Transitioning from rote learning to experiential learning requires a shift in mindset, teaching methods, and classroom environment. Finnish preschools provide an excellent example of how experiential learning can be successfully implemented. The Finnish education model is based on playful learning, child-led exploration, and holistic development. Unlike traditional preschools that focus on early academic performance, Finnish preschools prioritize learning through play, discovery, and real-world experiences—and Indian preschools can adopt many of these principles while aligning them with local cultural and curriculum requirements.

Step 1: Shift from Teacher-Centered to Child-Centered Learning

One of the most significant differences between the Finnish approach and traditional Indian preschools is the role of the teacher. In a rote-learning system, teachers act as instructors who deliver information. In an experiential learning environment, teachers become facilitators who guide children through self-directed exploration.

🔹 How to Apply This in Your Preschool?

• Encourage child-led learning by letting children choose activities based on their interests.
• Instead of explaining a concept, ask open-ended questions like: "What do you think will happen if we mix these colors?"
• Give children time to explore and make mistakes instead of providing immediate answers.
• Observe children's natural curiosity and use it as a foundation for learning.

✅ Example: Instead of teaching shapes through memorization, provide building blocks and let children discover and categorize different shapes through play.

Step 2: Create a Play-Based Curriculum with Hands-On Learning

In Finland, play is the most essential way for children to learn. Learning activities are designed to be fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. This approach contrasts with the preschool tradition of early academic pressure, where children are often required to sit still and memorize information.

🔹 How to Apply This in Your Preschool?

1. Children Learn Best by Doing

Young children are naturally curious. They learn best when they can see, touch, and experience new concepts firsthand rather than simply memorizing facts from a book. Experiential learning aligns with the way the brain develops in early childhood—it promotes active engagement, which helps children form stronger neural connections and retain knowledge more effectively.

For example, instead of memorizing the names of animals from a textbook, children in an experiential learning environment might visit a mini farm, engage in role-play as different animals, or use sensory play to understand textures, sounds, and movements. This active participation makes learning fun and memorable.

2. Experiential Learning Builds Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Rote learning often focuses on right or wrong answers, leaving little room for creativity or exploration. In contrast, experiential learning encourages open-ended questions and real-world problem-solving.

For example, a teacher could present a simple challenge: "How can we build the tallest tower using only paper and glue?" Children would then experiment with different structures, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. This process strengthens logical reasoning, creativity, and persistence—essential for lifelong learning.

3. Play-Based Learning Improves Social and Emotional Development

Many traditional preschools emphasize individual performance—children are evaluated based on their ability to recall and reproduce information. However, early childhood is also critical for social and emotional development. Experiential learning fosters collaboration, communication, and empathy by encouraging children to work together on activities like:

• Group storytelling sessions
• Role-playing everyday situations (e.g., a visit to the market)
• Problem-solving tasks that require teamwork

When children engage in play-based learning, they learn how to express emotions, negotiate with peers, and handle conflicts—skills that are just as important as academic knowledge.

4. Experiential Learning Boosts Engagement and Motivation

When learning feels like a chore, children may lose interest. Traditional rote learning methods often make children feel pressured to perform, leading to anxiety and disengagement. Experiential learning, on the other hand, turns learning into an adventure where every discovery brings excitement.

For example, instead of teaching numbers through worksheets, a preschool could organize a "market day" where children role-play as shopkeepers and customers. As they count money and measure goods, they naturally absorb mathematical concepts in a fun and relevant way.

Research has shown that children who learn through active experiences are more motivated, curious, and excited to explore new ideas. This love for learning lays the foundation for long-term academic success.

What is Experiential Learning?

Peas in Pod, one of India’s fastest-growing preschool chains, has joined hands with Kindiedays Pro to revolutionize early childhood education. Together, we have created a unique Finnish-Indian curriculum that combines Finland's world-class pedagogy with India’s rich cultural and educational traditions. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering innovative and effective preschool education.

Here’s how the Finnish-Indian curriculum came to life and why it’s a game-changer for early education in India.

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1. Why create a Finnish-Indian Curriculum?

India’s preschool sector is booming, with a projected CAGR of over 20% from 2022 to 2027. However, as the market grows, so does the demand for a high-quality curriculum that nurtures holistic child development while respecting local cultural contexts.

Finland’s early education system is renowned for its play-based, child-centric approach, fostering creativity, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning skills. By merging this with India’s strong emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy, the Finnish-Indian curriculum offers the best of both worlds:

• A focus on social and emotional growth through play-based learning.
• Alignment with India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020), ensuring a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
• Support for diverse learning styles, catering to children’s unique needs.

This curriculum responds to the growing demand for innovative, quality education that prepares children for future success while embracing their cultural roots.

2. What does creating a Blended Curriculum to Meet NEP/NCF Requirements mean?

Are you wondering about international best practices? Kindiedays Co-founder Jessi van der Burgh made a compact summary of Finland’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) concept, including its historical and philosophical underpinnings, the key elements of why it works so well, and how it compares to well-known pedagogical approaches like Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky.

1. Philosophical and Theoretical Influences

While Finland does not strictly follow any single branded methodology (like Montessori or Waldorf), it incorporates insights and best practices from various educational philosophers and theorists:

• Jean Piaget (1896–1980): Emphasized the importance of child-centered learning and the idea that children construct knowledge through hands-on experiences.
• Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934): Stressed the social context of learning, with a particular focus on language, interaction, and the “zone of proximal development,” where adults or peers scaffold children’s education to help them reach higher levels of understanding.

Finland’s ECEC also appreciates the value of creativity and independence found in methods like Montessori, the emphasis on holistic development in Waldorf, and the project-based, community-centered principles of Reggio Emilia. However, the Finnish ECEC blends these perspectives into a uniquely Finnish approach guided by national curricula and robust teacher training.

2. Finland’s Early Childhood Education Concept

The early years of a child’s education are a pivotal foundation for lifelong learning. With the ever-changing landscape of education, there is a growing demand for innovative approaches that blend cultural relevance with global best practices. Whether you want to expand your present curriculum or develop an entirely new curriculum, Kindiedays will support you.

This approach is equally valid for all countries where education is being renewed to modern standards.

Affordable, High-Quality Education for All

Traditionally, world-class education has come with a hefty price tag, often making it inaccessible to middle-income families. Kindiedays challenges this notion by delivering an affordable, child-centered, play-based, experiential learning program. Parents no longer need to compromise on quality due to budget constraints.

A Blended Curriculum for Holistic Growth