Wow, what a day we had!!! We are so grateful to the teachers and students at Eestinkallion Koulu for allowing us to visit with them today. It was a wonderful morning, full of learning and enjoyment. We took a taxi this morning out to the school and met with Anu, the headmaster or principal. She was very kind and laid back. As soon as we entered the school, you could hear music playing and children talking and laughing. The atmosphere was instantly happy. Teachers were all very welcoming. Most wore jeans and tshirts....very laid back but professional at the same time! Rita (equivalent to an ELL teacher here) showed us around the school and spoke with us. She was kind enough to run off a packet of information about the Espoo system and how their schooling progresses. We visited a 1st grade teacher during the students' first recess and later, got to sit in on an activity they were doing in their computer lab. Before we left (since the kids' day is over at 12:15), we ate lunch with Rita and the 1st grade teacher in the cafeteria with the children. They eat with the children to model good eating habits and manners. Also, their school is involved in a "green" project that highlights the importance of recycling, nature, and the environment. I'm not sure that I can accurately portray everything that we learned today but I will highlight what struck us the most about this school and Finland's system:
1. The school day begins at 8:15 and ends at 12:15. After that, about 90% of students participate in a "club" such as sports or music.
2. Preschool children start at age 5 or 6 years. The first mandatory primary year is when a child turns 7 years old. This school has a morning and afternoon preschool session.
3. Students do not learn to read until age 7.
4. All children in Finland are educated. They were the first European country to mandate this in the early 1900's.
5. This school has many multicultural students - Russian, African, American, Swedish, etc. This students are placed in a prep class (1st to 3rd and 4th to 6th) before they are placed with all other Finnish-speaking students so that they can learn the language well enough to succeed in the regular classrooms. Teachers determine when they are ready to be immersed with the other students.
6. Primary students have homework.
7. Students are given 2 recesses during their school day. They are allowed to play freely with all other students, walk on the nature trail, and/or play on the playground equipment. They take these breaks during rain, snow, or sunshine!
8. Students have a 10 week summer holiday.
9. Religion is taught, according to the child's religion.
10. Special education students are in an inclusive environment unless their disability is very severe.
11. Discipline is not a huge issue - if a problem occurs, the teacher handles and they move on.
12. Looping is very important - parents expect for their child to have the same teacher for at least 2 or 3 years in a row!
13. All the classrooms have SmartBoards and the teachers have iPads. Technology/internet is very open for these students.
14. Students do not wear shoes in the classroom.
15. I'm sure there is more!!!!!! :)
Tomorrow, we visit another school in Espoo. We are very thankful to be visiting these schools especially since they are wrapping up their school year this week. We know how crazy that can be!
 |
| Lynn presenting Anu (headmaster or principal) with a "Tar Heel" ABC book |
 |
| Handmade by the Preschool children (ages 5 and 6) |
 |
| Shoes come off as soon as kids come in the door! |
 |
| Part of their play area |
 |
| Part of the playground |
 |
| Primary students in sewing class |
 |
| No shoes in the classroom :) |
 |
| Many students walk and/or ride their bikes to school |
 |
| School in Espoo
|
Lynn, Sarah loved the idea of "looping". As you know, she would love to have you as her teacher until she graduates! Sounds like you are having a wonderful time and gaining some amazing insights! Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us back home.
ReplyDelete