Day 5: Harnosand, Sweden

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
A Day at the Schools~ "The Sun School"

Morning Pictures



This was in the classroom where we spent most of our time. As you can see, their desks are very high. The students practiced their English as they asked us questions (some questions were about pets, t.v. shows, favorite food, and a lot about hockey). The most interesting thing about the way the classrooms are set up in Sweden is that the students on this level are not on the same level academically. Meaning, that some students are on level 4, others are on level 7, and others may be on level 3. The students are given a list of requirements for the day, and they plan their own schedules. They do their work when they want to, and the teachers are merely facilitators. I was not able to see any whole group instruction, as most of their learning is independent.
Books in the classroom
This book is one of the stories in their English book. Unfortunately, many students (and adults) have the idea that everyone in America is extremely rich.

This is a map of Sweden that was posted in the hallway.They had a United States map that was a bit distorted, though. Georgia was in Alabama's spot and the Carolina's were stretched across a lot further than they actually are.
Classroom posters (Religion, Addition, Subtraction)

These are some of the pictures of the school library.



These two pictures are of textbooks in geography, as well as their English studies books.

Students are encouraged to play, a lot! They provide a lot of opportunities for children to play and be comfortable.

There were couches everywhere! They feel that it is extremely important for children to be comfortable as they learn.

In addition to children being comfortable, teachers are given two or three 30 minute coffee breaks a day! The children are left in their classrooms to play while the teachers get a break.

These show some of the children playing outside. By the way, teachers were not required to go outside with their children!! The students knew where to play, so the teachers did not have to monitor them as they played.

Home-economics is extremely important to schools in Sweden. The students learn to sew, iron, and chop wood.


In the woodshop class, the students used real saws, hammers, and other tools! It was shocking! However, the Vice Headmaster told us that it was because it is extremely important to teach children to become self-sufficient. It is important for them to learn how to chop wood to build fires. Everything is so practical, and it truly prepares the students for real life!

These were some wooden dolls that were on the window sill in the woodshop class. The students at this primary school made these! Wow!

These two pictures represent some of the posters around the school. These posters, in particular, represent what traits are found in a good friend. Some of them say that a good friend listens, helps, and shares the ball.
These posters were really interesting! A lot of teachers in Sweden are not required to receive any form of professional development. That is the complete opposite as in America. We have learned through the past few years, the significance of graphic organizers. It is interesting that I saw many graphic organizers in the school, yet their teachers are not required to receive professional development.

These pictures only represent a tiny bit of the enormous amount of art in the school. Art is extremely important to these students, and it is displayed everywhere! It really livened up the school and gave the students a sense of ownership.

This is myself, Virginia, Bird, and Aundria at the pizza party on campus. All dinners (at least that we experienced) were accompanied by candlelight and wine. It was very unique.

The next few pictures are an update of the view from the hotel room after being at school all day.

On our way home from dinner on campus (the Department of Education at Mid Sweden University threw us a pizza party)... Virginia, Aundria, and I found this enormous pile of snow on the side of the road. So, here I am!
Here is Virginia!

Here is Aundria!