Three year olds to be taught English in Norwegian kindergartens

English will soon be part of the curriculum in ten state run kindergartens in Oslo. The proposal was passed earlier today at a council meeting.

- This project has been highly successful in other countries, and the feedback we’ve received from the parents have been good, head of the Oslo city council, Erling Lae, tells Dagbladet.no.

Ten kindergartens

Initially the scheme will only include ten kindergartens, but if it proves to be a success, more are likely to follow.

- English will be taught twice a week, by an English speaking teacher and an assistant. They are going to bring along ”Teddy’ the teddy bear, who will play an important part in the lessons, Lae says.

-Have there been any opposition to this proposal?

- No, I couldn’t imagine anyone being opposed to this idea. The lessons are intended for the older kids, and the idea behind it is to introduce them to the English language before they start school.

Fun

Lae emphasizes that the lessons will take place in a playful environment.

- This is not an attempt to introduce grammar school to kindergarten kids. The lessons are going to be combined with fun and games, Lae says.

Project to start soon

- We released the budget today. Funds are going to be allocated in the autumn, and we expect that the project can commence in the Spring of 2009.

NOK 1,5 million have been set aside for the project.

Source: Dagbladet.no