Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Norway's Outdoor Classrooms

How do Norwegians develop a love of friluftsliv, or outdoor life? For many, it's a natural part of childhood, family life, and the country's culture in general. And for a growing number of Norway's children, it's a part of their formal education, starting as early as preschool. Ten years ago there were about a dozen Norwegian preschools that focused on an outdoor curriculum. Today there are hundreds—or about one in ten.

Tusseladen preschool in Tromsø is a great example of Norway's growing outdoor education movement. Its location far above the Arctic Circle makes for a long, dark winter, but Tusseladen students spend the majority of their time outdoors in all sorts of weather. Check out the video below to learn about Tusseladen's philosophy. And don't miss our upcoming article on how friluftsliv is taught to all ages throughout the Norwegian education system. You'll find it in the September issue of Viking!



Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585. 

2 comments:

Debbie Petras said...

I love this! I work in a preschool class in Phoenix. However, with the triple digit heat our kids stay inside most of the day. But when they get outside ...they love it.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Debbie (comments above mine) sent me this link. I've so enjoyed visiting northern Norway with yu today. My mom was born in Tromso and the photo depicts our visit there 2 years ago. Norway is a big part of my heart! :)

Sonja