Danish Preschools UK Study Week

A Collaboration between Sightlines Initiative and the Danish Reggio Network.

27th September to 1st October 2010

Cost £750 (ReFocus members) £800 Non ReFocus memebers.

A five day study course to explore pedagogy and practice in the world renowned Danish preschools and Nature Kindergartens.

The study week will include:

• Visits to Danish pre schools and Nature Kindergartens, with educators and children. 
• Dialogue opportunities with Danish educators
• Seminars and Project presentations
• Workshops
• Discussion and networking opportunities
• Guided tour of the city

The study week will explore the following topics:

• History and background of Danish preschool education.
• Theoretical approaches underpinning Danish pedagogy and practice
• The benefits of playing and learning in the natural environment.
• The inspiration of the Reggio approach in Danish preschools.
• Follow up support

 For information and application form *CLICK HERE*

For reflections on previous study weeks click on links below.
Denmark 2008
Denmark 2009

In collaboration with the Reggio Emilia Institutet in Sweden ReFocus is organising a 4 day study visit to explore the practice and pedagogy of Swedish Preschools.

The study week will be facilitated by colleagues from the Reggio Emilia Institutet who have worked with the Reggio Inspiration in their preschools for 20 years. The week will offer UK educators an opportunity to learn from and with Swedish preschool educators. The study visit is part  of an ongoing exchange and dialogue between the two countries. The course will focus on aspects of reflection, dialogue and pedagogical documentation. This is an advanced level course and it is necessary for participants to have experience and understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach in order for the course to be relevant.

Presenters

Harold Göthson (International coordinator of Reggio Emilia Institutet)

Greger Rosnes, Per Bernemyr, Per Dahlbeck (Pedagogues – Reggio Emilia Institutet)

Gunhilla Dahlberg (Professor – Institute of Education)

Birgitta Kennedy (Chairman of Reggio Emilia Institutet Board)

Barbara Martin  (Former Minister for Education)

Participants
We will welcome applications from all those working in the field of early childhood education.

We encourage people to attend in ‘working partnerships’, in order to maximize the long-term potential for development.  There are a maximum of 50 places available for UK participants.

Costs

£750 (ReFocus Members) £825 (non ReFocus members)  

The above cost does not include flights and accommodation.

Travel and accommodation

Airport: Arlanda, Stockholm.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel.

Sightlines Initiative is currently arranging block bookings for accommodation. Successful applicants will be informed regarding accommodation options and costs upon confirmation.

Programme

The programme will include a combination of seminars, presentations, discussions and visits to Swedish Preschools.

The programme will begin on the morning of Tuesday 7th December with an opportunity to meet as a group. This time will be used to explore and exchange our questions; both while we are in Sweden and also in our daily practice. It will be a time to network, share experiences and understandings and begin an ongoing dialogue together. In the afternoon there will be a guided tour of Stockholm (included in fee). This will be followed by a welcome and introduction to the week with colleagues from the Reggio Emilia Institutet. On Wednesday 8th December and Thursday 9th  December  there will be a combination of lectures, seminars and project narratives followed by visits to preschools. Friday 10th December will be a ‘dialogue and exchange’ day between UK and Swedish educators, pedagogues and artists. As a group we will look at some pieces of documentation (from the UK and Sweden)  to use as a tool for sharing perspectives and in depth analysis of pedagogy and practice. The programme will end with a farewell meal on Friday evening (not included in fee). Please note this is a draft outline and could be subject to alteration.

Further information and preparation

If you are interested in this course we highly recommend the following publications:

Reggio Emilia Institutet, Stockholm network publications:

Modern Childhood 1998 (£6)

Modern Childhood 2006 (£8)

Modern Childhood 2008 (£8)

In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia – Reggio Children - £24.99

Not Just Anyplace DVD – Reggio Children - £25.75

All above publications are available from the Sightlines Initiative bookshop (http://www.sightlines-initiative.com/index.php?id=57)

We will provide additional information, preparation materials and support once the participants’ group is established.

click here for an application form