SUMMARY of Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms by
Some books are so well written and clear that you can get the gist from just the TOC (table of content). If you need to know more – why Finland’s school children are some of the smartest in the world? – get the book.
Finland is one of the happiest countries in the world with excellent state education and free universities. Also, Finland has been voted the third most innovative country in the world with a lifestyle that breeds creativity and innovation.
For starters: no homework, no exams. no shoes in class.
1 Well-being
Schedule brain breaks (Let kids disconnect from their work)
Learn on the move (Students should stand up or walk round in class)
Recharge after school (Keep homework to a minimum)
Simplify the space
Breathe fresh air (Open windows, let in natural light)
Get into the wild (Connect with nature, go outside)
Keep the peace
2 Belonging
Recruit a welfare team
Know each child
Play with your students (Join their games rather than leading your own)
Celebrate their learning (Let children celebrate their learning – presenting your work to others fosters pride.)
Pursue a class dream (Collectively choose a shared project)
Banish the bullying
Buddy up (Team up older and younger students for activities)
3 Autonomy
Start with freedom (Start the year with autonomy – let students show you what they are already capable of)
Leave margin
Offer choices (Let students pick a short learning task, or give open-ended assignments)
Plan with your students (Give them a voice and use their feedback)
Make it real
Demand responsibility (Students thrive when trusted to succeed alone)
4 Mastery
Teach the essentials (Prioritise the basics over extracurricular activities)
Mine the textbook
Leverage the tech
Bring in the music
Coach more
Prove the learning (Get students to justify their answers to difficult, open-ended questions)
Discuss the grades
5 Mindset
Seek flow
Have a thicker skin
Collaborate over coffee
Welcome the experts
Vacate on vacation
Don’t forget joy (Remember it and prioritise it)
Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms by
Although Finish education has been very successful, in recent times the ranking has declined. Read criticisms of Finish education system
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