Early learning matters!

We had the joy to welcome educators from UK and Indonesia to Tampere, Finland last week for an Early Childhood Education Study Tour – Learning Scoop facilitated by Learning Scoop. To get a full picture of Finnish education system, on our first day we visited Harjuniitty School in Nokia. It provides comprehensive education for grades 1-9 which means students 7-16 years old.

During the visit student guides took us on a tour of the school where we saw students learning English structures with a board game, young learners practicing quilting techniques and using sewing machines and a group of grade 5 students working in stations on a project about East Asia.

We also visited a grade 7 home economics class where the students had prepared tortillas. The group was impressed by the school facilities, especially the modern outdoor areas with playgrounds and several football fields and gym equipment. The nearby forest and parks also offer places for outdoor activities.

The head of school Kari Ahonen also joined us. He praised his staff and emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared leadership. The principal made a powerful statement:

“The main goal for his school is to educate young people who can behave well in different social situations and environments, expressing their thoughts and opinions in a respectful and polite manner”.

All through the day the group was actively involved by asking questions about the Finnish school system and reflecting on the topic. They were impressed by the trust that shows in different levels, the autonomy of the teachers and the engagement level and the positive behavior of the students at Harjuniitty School.
To sum it up, here is a comment from one participant:

I saw productive and self-motivated learners, working collaboratively with peers. Felt like a warm and caring school.

Independent children and outdoor learning

On the second day the group visited the Kalkunvuori early childhood education unit and observed, among other things, one-year-olds’ gym class, first-graders learning to read, and pre-schoolers’ functional math tasks. Our guests were particularly interested in the children’s independence and practical solutions, such as the drying cabinets for wet clothes in the hallway and the bunk beds that open from the walls; things that make everyday life easier.

During the week this group also visited a forest group Luhtaröllit in Kurikankulma daycare center. The group was impressed by the facilities in their forest spot, especially the wooden hut caused enthusiastic reactions. They were also impressed by how easily and quickly children learn the few rules needed in nature, e.g. how far they can go to play and what in the nature is eatable and what not. Indoors we saw how the nature theme is strongly visible there as well, and learned that the group is doing a lot of activities indoors too related to nature. During the day we talked a lot about the importance of play, children’s participation and adults’ respect to children in Finnish early education. Children need to be heard and listened to and their opinions and ideas are important! Early learning in practice.

What would be a better way to wrap up a day outdoors than stay outdoors! Finnish Nature Experience challenged and delighted this group in many ways and thanks to our partner Seventen Tours they had a memorable evening together cooking, exploring the nature, getting to know Finnish fauna and flora, teaming building, fire making and so on. Maybe next time you will see a moose, too…!

How to boost children´s well-being and creativity?

The group visited the Oravametsä daycare center and curiously followed the visits of groups of children of different ages in the forest.

Our guests were especially pleased with the children’s freedom to move independently in the agreed area and their ability to move in demanding terrain. We also discussed the importance of a shared warm meal for children’s well-being and the development of a healthy relationship with food.

The group’s visit to the Children’s Culture Center Rulla offered an opportunity to see how children experience artistic and creative activities in age-related ways. The center provides a welcoming environment where families can spend time together, connect with others, and share ideas and experiences related to children’s everyday life.

Participants were impressed by the thoughtful design of the activities, which encouraged both play and learning. They appreciated how the center supports interaction not only between children and parents, but also among families from different backgrounds. The visit sparked meaningful conversations and gave participants new ideas for fostering creativity and community in their own work with children.

Key takeaways

A key takeaway from the Study Tour was observing authentic interactions—among children, between children and educators, and with the natural environment. This was especially evident during forest activities, where children engaged freely with nature and one another. These moments fostered a sense of calm and well-being, highlighting how outdoor environments support self-regulation and emotional balance. Participants also recognized the value of blending Finnish practices with elements from their own systems. This flexible, mix-and-match approach offers practical ways to adapt ideas across diverse cultural and educational settings.

Thank you everyone, it was lovely to have you here with us! An unforgettable week filled with laugh, curiosity, learning, Finnish experiences and much more. We hope this week focusing on early learning gave you food for thoughts and tools for your important work back home.

Do you wish to join a group of educators and see how Early Childhood Education and Care is arranged in Finland? You are warmly welcome to join pre-scheduled study tours by Learning Scoop, choose your favorite one!