On September 30th Experience Workshop had the pleasure of hosting a group of 16 early childhood education principals from Berlin.
Organized by Experience Workshop, this professional 5-day visit aimed to provide educators coming from Kleiner Franz, Berlin with a deeper understanding of Finland’s renowned early childhood education system.
Kindergarden visits
The group’s itinerary was packed with insightful experiences. They visited three different early childhood education centers in Jyväskylä: Pohjanlampi, PILKE, and pre-school Voionmaa.
These visits offered invaluable opportunities to observe Finnish pedagogical practices firsthand and witness the unique learning environments that have made Finland a global leader in education. Principal of Pohjanlampi, Teijo Paananen, presented their center to the group.
At Early Childhood Education Center PILKE it was deputy director Ellen Virkkunen who welcomed the guests.
And finally, director Elina Niekka introduced Early Childhood Education Center Voionmaa to the group.
As the guests visited Voionmaa, Susan Hellden-Paavola gave them the opportunity to observe her preschool morning education round. The everyday routine of learning through outdoor motion and play is an excellent example for the Finnish approach. The experience was a valuable experience for the german guest.
In Voionmaa, it was Tamara Traiser, a German intern at Experience Workshop, who was guiding the group around the spaces.
Workshop and training
Additionally to their visits, German educators participated in two training sessions. One of them was a hands-on workshop led by dr. Kristof Fenyvesi, STEAM Director of Experience Workshop and researcher at the University of Jyväskylä, which focused on the concept of “playful learning” in Finland, exploring the innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach that is integrated into Finnish early childhood education.
About the Finnish School System
An other training session was given by University teacher Olli Merjovaara, who provided a comprehensive overview of the Finnish education system, highlighting how early childhood education forms an integral part of basic education from the age of 0 to 18. Venue of the session was Crazy Town, Jyväskylä.
Leasure time
Beyond their academic pursuits, German principals had the opportunity to experience Finnish culture through a guided city tour. They explored the University of Jyväskylä campus with its teacher education history.
The group discovered the charming Mäki-Matti family park, and visited the iconic Harju tower, gaining a panoramic view of Jyväskylä.
Feedback from the participants
It was interesting to see how children learn better outdoors than indoors. Children gain many learning experiences in nature and in the fresh air.
New ideas, inspiration, good dialogue, different views and perspectives.
Good organisation. Varied programme. Insight into institutions as well as professional backgrounds.
Photo credits: Nóra Somlyódy, Tereza Pruknerová, Ashen Wijayarathna
The program was implemented as part of the Erasmus+ KA1 programme, with the contribution of Experience Workshop Jyväskylä and the Gesellschaft für Europabildung (GEB) Berlin.
Interested in similar programs?
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