I worked at a private preschool which has an interesting philosophy. This philosophy is called the Reggio Emilia approach. The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the fact that children should be independent and decide on their own what activities they would like to do. So everything from finger paints to blocks are on low shelves where all the children can reach and almost nothing is off limits.
I chose to work with the one year olds. This was an interesting experience because I got to see the different personalities of all the different children, even through they are small and can't speak there are still certain things that stand out about their personalities. For example, one little girl loved clothes, another little boy was obsessed with cows, and yet another little boy was quite angsty and didn't really like much of anything
I have made a few comparisons between Norwegian and American preschools. Norwegian preschools spend hours outside everyday rain or shine. American preschoolers don't spend nearly as much time outside especially if it is raining outside. Also in Norway nap time is outside in strollers. In America it is seen as child abuse to allow your child to sleep outside on the porch. In Norway it is seen as very healthy and is part of the culture.
This has been a a useful experience I have reestablished the fact that, though I love kids I couldn't work in a preschool long term. I have also learned a lot about how children are treated differently in different cultures even if there are not very many noticeable cultural differences to the outside eye.
This is Miriam signing off!
I chose to work with the one year olds. This was an interesting experience because I got to see the different personalities of all the different children, even through they are small and can't speak there are still certain things that stand out about their personalities. For example, one little girl loved clothes, another little boy was obsessed with cows, and yet another little boy was quite angsty and didn't really like much of anything
I have made a few comparisons between Norwegian and American preschools. Norwegian preschools spend hours outside everyday rain or shine. American preschoolers don't spend nearly as much time outside especially if it is raining outside. Also in Norway nap time is outside in strollers. In America it is seen as child abuse to allow your child to sleep outside on the porch. In Norway it is seen as very healthy and is part of the culture.
This has been a a useful experience I have reestablished the fact that, though I love kids I couldn't work in a preschool long term. I have also learned a lot about how children are treated differently in different cultures even if there are not very many noticeable cultural differences to the outside eye.
This is Miriam signing off!
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