The goal of the Swedish School for children is to teach the Swedish language as well as maintain and further develop the language skills in children who already speak Swedish. The children learn about Sweden in general, its history, geography and literature. The children experience and practice Swedish traditions, song and dance and do Swedish handicrafts. Students’ participation with music and dance at cultural events, like Lucia and end of semester festivities, play an integral part in the school activities. A yearly “culture” camp is arranged every spring.
The school has the following levels:
• Play School and Kindergarten (ages 3 – 5)
• Swedish Elementary School: Grades 1-6 (ages 6-13),
• Preparatory Swedish classes (ages 6-13)
• Advanced Swedish: Credit courses 15, 25, and 35 (ages 12-18).
Class times are Saturdays 10 am to 12 noon for the younger groups and in the evening during the week for the older children. Times may vary, so please contact us for more information.
Kindergarten
Our combined preschool/kindergarten is for children 3 – 5 years of age. The objective of this class is to allow the children to increase their Swedish vocabulary in a playful environment. They will learn to understand rhyming words, to formulate simple sentences and to count. The older children will learn the alphabet. Through crafts, songs and games we cover topics including colours, shapes, the family, animals, holidays, the body, clothes and food. Swedish culture and Swedish traditions play a significant role in the education.
(The preschool children should have turned three years old and be fully potty trained when they start school.)
Elementary
Swedish Elementary is for Grades 1-6 or ages 6-13, depending on the individual student’s Swedish language skills.
The objective for this class is to teach skills for basic communication in the Swedish language. Students will learn to correctly pronounce Swedish words and to read and write words and simple sentences. The teaching is performed using stories, songs, examples and school books. Other topics include geography and history. Students will also be exposed to Swedish culture and traditions through events and holiday celebrations.
Preparatory Swedish
Preparatory Swedish classes are for ages 10-13. In this class the focus is on building skills for effective communication in the Swedish language. Reading, spelling and grammar as well as written and oral communication is taught. The teaching is performed using stories, songs, examples and school books. Other topics include Swedish geography and history. Students will also be exposed to Swedish culture and traditions.
Advanced Swedish
The school offers a 3-year Alberta Eduction accredited program. The Swedish Senior High School Credit Program classes are held 2.5 hours/week, usually during a mutually agreed upon evening.
“Swedish Language and Literature 15-25-35” is for students who speak and understand Swedish well and have a good reading and writing knowledge of Swedish.
The students are taught grammar, oral and written Swedish, Swedish literature, knowledge of the Swedish society, Swedish history, geography and participate in cultural practice (Swedish crafts and cooking, holiday celebrations and assisting teachers in the Saturday classes of the Swedish language School etc).
A minimum mark and attendance is required in each of 15-25-35 level classes and will earn the student 5 credits per year towards the Alberta High School Diploma.