Holistic learning is the gold standard in early childhood education, fostering children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. However, implementing a child-centered, play-based, and developmentally appropriate approach can be challenging. Many preschool leaders and teachers want to bring holistic learning into their schools but struggle to do it effectively. 

That’s one of the reasons why we created Kindiedays Pro! 

💡 Kindiedays Pro is a comprehensive solution designed to make holistic learning easy, efficient, and engaging for teachers, parents, and preschool leaders. With all the essential tools in one place: lesson planning, learning documentation, parent communication, preschool management, etc. Kindiedays Pro helps schools to seamlessly integrate holistic learning into their everyday routines and turn vision into action. 

Here are some of the most common questions we receive about Kindiedays Pro and how it helps preschools thrive! 👇

❓My team of teachers doesn’t have enough time for planning. Can Kindiedays Pro help save time? 

As an Academic Director, you play a crucial role in shaping an early learning environment that nurtures the whole child—cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. Holistic learning integrates play, exploration, real-world experiences, and emotional well-being into everyday teaching. Implementing this approach requires careful planning, collaboration, and the right tools to support teachers, parents, and children.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to developing a structured yet flexible plan for incorporating holistic learning into your preschool.

1. Define Your Vision and Goals

Before making any changes, clarify what holistic learning means for your preschool. Consider:

• What kind of learning experiences do you want children to have?
• How can your curriculum support academic growth and emotional and social development?
• What role do teachers, parents, and the community play in this vision?

By defining clear goals, you can ensure that your implementation plan aligns with the needs of your preschool’s children, teachers, and parents.

2. Evaluate Your Current Curriculum and Teaching Practices

Assess your curriculum and daily routines to identify areas where holistic learning principles can be integrated. Ask:

Milla and Stella from Kindiedays came together to discuss the myths about the Finnish education system in the early years.

👉  Watch our video here! 

Yes, there are a lot of misconceptions about how the Finnish education system works. And we are here to set the record straight.

❌ Myth number one: Children in Finland don't start learning until they turn seven.

Many people think that in Finland, children don't learn anything before they start school, at age seven, but that's not true. Exactly. While formal schooling starts at seven, learning begins from day one in early education through play, exploration, and interaction. Play-based learning is the foundation of Finnish early education. So, kids develop math, language, social interaction, and problem-solving skills, all through fun and engaging activities.

❌ Myth number two. There is no structure in Finnish preschools. It's all just free play.

Yes, this is another common myth. While play is a big part of learning, a clear pedagogical framework guides it. Teachers carefully plan activities based on the child's development and interests, ensuring that learning happens meaningfully. The Finnish Early Childhood Curriculum focuses on holistic development, including emotional well-being, creativity, and communication skills. So it's not just about free play. It's purposeful play!

❌ Myth number three. Finnish preschools don't teach reading or writing.

Here is one more myth. So it's true that children are not pressured to read and write early. But that doesn't mean that they are not learning these skills. Exactly. Finnish early education encourages pre-literacy skills through stories, songs, discussions, and playful activities that build a strong foundation for reading and writing. So, instead of forcing the children at a young age, we create language-rich environments where they develop a love for books and storytelling. This makes learning to read much easier and more enjoyable for children when the time comes.

❌ Myth number four. Finnish early education is the same everywhere.

While the Finnish education system follows a national curriculum, each daycare and preschool can adapt their own approach based on the needs and interests of the children. One of the great things about the system is that it's very flexible and allows for personalized learning experiences. So, some preschools focus more on, let's say, nature-based learning, while others might incorporate more technology or art-based activities. Exactly. The key is that the children's well-being and their learning are always at the center of everything.

What myths have you heard?

So, there you have it, the most common myths about Finnish early education. What myths have you heard about the Finnish education system? Drop us an email. We would love to know!

Warm regards,

Milla milla@kindiedays.com and Stella Giota stella@kindiedays.com     

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Kindiedays CEO Milla van der Burgh recently embarked on an impactful journey to India, engaging in inspiring events highlighting the growing partnership between Finland and India in early childhood education. From presenting at the prestigious Early Childhood Association (ECA) conference and visiting Cresmonde World School in Mumbai to celebrating Peas in Pod Preschool’s expansion in New Delhi, her visit showcased the transformative potential of Finnish pedagogy in India.

A Spotlight on Early Education at the ECA Conference in Mumbai

The 11th Annual International ECA-APER Conference in Mumbai, a key gathering of early childhood education leaders, was organized by the Early Childhood Association of India under the leadership of Dr. Swati Popat Vats. This year’s theme focused on Experiential Learning Trends and Innovations, aligning perfectly with Kindiedays' play-based and holistic learning mission.

Milla van der Burgh, alongside Kindiedays’ local expert Ranjan Goyal, captivated the audience by sharing insights from Finland’s world-renowned early education model. Her presentation included practical demonstrations, most notably the Number Dice activity, which contrasted traditional worksheet learning with an interactive, play-based approach. The results were clear: experiential learning engages children far more effectively, making learning enjoyable and impactful. You can download the Number Dice lesson plan sample HERE.

A Visit to Cresmonde World School in Mumbai

Before the ECA conference, Milla enjoyed visiting Cresmonde World School in Mumbai, one of Kindiedays' valued partners. She met with their dedicated management team, toured their wonderful facilities, and interacted with some lovely little learners.

“It’s amazing to see how seriously they are embracing playful learning and implementing Finnish curriculum practices in their approach. The ongoing construction work looks promising, and I can’t wait to see how their vision unfolds!” – Milla van der Burgh.

Why is Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Important?

Understanding how children learn is as important as what they learn. Learning is not just about reaching an outcome but the entire process, from planning activities to evaluating and improving learning experiences. Systematic observation, documentation, and assessment ensure that the curriculum's learning objectives are continuously followed and assessed throughout the learning journey.

Preschool education is foundational in shaping a child's cognitive, social, and emotional development. By observing, documenting, and assessing children's learning, teachers can:

• Gain deeper and authentic insights into children’s interests, strengths, and learning styles.
• Align learning activities with curriculum goals by linking observations to specific learning objectives.
• Support individualized learning by tailoring activities to each child’s needs.
• Enhance communication with parents by providing clear evidence of children’s progress.
• Ensure continuous improvement in teaching methods and curriculum planning.

How to Observe, Document, and Assess Learning

1. Observation: Understanding the Learning Process

Observation is the first and most crucial step in assessing children's learning. Teachers must carefully watch and listen to children engage in different activities. Practical observation should be: