Redesign of an Outdoor Space in a Swedish Preschool: Opportunities and Constraints for Sustainability Education

Children's early engagement in design of outdoor spaces can form the basis of later attitudes and responsible action for sustainability. The present study is part of a participatory action research project in an urban multi-ethnic preschool in Sweden, involving children, parents, preschool staff and management with a focus on improving the preschool playground. The methodology involved children taking pictures of the outdoor space, informal participant observation by one researcher and conversations with children and teachers. Analyses completed of selected fieldwork excerpts focus on learning opportunities for children and adults, children’s participation, cooperation and leadership for sustainability. Deeper awareness and confidence, and practical pedagogies for staff in preschools are required for effective sustainability education. A joint frame of reference on pedagogical practices and processes for reflection is needed within and across early childhood institutions. More continuous training of staff and preschool leadership would be of benefit. However, such commitment is ultimately a matter of policy to invest in giving preschools the means to develop and realise ambitions for environmental and sustainability education.

Swedish preschool leadership – supportive of music or not?

This study uses observations and interviews to investigate how the leadership at three Swedish preschools in Sweden has impacted the didactic choices made. Two of these preschools use music as a tool for stimulating language and social development, while the third preschool serves as a comparison. The inspiration that the leadership has brought to each institution is of crucial importance to incorporating music and other activities into the everyday work. This influence has been both restrictive and supportive. Music is said to function as a teaching tool, while other functions remain in the background. This contradiction and its implications are discussed, and it is argued that further training should include developing the teachers’ musical-didactic awareness. Principals are most certainly role models at preschools and need to be aware of it.

Preschool Leadership: A Review and Critique

Literature on early childhood leadership urges promotion of leadership abilities prior to the school years, offers methods for early identification of leadership potential, and suggests training techniques. Yet critical analysis of the literature on leadership cautions that such efforts may be premature. This article evaluates the concept of preschool leadership and points to several topics requiring consideration. These include consensus on definitions of preschool leadership, validation of identification and training methods, and examination of models for reflective as well as action leadership.