Reference Letter for Sophie Glover

Mrs. Sharon Abrahamsson, supervisor at Melongatans preschool. Gothenburg, Sweden. Date 27/9/2013 I am writing to you in reference to Sophie Glover. Ms. Glover came to my preschool in October 2012 for 4 weeks to observe and participate in the Swedish preschool system. Despite the language barrier Sophie was able to have good interaction with the children. She showed great interest and involvement in her work and had the ability to help and solve problems. I think Sophie had great courage to come to Sweden to experience working in a Swedish preschool. I think Sophie experienced a good environment for the childrens development, especilally envoursizing childrens play through learning. Children search for knowledge and develop it through play, social interaction, exploration and creativity, as well as through observation, discussion and reflection, for example: learning from each other. showing respect for each other. resolving conflicts. learning to compromise. ability to communicate through the spoken language. Sophie was impressed by the democratic climate in the preschool where the children have a feeling of belonging and responsibility and that each childs needs are respected. The children are made aware that people have different attitudes and values and that all persons have equal value independent of gender, social or ethnic background. Boys and girls have the same opportunities to develop and explore their abilities and interests without having limitations imposed by sterotyped gender roles. Sophie loved our daily walks in the forests and learnt how the children care for the environment.

All Swedish preschools put great emphasis on the children acquiring a caring attitude to nature and the environment and understanding natures recycling process and this is done by going out in the nearby forests for walks where they are learning all the time. There are special days where all schools are out picking up litter, helping to keep the environment clean. I think Sophie found that the Swedish preschool was more relaxed than in Australia, and the children are able to see another world outside the preschool through our regular excursions to the theatre/concert/museum/art workshop, which is all paid for by the goverment. I hope that Sophies experience at my preschool has helped her to see how children should be given more motivation to take more responsibility and opportunity to take more risks. It was lovely having Sophie at my preschool and I highly recommend her in working as a teacher at any school. Yours Sincerely Mrs. Sharon Abrahamsson Pre-school teacher