My First OGE Trip to Sweden: A Journey of Learning and Inspiration

We were based at the cozy and vibrant Generator Hostel in the heart of Stockholm. While the first day was mostly our travel day, many of my colleagues had the energy to head out and explore the charming streets of Stockholm. I chose to relax at the hostel and soak in the atmosphere, preparing for the exciting days ahead.

Our second day began with a seminar about Swedish early childhood education, held at the Estonian building located at Wallingatan 32, 11124 Stockholm. We then visited a Swedish Estonian kindergarten named Estniska Förskolan.The school had 19 bright and curious children, and what stood out most to me was how they made the best of limited space. Their yard was surprisingly small and dominated by a large dome-like structure, leaving little room for conventional playground activities. Yet, with incredible creativity, the teachers transformed the space into a cycling track, introducing bikes and creating a circular path for children to ride and play.

Later that day, we took a 45-minute journey to a farm frequently visited by the kindergarten children. It amazed us that, despite the long trip and multiple bus changes, the children were comfortable and accustomed to such travels. The farm itself was a wonderland , complete with picnic spots, pony riding, playgrounds, a ceramics factory where children could try their hand at crafts, giant chess boards set into the ground, serene lakes, and friendly animals. It was easy to see why the long journey was more than worth it.

On our third day, we had the unique experience of accompanying the kindergarten children on a forest trip. Again, this involved a 30–40 minute commute one way, but the children handled it with such ease and excitement. Once in the forest, the children were given freedom to climb, run, and explore within safe boundaries. The teachers, rather than helping them directly, guided them in understanding how to navigate obstacles and find their own paths , fostering independence, resilience, and confidence.

Later, we explored several nearby parks that the children often visited. The closest park required a 15–20 minute walk each way, and we were amazed to see even two-year-olds managing the trek enthusiastically. Afterward, we had time to visit the magnificent botanical gardens and even explored the Swedish University, both of which offered further insights into the Swedish approach to education and nature.

This trip left me with a deep appreciation for how Swedish educators seamlessly integrate outdoor exploration, independence, and creative use of space into children's daily lives. It reminded me how far thoughtful planning and trust in children’s abilities can go in creating rich learning experiences , lessons I am excited to carry back to my own practice.