Sweden Plans Less Play, More Math in Schools
Sweden's elementary schools will be focusing more on reading, writing and math, according to the government.
And that means there will be less of a focus on play-based learning, experts say.
From 2028, children will also begin elementary school a year earlier — at the age of 6.
The country's government wants to go "back to basics," it says, to make sure that all children have the basic skills they need.
But not everyone likes the idea. Some have criticized the plans, saying that play-based learning has been shown to support the development of young children.
Experts say play-based learning helps children develop problem-solving skills as well as curiosity and creativity.
Play-based learning can mean a number of different things. Usually, children don't work as much from books, but instead take part in activities that look and feel a lot more like playing.
This might include "free play," in which the teacher has a passive role, or "teacher-led play," where an educator guides pupils in an activity.
Supporters of play-based learning believe it helps develop well-rounded children. But some researchers have argued that "play alone is not learning."
The change may make the first year of elementary school a little more formal. And it may also mean more time with pencils and paper, and less focus on technology.
Swedish minister Jakob Forssmed told DW that young people's skills are suffering because of the time they spend on screens.
He complained: "They cannot cut with scissors. They cannot climb a tree."
Around the world, 6 is the most common age for the start of elementary school. However, in the UK, many children begin elementary school when they are 4 years old, while children in the US often start at 5.
