A Time for Serious, A Time for Fun

Our culture shocks were pretty much diminished by the end of this 3rd week. We are getting used to the informality of the schools here in Sweden, taking more helpings of the food in the cafeteria etc.

The serious part: I have been observing this special music class for 3 weeks now. What makes this class so special is that there are only 5-6 students in this class, but the number of adults present is more than the number of students. These students are with disabilities such as down syndrome, autism, muscular dystrophy. Being my CT's 2nd year in his teaching stint in Nya Rydsskolan, he shared with me the challenges for this class especially. He is not trained in music therapy or teaching pedagogies for special education, yet he has found ways to bring joy to these students.

Every lesson with them is a energy booster to my CT and I because the pure joy that the students exhibit is really something that we could feel. Disabled but not unable. Something for all of us to think about.

Special Music Class - the students (front) are accompanied by their adult helpers (back)

The fun part: Zi Ping's CT, Lisa, and Shan Shan's CT, Johnny, brought the 3 of us around Linköping to see some of the landmarks. We visited the Göta Canal, the Cathedral and a Farmer's Market which only happens twice annually, lucky us.

Chilling at Bosses Glassbar, Linköping's famous Ice cream parlour. From top left (clockwise): Johnny, Boss of the shop, Lisa, Ding Yi, Zi Ping, Shan Shan

Another highlight was our visit to Oslo for the national day. Everywhere was packed. Using "grand" to describe it would be an understatement. The participants of the street parade were mostly schools, with children walking in lines while their teachers walked beside them. Parents would then line up by the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of their children and take a photo of them.

Oslo National Day's Street Parade