''Det er Lov.'' Rules and Routines in a Norwegian Kindergarten

Abstract

This project, ”Det er Lov.” Rules and Routines in a Norwegian Kindergarten, begins by

providing a description of a Norwegian kindergarten setting. Ideas such as kindergarten space, food, and clothing are presented. The scope of the project is created through a focus on rules and routines and how they are used and interpreted. The four guiding questions of this project are “How do children experience kindergarten routines and rules?” “How do children learn kindergarten routines and rules?” “How do adults handle conflict?” and “How do children and adults understand their relationship in kindergarten?” The text then goes on to describe instances of pedagogical tact and agency used respectively by adults and children. This project argues that the instances of pedagogical tact and agency occur frequently in a kindergarten setting and are made possible or assisted by the design of the kindergarten space, natural explanations, relationships with care and comfort at the foundation, and specific forms of communication in conflict situations. Adults use pedagogical tact, spacious patterns, and surveillance to navigate kindergarten life. Children use agency to navigate kindergarten life. Overall, there seems to be a balancing act of adult order and child chaos in a Norwegian kindergarten setting (Os, 2013).