Week 44 - Askeladden Kindergarten by Eva Pérez

Eva Pérez Abril

 ASKELADDEN KINDERGARTEN – TUESDAY, 2^ND NOVEMBER

On Tuesday we went to visit a kindergarten in Oslo whose educational plan is based on storytelling. "Askeladden" is an old kindergarten with a long tradition and whose education is based and emphasizes Norwegian culture. 

The kindergarten has three equally divided groups with children of different ages, ranging from 1 to 6 years old. This is because this mix is beneficial for the children as they learn from each other. The older ones take responsibility, and the younger ones have good opportunities for development. This kindergarten is characterized by the mutual care of the children. One of the teachers told us that the combination of ages makes it possible to build friendships over time. 

Regarding the methodology of this kindergarten, by stories, music, drama and art, it is intended to give the children a good basis for continuing to learn about life. They use literature as a guide in the children's lives. 

Askeladden constantly seeks to build good, shared experiences for the children, both in controlled activities and in free play. Most of the time in the kindergarten is spent playing. Through play, children learn to interact, cooperate, and solve problems. 

Askeladden's pedagogy makes use of legends, myths and fairy tales. They dramatize and sing songs and stories, so that the children can use language and knowledge together in an adult-controlled part of the day. The fact that they have the same content every year makes it easier for the children to gradually delve deeper into the topics and expand their language. The kindergarten also has a large selection of books that are available for the children to look at on their own or have the teachers read to them.

After the visit to the nursery, I have made several reflections. First, Norwegian education is very different from the education system in Spain. 

In Spain, a document called "Curriculum" is very important. This is the didactic tool of the teachers in which the criteria, curricula, methodology, programs, and each and every one of the processes that will serve to provide students with a comprehensive and complete education are included.

At the end of each educational cycle this series of contents, objectives and methodologies must have been achieved and carried out for a complete learning of the students.

Finally, I was also surprised that education is based mainly on storytelling, dramatization of stories, teaching of Norwegian stories... In Spain this would be unthinkable since, due to the "Curriculum", teaching of different areas and subjects such as natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics, language, physical education, etc. must be completed.