Preschool education in Finland also includes a preparatory class
But don't think that in the preparatory school, which in Finnish is called "esikoulu" or "eskari", children are immediately overwhelmed with homework, copybooks, and primers. Not at all. As Finland.fi notes, "esikoulu" has a relaxed, playful atmosphere.
A REASON FOR PRIDE
The main task of the preparatory school is to give the child the joy of learning and integrate the little one into society, states the curriculum of the Finnish Ministry of Education. For Finns, this is one of the most important stages in life, to which great importance is attached.
As soon as a child begins preparing for school, all relatives, friends, and acquaintances invariably emphasize this: "You're studying in eskari? Great, you're all grown up." And the six-year-old just swells with pride.
It should be noted that for all children planning to enter first grade the following year, attendance of the preparatory class became compulsory only in 2015. Previously, parents decided at their own discretion whether to send their child to "esikoulu" or not. Most parents, however, had already chosen in favor of "esikoulu" earlier.
A SCHOOL THAT IS NOT SCARY AT ALL
Free education in the preparatory school is organized by local municipalities. "Esikoulu" may be located at a school or in a kindergarten. If a child lives more than 5 km from such a kindergarten or educational institution, the state provides free transportation to classes. Then a taxi picks up the child and brings them home.
Little Miroslav Onyshko started attending preparatory school in August of this year. For the past two years, the boy did not go to kindergarten but stayed at home with his mother and younger sister.
"He was a bit nervous on the first day, afraid he wouldn't make friends there," says Miroslav's father, Sergey Onyshko. "But our son came home happy and said he had already become friends with one boy." Now Miroslav enjoys going to preparatory school, where he has plenty of friends.
"Of course, over a few months in 'eskari', Miroslav's behavior has changed," notes Sergey. "He has become more mature, calmer, more obedient. And he even eats better."
APPROVAL AND PRAISE
Six-year-olds attend preparatory school five times a week, usually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, several lessons are conducted, and the children are given lunch. Moreover, a group should have no more than twenty students. When there are more students for some reason, two teachers work in the class.
Children for whom Finnish is not their native language are assisted by a translator during the learning process if necessary. Students are introduced to letters and numbers, given tasks to develop logical thinking, and read stories and fairy tales. Children draw a lot, sculpt, and make all kinds of crafts. And, of course, in "esikoulu", the child's social skills are developed.
"Miroslav didn't go to kindergarten, so it was important for us that he not experience stress when entering a new environment," shares Sergey Onyshko. "In eskari, children are taught how to behave in a group, to take other students into account. I noticed that the textbooks place great emphasis on the emotional sphere and the development of the child's feelings. For example, there are tasks like: explain why someone is sad, happy. Such psychological preparation for school, in my opinion, is very important."
Well, what about homework? Of course, it is assigned, but only once a week. And no grades. Regardless of the result, only approval and praise for effort.