across Estonia. Our work is rooted in the belief that healthy and balanced eating habits begin in early childhood and can best be developed through practical, sensory-based learning experiences.
Meelte Kool has grown out of a food education programme originally developed by the Estonian Association of Nutrition Advisors, and brings together a passionate team of nutrition professionals, parents, teachers, and school cooks.
We base our activities on the SAPERE method, offering children and young people the opportunity to explore food through all five senses – in a playful, safe, and engaging way. Our goal is to spark curiosity towards new foods and support the development of positive eating habits that last a lifetime.
Our main activities include:
• Sensory-based food workshops for children and youth.
• Hands-on cooking classes, encouraging children to experiment with new tastes and food preparation.
• Training and mentorship programmes for teachers, to integrate sensory food education into the school environment.
• Workshops and information materials for parents, to support healthy eating at home.
• Personalised nutritional counselling for children and families.
We aim to make food education accessible, inspiring, and meaningful. By introducing children to the richness and diversity of food in a joyful and exploratory way, we help them form a healthy and confident relationship with what they eat.
More information: www.meeltekool.ee
