Our Early Childhood Teachers visited schools in Switzerland

 

Summer holidays began for the Early Childhood teachers with an epic trip to a beautiful country surrounded by the Alps and lush, green serene surroundings, Switzerland! Over five days, the Early Childhood teachers had the opportunity to visit various preschools in Switzerland, including typical preschools, forest schools, farm schools, mixed-aged schools, and a boarding school. Each preschool had its own uniqueness of centering the child as the core curriculum. The importance of play was demonstrated in various settings, entrusting the child to learn independence and social-emotional respectfulness. Children, regardless of age, were trusted with social learning in all areas. 

A dialogue session with lecturers from the University of Thurgau shared what the Basisstufe model is all about. The collaborative session provided an exchange of how training in early childhood education, combining scientific research, and practical training, proves vital in creating the fundamentals of training teachers for learners of tomorrow. In turn, we shared what early childhood education is like in Swiss School – integrating cultures, languages, and eclectic education practices.

This trip ended with an ignition of many ideas, reflection, and an in-depth understanding of early childhood education in Switzerland. We could never be more thankful to have lovely hosts from various schools who shared their expertise and time, and especially the dinners with our invigilators from Canton of Zug. 

“Everything begins with an idea” by Earl Nightingale describes the trip. This idea became fruition with Johannes Furrer, Markus Pallman, and Johannes Iten, along with many people behind the scenes who made this trip possible, for whom we are entirely grateful. It is a transformative experience for us all and this trip will continue to allow us to better enrich the lives of our students here at the Swiss School.