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One Mouth” of sabbatical in Finland
swimming, skiing, handcrafts, art, religion, and more. Every grade has outdoor recess and lunch is free for all! There are three school practices that I believe have great positive effects in the Finnish education system. The first is the custom of teaching the same elementary age group of students for three years in a row. This allows a teacher to undoubtedly get to know her kids. When the class returns to school in the fall, for two years anyway, there is no time wasted trying to get to know each other. That teacher already has a firm understanding of each student’s capacity, attributes, and personality and can quickly get right to work. Next, I believe that there are favorable benefits in having teachers trained as “specialist.” Educators sometimes become so absorbed in their own subject area(s) that they forget, or even disregard, other equally important disciplines. Admittedly, I have found myself in this position. Yet, in Finland this is not the case. With teachers teaching across the curriculum, there seems to be mutual respect for ALL courses. Additionally, in this model, teachers demonstrate their own diversity and multifariousness. The Finns’ goal of schooling is to help each student find their talent. Because of this belief, Finnish schools are rich in arts, crafts, music, languages, and lifelong fitness. Kids are learning to knit, swim, ski, paint, play an instrument, and speak a second (even third or fourth) language. The concentration isn’t merely about reading, writing, and math. It certainly isn’t about standardized assessments! Kids go to school and become well-rounded individuals. The vast opportunities available to them guide them toward success. I look forward to integrating some of the Finnish ways into my own classroom. The Finns have an expression, “Two ears, one mouth.” One of my utmost goals is to practice this truth. I must speak less and listen more; my students have a voice too. Lifelong fitness is important to me and like the Finns I will promote it to my students. I will attempt to influence them to be physically active by modeling healthy behaviors. Finally, I must continue to build my respect for all subject areas. I will seek ways to meld disciplines and appreciate the diversity and value of them all. In Finland teachers are trusted, kids are cared for, and equity is treasured. Competition between schools is discouraged. Arts, music, and fitness are promoted. Schools are managed locally and staff is well-trained. Upper-secondary students have vast choices in their educational paths. College is government funded. And…the ski trails are meticulously groomed and the sauna is steaming hot! To learn more about how Lynn prepared for her trip and the Finnish way, open this page.
September 2015 • www.maineea.org
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