Pre primary Education

Summary

In Finland, pre-primary education is a free, compulsory program lasting 700 hours per year, designed to prepare children for basic education. Children start at age 6, engaging in a holistic learning process that emphasizes active participation and joy through play-based methods. The National Core Curriculum guides the pedagogy, focusing on self-regulation, socio-emotional development, and transversal competencies like cultural competence and ICT skills. Teachers play an active role in supporting self-reflection and assessment, aligning learning modules with children's interests, needs, and joint learning objectives, fostering a meaningful and engaging learning experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pre-primary education in Finland is compulsory and free of charge, providing 700 hours of learning per year, around 4 hours per day.
• 😀 Children attend pre-primary education one year before starting basic education, at age 6.
• 😀 Pre-primary education in Finland is regulated by the Ministry of Education and follows the National Core Curriculum.
• 😀 The National Core Curriculum guides pedagogy through integrative instruction and learning modules.
• 😀 Learning in pre-primary education is holistic, focusing on the child’s active participation and self-directed learning.
• 😀 Joyful learning through play-based methods is a key element of pre-primary education in Finland.
• 😀 The focus of pre-primary education is on developing school readiness skills, such as self-regulation and socio-emotional abilities, rather than academic skills.
• 😀 Children's interests and needs are central when forming learning modules, which helps to enhance their intrinsic motivation.
• 😀 Transversal competencies developed in pre-primary education include thinking, learning, cultural competence, self-expression, and social participation.
• 😀 Pre-primary education in Finland emphasizes a broad and rich language environment, covering both the mother tongue and other languages.
• 😀 Teachers in Finland support self-reflection and assessment, allowing children to participate in evaluating their learning process.

Q & A

What is the duration of pre-primary education in Finland?

Pre-primary education in Finland lasts 700 hours per year, which is approximately 4 hours per day.

Is pre-primary education in Finland compulsory and free of charge?

Yes, pre-primary education in Finland is compulsory and free of charge for children.

When do children start pre-primary education in Finland?

Children in Finland start pre-primary education in the year they turn 6.

Who regulates pre-primary education in Finland?

Pre-primary education in Finland is regulated by the Ministry of Education.

What is the focus of pre-primary education in Finland?

The focus of pre-primary education in Finland is on building a strong foundation for future learning, particularly by developing skills such as self-direction, self-regulation, and socio-emotional skills rather than academic abilities.

How is learning structured in Finnish pre-primary education?

Learning in Finnish pre-primary education is structured around integrative instruction and learning modules, with an emphasis on holistic development where children's participation and active roles are central.

What is the role of play in pre-primary education in Finland?

Play-based methods and joyful learning through play are essential in Finnish pre-primary education, as they help foster children's motivation and engagement in the learning process.

How are learning modules created in Finnish pre-primary education?

Learning modules are created based on the interests and needs of the children, while also aligning with the joint objectives for learning.

What are transversal competencies in Finnish pre-primary education?

Transversal competencies in Finnish pre-primary education include skills such as thinking and learning, cultural competence, interaction and self-expression, managing daily life, multi-literacy, ICT competence, and participation and involvement.

How does the teacher support children's self-reflection in pre-primary education?

Teachers support children's self-reflection by involving them in the assessment process, which helps both the teacher and the child understand their development and learning progress.