Swedish as a Second Language

This information is derived from the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket) curriculum for the compulsory school. While the curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of Swedish as a Second Language, it does not offer specific breakdowns for each year level. Therefore, the following information represents the overall aims and core content for Swedish as a Second Language in primary school, which encompasses Years 1-6, and acknowledges the absence of a distinct Year 3 curriculum.

Aim

The curriculum for Swedish as a Second Language aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively in Swedish across diverse contexts. The focus is on building confidence in their language abilities, fostering a love for reading and writing, and developing critical thinking skills for evaluating information. The curriculum emphasizes a communicative approach, prioritizing fluency and comprehension over strict grammatical accuracy, especially in the early stages of learning. It also aims to develop students' understanding of Swedish literature and various forms of non-fiction, fostering their personal identities and understanding of the world around them. Furthermore, the curriculum encourages students to explore the Swedish language's norms, structure, pronunciation, and vocabulary, highlighting the connection between language use and social contexts.

Core Content (Years 1-3)

• Reading and Writing: Students develop reading strategies for comprehension and interpretation, adapting their approach to different text formats. They learn writing strategies for various text types, incorporating images and digital tools. Basic language structures, such as capitalization, punctuation, and spelling of common words, are introduced. The alphabet and alphabetical order are also covered.
• Speaking, Listening, and Talking: Students practice listening comprehension and oral retelling in conversations. They learn strategies to improve understanding and express themselves when their Swedish skills are limited. Oral presentations on everyday topics, supported by visual aids and digital tools, are also practiced. Pronunciation, emphasis, and intonation are introduced, comparing Swedish pronunciation to the student's mother tongue.
• Narrative and Non-Fiction Texts: Students encounter narrative and poetic texts for children, including rhymes, songs, picture books, and traditional stories. They explore the message, structure, and content of these texts. Descriptive and explanatory texts, such as factual texts for children, are also introduced, along with instructional texts like game instructions. Students also engage with texts that combine words and pictures, including digital media.
• Use of Language: Students develop language strategies for learning and remembering, focusing on vocabulary for expressing emotions, knowledge, and opinions. They learn about the nuances of word meanings and tone of voice. Comparisons between spoken and written language are made, and responsible language use in digital media is emphasized.
• Searching for Information and Critical Evaluation of Sources: Students begin to search for information in children's books, periodicals, and websites using internet search engines. Basic source criticism is introduced, focusing on how the sender influences content.

Core Content (Years 4-6)

The core content for Years 4-6 builds upon the foundation laid in Years 1-3, expanding into more complex language structures, text types, and communication skills. It includes:

• More advanced reading and writing strategies, including giving and receiving feedback on texts.
• Developing arguments in discussions and decision-making processes.
• Exploring narrative and poetic texts for children and youth, including literature from different cultures and time periods.
• Analyzing descriptive, explanatory, instructional, and argumentative texts.
• Expanding vocabulary and understanding nuances of word meanings and connotations.
• Learning about responsible communication in different media and contexts.
• Searching for information in various media and critically evaluating sources.

Core Content (Years 7-9)

The core content for Years 7-9 further develops language proficiency and critical thinking skills, preparing students for upper secondary education. It includes:

• Advanced reading strategies for interpreting and analyzing texts, including identifying themes, motives, and authorial intent.
• Writing complex texts across different genres, incorporating multimedia elements.
• Leading conversations, formulating arguments, and summarizing discussions.
• Exploring literature for youth and adults from diverse cultures and time periods.
• Analyzing complex texts, including newspaper articles, scientific texts, and blog entries.
• Understanding ethical and moral aspects of language use and freedom of expression.
• Conducting research using various sources and critically evaluating information.

It is important to consult the full Skolverket curriculum for a complete understanding of the aims and core content for Swedish as a Second Language.