In Finland, Free Play Is An Essential Part Of Learning

Much has been written about the supposed learning loss that occurred during the pandemic shutdowns. But, how much time should children actually be spent on formal academics anyway? In Finland, the answer may surprise you...

What are schools like in Finland?

Formal learning in Finland doesn’t even begin until children are seven years old. Before then, children are meant to focus on making friends, communicating, being active, getting creative, exploring the outdoors, and managing risk.

While 75% of three- to five-year-olds do attend kindergarten in Finland, educational expert Pasi Sahlberg, says that the goal is “not to prepare children for school academically, but to make sure they are happy and responsible individuals.”

Even after formal education begins, play is still a major focus. Play is considered essential for learning about risk and responsibility. To that end, 15-minute outdoor break times are allotted to each student every hour up to secondary school. 

Sahlberg believes that “play boosts grades and learning for all students, as well as their social growth, emotional development, health, wellbeing and happiness.”

 In fact, play is considered so important that it is assessed by teachers.  

The emphasis on play is part of a larger ideology that places equality at its core. Finland’s education system outlaws formal exams until age 18 and avoids grouping children by academic capability.

Do other schools in Europe take a similar approach to education?

Not necessarily. Schools in many European countries remain largely focused on academics. For instance, while children in Spain aren’t required to begin formal schooling until 6, learning past that age tends to be very structured, with little time devoted to free play. In Italy, students have the option of spending longer days in school or doing more homework outside of school. 

How has the pandemic affected free play?

Lockdowns and school closings have meant that children have spent less time interacting in person. While much of this was unavoidable in order to contain the pandemic, now that schools are re-opening, Sahlberg believes it's time to put the emphasis back on free play.  He argued that prioritizing play over academic achievement will allow children to rebuild relationships, promote resilience, and help them mitigate stress. 

What does the research say?

Multiple studies have shown the benefits of free play on mental health and cognition. For instance, a 2014 study discovered that 6-year-old students who engaged in plenty of free play showed stronger levels of executive functioning, or the ability to manage themselves and achieve goals. 

Yet, despite the evidence, free play is often pushed to the side in favor of more academics and structured after-school activities.

To give your child a well-balanced education that considers their mental and emotional health, as well as cognitive development, look for schools and programs that understand the enormous value of free play.