“There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes”

IN SOFT, southern countries, snow is enough to close schools. In Sweden—a place that lives by the maxim that “There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes”—fresh snow is a cue to send 18-month-olds into the playground, tottering around in snowsuits and bobble hats. It is an impressive sight at any time. But it is particularly striking in a Stockholm playground filled with Somali toddlers, squeaking as they queue for sledge-rides.

The playground belongs to Karin Danielsson, a headmistress in Tensta, a Stockholm suburb with a large immigrant population. Mrs Danielsson calls her municipal preschool “a school for democracy”. In keeping with Swedish mores, even young children may choose which activities to join or where to play. All pupils’ opinions are heard, but they are then taught that the group’s wishes must also be heeded.

Swedes take preschool seriously. Though education is not compulsory until seven, more than 80% of two-year-olds are enrolled in preschool, and many begin earlier. Among European countries only Denmark has higher enrolment rates at that age.

Just three of Mrs Danielsson’s 85 pupils, aged from one to five-and-a-half, speak Swedish as their mother tongue. Most come from Somali backgrounds, or other cultures where young children stay at home. That may be their tradition, Mrs Danielsson says. But in Sweden “you need to learn Swedish rules and social behaviour.” She prefers her pupils to enroll at 12- or 18-months-old, and to stay for six hours a day.

more here - http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15394132

Interesting ideas.