Today we visited an English Language preschool/ kindergarten and a comprehensive school (elementary)- Ranravitikan peruskoulo .
The preschool is located in a building that at first glance looks like other store fronts. We entered the building and immediately went up a set of stairs. The entrance at the top had color on the walls but was not to overwhelming. This preschool/kindergarten was for infants through 6yr olds.
There were various rooms for children to play/learn in. Some had tables others low shelves with various items to play with. A few rooms also had tall cabinets that when opened contained bunk beds. All the children here take naps or rest: Babies sleep 2 hr., 3-4 yr olds sleep 1 hr and the children that are 5 and up rest but do not sleep. This is to prepare them for school.
Here the kids spend two chunks of time outside, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The children go outside as long as it is -15 degrees C or above, that is 5 degrees F. They may go out when colder if the wind is not too bad. This school had a small playground on site but uses the community playgrounds, ponds, parks and ice skating areas around them.
As stated above this school focuses on teaching the children to speak english. Most instruction is give in english and english is spoken the most. When we arrived the children were having free play in many of the rooms. Shortly after we arrived the children cleaned up all the rooms and sat together in a center area that is all glass. Once all the children were ready they began to sing songs.
Ranravitikan peruskoulo- Comprehensive school grades 1-9
School Lunch- all the schools we visited had a buffet for the students to serve themselves. The schools use real plates, bowels and glasses.
Cafeteria seating- tables and chairs
Closets in teachers area- each teacher has their own area
Teacher space
3/4 classroom
Special education room
Student Artwork
Today I also had a chance to listen to presentations from some of my wonderful group members, they spoke at the teacher training school at the University of Lapland. What a wonderful group of individuals, educators and speakers.
Dr. Phala Chea, Ed. D. (University of Massachusetts) Coordinator of English Language Learner Program, Lowell Public Schools, MA.
“The Impact of Cultural Identity and Acculturation on Teaching and Learning in a
Culturally Responsive Classroom”
Dr. Danielle F. Lowe, Ed.D. (William Howard Taft University) Chairman and Founder, Baby S.T.E.P. Inc. and Middletown City School District, NY.
Dr. Susan Gilheany, EdD. and Principals Tina King and Bill Kersing, Victoria, Australia.
“Curiosity and Powerful Learning-Improving learning and teaching through curiosity
and engagement”
Farewell Dinner:
Tonight we had dinner in a traditional Lappish hut - Restaurant Kota. It is located on a small island on the River Kemijoki. After driving a bit out of the city we arrived at a parking lot. From here we walked across a foot bridge- 5 at a time- to the island. Our evening started with a drink of warm cloudberry juice by a nice fire outside. From there we moved into the hut for a wonderful three course dinner. The island has not only the restaurant but some cabins to rent.
Tonight we had dinner in a traditional Lappish hut - Restaurant Kota. It is located on a small island on the River Kemijoki. After driving a bit out of the city we arrived at a parking lot. From here we walked across a foot bridge- 5 at a time- to the island. Our evening started with a drink of warm cloudberry juice by a nice fire outside. From there we moved into the hut for a wonderful three course dinner. The island has not only the restaurant but some cabins to rent.
Marja using her new toy- selfie stick
Marja and I
Danielle and I
Starter: Chard serves on a small side of greens
Beef with barley and root veggies
Berry cake with vanilla sauce and cinnamon
Great commentary on a fantastic trip to a very special place that puts needs of students at the center of educational reform and acknowledges that a well-trained, motivated and not-over-worked teacher is the secret to equity of outcomes. Having the smallest gap between lowest and highest performing pupils is the most important metric that Finland can be very proud of. It was great to be part of this experience.
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