Life in Sweden: First Day of Dagis

Today was Ellie’s first day of dagis (daycare/preschool). She was so excited to finally be starting. She even woke up early. We took the train to Odenplan and walked the block to her school. They start the morning by playing outside in all types of weather. Drop-off starts as early as 7:45 and they play outside until 9:45. Ellie will be going from 9-2 normally. She spent the morning play time making snow birthday cakes. After playtime they headed upstairs for snack. The snack was either apple and/or banana. Ellie ate ½ of an apple and ½ a banana. Then it was time for art. They drew with crayons and then used paint to paint over their drawings. I was sent for tea to begin the process of Ellie feeling comfortable by herself with the class. Art was followed by free play and then circle time. Lunch was a fish in dill cream sauce, rice and cabbage salad. Ellie ate everything on her plate and went back for seconds of salad. After lunch, they settled in to read books aloud. Then it was time for more free play. Ellie did puzzles, played memory with some of the other children, drew pictures, looked at books, and played train and checkout. Afternoon snack is served about 2pm. It was buttered bread with cheese. Then it was back out to the courtyard for more outside play time.

She was so tired at the end of the day. She really had a fun day though. After a great nap for Ellie, we went to Hard Rock Café, Stockholm to celebrate David’s successful oral defense and Ellie’s first day of dagis.