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