On 12 March, the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (Udir) presented a draft for new content in the Norwegian language subject in primary school.
Among the suggested titles is Agnes Margrethe Bjorvand’s biography of Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Lisa Aisato.
“Astrid Lindgren remains highly relevant. She was an innovative author who has long since become a timeless classic,” says Bjorvand.
Innovative characters
Bjorvand points to Lindgren’s groundbreaking characters such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga and Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. In Lindgren’s books, children are the heroes, and their imagination takes precedence over the sensible, rule bound world of adults.
“Lindgren was among the first authors to take children’s rights and everyday lives seriously. Her books explore children’s imagination, courage and sense of justice,” Bjorvand says.
She has also translated several of Lindgren’s classics into modern Norwegian, including the Pippi Longstocking books, the novel Mio, My Son, and a number of picture books.
A biography that deepens understanding
To help pupils understand the background to Lindgren’s writing, the Directorat highlights Bjorvand’s biography Astrid Lindgren.
The book won the Sørlandet Literature Prize when it was published. It gives pupils valuable insight into the time and society Lindgren lived in, and helps them understand how to read and interpret her books.
“Lindgren showed that literature can be political without being heavy handed, and humorous without being shallow,” Bjorvand says.
The Norwegian subject is now out for consultation
The Directorat’s proposals for content in the Norwegian subject are intended as voluntary guidance. They are meant to support teachers in their everyday work with the curriculum and lesson planning.
The draft was launched on 12 March and is now out for public consultation. The deadline for submitting feedback is 17 April. Anyone who cares about what children read at school is invited to share their views.