Introducing children to the world’s continents is a staple of geography education. One practical approach is teaching them about individual countries and their respective continents, such as the case with Sweden. As part of Europe, Sweden offers various fascinating aspects that can engage students and help broaden their understanding of both the country and its continent.
Geographical Location and Borders
Sweden is located in Northern Europe, sharing a long border with its western neighbor, Norway, and a shorter border with Finland in the northeast. To the east, the Baltic Sea separates Sweden from its eastern neighbors – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Teachers can introduce map-based exercises where students identify and label these bordering countries to create deeper connections between nations in Europe.
Historical Developments
Delving into Sweden’s history will give students a glimpse of European historical trends. The Viking Age lasted from 793 to 1066 AD in Scandinavia, which includes present-day Sweden. During this period, Viking explorers traveled far beyond Europe while Swedish Vikings mainly conducted trade in Eastern Europe and formed colonies along their trade route.
Teachers can integrate such historical events into lessons by discussing Viking contributions to language, art, technology, and navigation. This will lead to more profound conversations about broader European history.
Culture and Language
Swedish culture reflects various influences from European neighbors over centuries. Connecting their culture to other European countries will heighten students’ curiosity. Prominent writers like August Strindberg and Astrid Lindgren or musicians like ABBA can be highlighted as examples of famous Swedes who have left their mark on global culture.
Sweden’s official language is Swedish, but nearly 90% of Swedes speak English fluently due to a strong emphasis on English education. This encourages discussions about linguistic similarities across Europe.
Political Framework
It is essential for students to comprehend how political systems work within Europe as a continent. Sweden’s government is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, where the King holds a mainly ceremonial position. The Parliament or Riksdag is responsible for creating laws, and Sweden is also an active member of the European Union (EU). Teachers can engage students in comparisons between political systems in Europe and their own country to stimulate critical thinking.
Economy and Education
Sweden has one of the world’s highest standards of living, bolstered by its strong economy and robust welfare system. The Swedish education system serves as an example for European countries due to its commitment to accessibility and high-quality education. Students can benefit from discussions about the ways in which Sweden has achieved its successes and how other European nations are striving towards similar goals.
In conclusion, teaching students about Sweden’s continent – Europe – requires touching upon geographical location, historical developments, culture, language, political structure, economy, and education. By fostering an understanding of Sweden’s connections throughout Europe, educators can cultivate well-rounded global citizens eager to explore and appreciate diverse cultures across continents.
