A day at Vikingaskolan

Today I was at Vikingaskolan or "the viking school." I spend most of my time in a 6th grade classroom. First I met with the headmaster or principal. I found out that schools in Sweden don't do suspensions or expulsions. However, his school did do detentions, which the community was not always happy about. I found it interesting that again this school didn't allow the children to wear shoes in the school. In talking to the 6th grade teacher I found that this is the norm in Sweden.

I observed a Social Studies class where the students were working with atlases and different maps around the world. During the students morning break I was able to talk more to the teachers. One role that they had in this school that I thought would also be effective in my own school, is the position of student coach. It was a teacher who didn't have a classroom, but instead went around the school assisting teachers with difficult children. It was someone that all students looked to as authority. I saw him walk by the room several times in the hour I was observing and found out that his job is just to help with students when they leave the classroom or when they need encouragement/discipline to do the right thing and ultimately to get them back to working again. This particular guy also helped coach/teach some sports but his main job was just to free up the teachers from having to take class time to work with students who were having difficulty. It was more a work with character than with academic challenges.

After break I observed a textiles class consisting of woodworking, sewing, and weaving. The students had a lot of choice in this class. THey had to make a plan of what they wanted to make in a sketch book...then the teacher would assist them in learning the skills they needed. Students were making everything from wooden shelves and boxes, to placemat on a weaving maching, to bags on a sewing machine, and even one girl was knitting a scarf. I loved the selection and opportunity offered to these students.

I spent the rest of the morning talking to a Grade 5 student. They wanted me to chat with him because he was one of the best English speaking students and really loved learning about the USA. I was so impressed with his English skills. HE didn't have to pause for words..it was like talking to an English speaking native. He was almost more well spoken than most Americans. I really see how much of a priority learning a second lanaguage is in Sweden.

The students had a half day because of a teacher inservice, so I left at lunch time to attend a rotary meeting and presentation. In the evening we had what is known as an "after work." It's a time when working people stay in town and meet out for a drink at a local pub. It was nice to get to talk to all the team members and regroup after our long week. With three days of vocational visits, it almost felt like a work week :).