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In Finland’s national core curriculum for early childhood education and care (ECEC), a central aim is to nurture transversal competencies—capabilities that children develop across contexts, not just in isolated subject areas. These competencies bridge knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes, guiding children to apply what they learn in varied situations.
As we at Kindiedays aim to bring Finnish-inspired practices into preschools globally, understanding transversal competencies gives us a powerful framework for holistic child development. Below, let’s explore what these competencies are, how Finland integrates them in early education, and how preschools using Kindiedays can embed them into practice.
Transversal competencies
What Are Transversal Competencies?
In Finland’s ECEC, transversal competencies are six interconnected areas that children develop across everyday play and guided activities—not as separate “subjects,” but woven through everything they do:
- Thinking and learning – curiosity, problem-solving, and learning-to-learn.
- Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expression – communication, multilingualism, arts, and respectful encounters.
- Taking care of oneself and managing daily life – wellbeing, safety, routines, and everyday skills.
- Multiliteracy – making sense of texts, images, media, and symbols in many forms.
- Digital competence – age-appropriate, meaningful use of technology and understanding digital environments.
- Participation and involvement – voice, agency, shared decision-making, and belonging.
These competencies reflect Finland’s commitment to education that is not just about academic readiness, but about forming adaptive, resilient, socially aware learners.
Working in the Lab
How Finland Embeds These Competencies in ECEC
1. Integration & Coherence
Transversal skills are never taught separately. They are always integrated into pedagogical planning, daily routines, and play. For example, when children explore nature, teachers can weave in thinking and learning (curiosity), daily life competence (environmental responsibility), and participation (child-led exploration).
2. Play, Wonder & Inquiry
Play is the foundation of learning. Children’s curiosity is encouraged through exploration, experimentation, and open-ended questions—essential for thinking and learning.
3. Cultural & Social Engagement
Children are encouraged to express themselves, respect others, and embrace diversity. Through songs, stories, and daily interactions, they develop cultural competence, interaction, and self-expression.
4. Supporting Autonomy & Well-being
ECE helps children develop independence and resilience in their daily lives. Routines such as dressing, eating, or tidying up become meaningful opportunities to practice self-care and manage daily life.
5. Multiliteracy & Digital Competence
Children learn to understand and create meaning through images, sounds, stories, media, and age-appropriate digital tools. These skills prepare them to navigate a world where information comes in many forms.
6. Participation, Voice & Agency
Children are active members of their learning community. They co-plan activities, express opinions, and influence their environment—strengthening their sense of agency and involvement.
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Preparing Food
Why Transversal Competencies Matter
Transversal skills are never taught separately. They are always integrated into pedagogical planning, daily routines, and play:
- They help children connect learning across domains.
- They support adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving.
- They emphasize holistic growth, encompassing intellectual, social, emotional, cultural, and digital aspects.
- They make learning relevant and meaningful for everyday life.
By focusing on transversal competencies from the very beginning, Finland ensures children are not just “school-ready,” but life-ready.
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Welcome to the Market Place
How Kindiedays Helps Preschools Cultivate These Competencies
1. Theme-based Learning with Intent
Kindiedays themes naturally integrate transversal competencies—for example, a “Community & Nature” theme can blend thinking and learning, digital exploration, and participation.
2. Teacher Workshops & Reflection
Kindiedays Pro workshops guide teachers to identify transversal learning moments, ask open-ended questions, and scaffold children’s ability to make cross-domain connections.
3. Digital Tools for Documentation
Kindiedays digital tools help educators document children’s progress linked to transversal competencies, providing a clearer picture of holistic growth.
4. Planning for Participation
Teachers can use Kindiedays tools to design opportunities for children to make choices and express opinions, strengthening their voice and agency.
5. Parent Engagement
By sharing transversal learning evidence with families, schools help parents understand that learning is not just about ABCs and 123s, but about building life skills and happiness.
Download Sample Lesson Plans with Transversal Competencies
In Closing
Transversal competencies represent a powerful shift in thinking: from teaching content to cultivating capacity. In the Finnish ECE framework, children are not passive recipients—they are curious explorers, problem-solvers, and active participants in their own learning.
With Kindiedays, preschools everywhere can bring this same philosophy into practice—helping children grow with curiosity, joy, and the skills needed for lifelong success.
What next?
Discover how Kindiedays can transform your preschool into a center of excellence.
👉 Click here to schedule a demo on Zoom or contact me on WhatsApp!
I look forward to meeting you.
Milla van der Burgh
P.S. You can also watch my newest video about Finnish ECE immediately HERE!
Kindiedays will also be present at the DIDAC conference, taking place from November 18 to 20, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, the India International Convention & Expo Centre, in New Delhi, India. Come and meet us there!