Child-Centered Programs

After looking further into Sweden for my discussion post, and having experience with Swedish friends, it seems to me that the education provided for young children is more what Berger (2011) describes as a child-centered. In these types of programs, children are allowed to develop and learn new skills at their own pace. Creativity is encouraged and valued and reading and writing are not pushed early on.

I did have an experience with Montessori education since we sent my daughter there for a 2 year old program. This only lasted about a month for my daughter, because I think she was just not ready for any formal type of learning that early. She has since moved on to preschool and is having a completely different experience, one year later.

Interestingly enough, our Swedish friends (who were here on business for 6 months), ended up sending both of their children to the New School of Lancaster, as well. They explained to us that this was much like the education their children received in Sweden and therefore, it was an easy transition when they would be in the U.S. They had done quite a bit of research on where to send their two children prior to coming over to the U.S. I must say, their children were very well adjusted and quite bright.

I tend to agree with the philosophy shown in the video on Sweden's education in many ways. I see the benefit of having children outside everyday, despite the weather. This was one thing that I truly appreciated about the Montessori school that we sent our daughter to. I also agree that creativity should be inspired. Every child is different and it is refreshing to see that taken into account with learning. My mother, being a kindergarten teacher all her life, had no problem retiring from teaching a few years back. The educational system in the U.S. had changed so much in her career, and she did not like where it was headed. In her eyes, teaching became all about testing. It was too much pressure on the children and the teachers. I agree with her to some degree as I want my children to enjoy going to school. I also hope that my kids end up with teachers that value them as individuals and appreciate their creativity. They will have plenty of time to act like "adults" and live in a much more structured world....I hope they have time to be kids!