Åndsfrihet og tilgivelse – barnehagens «glemte» verdier? Barnehagers arbeid med verdier

The study investigates which of the fundamental values from the object clause contained in the Kindergarten Act a sample of kindergartens specifically worked on during a kindergarten year, and how they worked with these values. The research questions are: 1) Which fundamental values from the object clause do kindergartens prioritise in their work? 2) In what ways do kindergartens work with these values?

The investigation reveals that kindergartens work extensively with the following values from the object clause: respect for human dignity and nature, compassion, equality and solidarity, while the values of intellectual freedom and forgiveness receive far less attention. The authors believe that one reason why these values are not mentioned much in kindergartens’ annual plans may be related to the fact that the same values are not discussed in more detail and concretised in the Framework Plan for Kindergartens. They believe that the framework plan provides little support in exemplifying, concretising and discussing several of the values, especially intellectual freedom and forgiveness. The investigation shows that kindergartens work with values in varied ways. The values are processed through thematic work, spontaneous conversations with the children, and discussions between staff.

The empirical data was collected via a questionnaire sent electronically in 2016 to 170 Norwegian kindergartens that offer supervised professional training. Only 46 of the kindergartens (27%) responded to the questionnaire. The sample mainly consists of large kindergartens (60-135 children) and has approximately equal distribution between municipal and private kindergartens.

Mørreaunet, S. & Gunnestad, A. (2019). “Åndsfrihet og tilgivelse – barnehagens «glemte» verdier? Barnehagers arbeid med verdier”. Prismet, 70(3):281-300.