The panel

Since last fall, Modern Barndom's question page has been focusing on a few key areas related to the Swedish National Agency for Education's mission to update the preschool curriculum. In this issue, a few preschool principals answer the question, "How do you think the new preschool curriculum should address the role of the preschool principal in preschool?"

“Voting feels important”

This fall, approximately 383,000 young people will vote for the first time, which is fewer than in the last election, but this group's political engagement and optimism about the future are growing.

"Yes!" reply the first-time voters at Mark's high school in unison when asked if they will vote – and why:

"Voting feels important!"

Freedom of choice, equality, and democracy in preschool and school

The education policy spokespersons for the parties in the Swedish Parliament respond here to questions from Modern Barndom about their views on freedom of choice, equality, and democracy in preschools and schools.

When fearful laughter becomes joyful laughter

Swedish clown Ann Hageus, who in the last issue of Modern Barndom shared her experiences of a clown tour in Romania, returns here to talk about two trips this year to Burma and Bangladesh to visit the Rohingya people, one of the world's most vulnerable peoples.

The school system's transitional years or driving force

"It began when the Swedish Schools Inspectorate, during its comprehensive inspection of the city of Helsingborg, criticized the principal's ability to follow up on the content of the preschool class and document this follow-up," says Carina Wällstedt Johansson, central pedagogue in Helsingborg, explaining what prompted them to begin searching for the identity of the preschool class and invest in this type of school.

Around Reggio

The 100 Languages Award – introducing the Reggio Emilia Institute's new major award.

The studio floor & culture

Andrei Khotimtchenko, studio artist and painter, on "The art of not being a teacher, or why art is so important in preschool."

The educator

Sofia Hedin, educationalist at Ryds preschools in Linköping

Educational documentation

Novalis exploring the studios during Bordercrossing in Haninge.

The point of view

Harold Göthson writes about my voice – your voice – my responsibility.

Signed

Author and journalist Kent Werne writes about the most important key to school that has been thrown away.