Monsters on the Rugby Pitch: Bringing Swedish Sustainability to Geneva

Last Friday, as the sun crossed the celestial equator for the Spring Equinox, SISOG was busy with a very special celebration: our annual Earth Day.

If you wandered down to the rugby pitch, you might have seen a colorful monster with a very large appetite!

The Story of the Sopsamlarmonster

In Sweden, environmental education is led by the "Sopsamlarmonster" or Waste Collection Monsters. These characters are a beloved part of Swedish preschools. They are designed to turn the concept of waste management into a tangible and creative narrative. Each monster has a unique personality and a favorite "food" which helps children learn to categorize and care for their environment through storytelling.

Swedish Culture in Everyday Learning As part of our Strategic Plan, we ensure the Swedish Pedagogical Approach permeates everything we do. By introducing these monsters to our students in Geneva, we are connecting them to a rich cultural heritage. Our preschoolers took the initiative to rescue the rugby pitch and "feed" their hungry friend. This activity encourages empathy for the world and stimulates a child's natural desire to solve problems creatively.

A Sustainable Future After the feast, the children helped the monster empty its stomach into the large school bins. This completed the lesson on waste disposal in a fun and memorable way. This activity is a perfect example of the "red thread" at SISOG. We guide our students to become independent and environmentally conscious global citizens from age 1 to 12.

Happy Spring and Happy Earth Day from all the monsters and humans at SISOG!