The Girls' New School

When my husband and I were planning our move to Sweden, we registered the girls at an international school in town.  As a slightly overprotective mom (who had never lived more than 2 hours from where she was born), I felt comfortable knowing that the school uses English as the main language.  However, as our move date approached, we began to reconsider our options and thought about putting the girls in a local Swedish school.  Many people (parents included) assured us that the girls would acclimate quickly and have a much better opportunity to learn Swedish if they were thrown into it.

Once we arrived, we did some research and found the Foreskolebuss or what I like to call the "School on Wheels".  Each day the children arrive at the school and then head out on the bus (which is not like any bus I remember as a kid!).  Yes, the bus has a kitchen, a bathroom AND seat belts!

The children often spend days exploring in the woods, but will also take trips to the sea, museums, theater, etc.   The children are outdoors every day (with rare exceptions from what I understand), so they must have weather appropriate clothing at the ready.  It is very different from what we are used to, but the girls are enjoying it and their teachers are great (they speak English to the girls as needed).

As it is normal practice in Sweden to have a parent stay with the children for a time when they start school,  I was selected to ride along on the bus with the girls for a couple of days.  It was an opportunity to see how things are done and also feel comforted that the girls are going to be just fine.  It also gave me a chance to take a few photos!

The universal language of rocks!

Enjoying the Animal Park

For the record, not all local schools in Lund are like this (Malena will be in a regular classroom in the fall), but there is something to be said for giving children fresh air and the chance to explore!