What does it mean to have a good childhood? At the heart of the good childhood, a shared Nordic ideal, is the premise that children have fundamental rights to a high quality of life, including the freedom to play, enjoy childhood, and be well-cared for by their families, schools, and the larger society. 

In this course, students explore what a good childhood looks like in different communities and from the perspectives of children, parents, and teachers. Using scholarly readings, films, children’s literature, and their own experiences, students will analyze elements of the good childhood and how they are reflected in everyday activities at home and school in Nordic countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

A placement in a local school will anchor the seminar course, providing regular opportunities to reflect on the good childhood in practice in British educational settings. The placement will be supplemented by a community-engaged learning project, designed to give students personal insight into the perspectives and experiences of people in local communities. 

Education Summer School includes an overnight study trip to London, to experience and reflect on the good childhood from diverse perspectives, including a trip to an adventure playground and the children’s museum Young V & A.

Professor: Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Research on Global Engagement, Elon University vanderma@elon.edu