🌱 Preschool the Finnish Way: Social-Emotional Learning & Belonging

A Conversation at the Door

Parent: “How was the day today?”

Teacher: smiles softly "Full, emotional, and good.”

Parent: “Emotional?”

Teacher: “Yes. We had a few tears during circle time. One child missed their mom. Another got upset when a friend didn’t share blocks. But then something beautiful happened. The children helped each other. One brought a tissue. Another said, ‘It’s okay, you can play with me.’ We ended with a hug and a song.”

Parent: “That’s… wonderful.”

Teacher: “It was. In Finland, we say learning begins with belonging. Today, they practiced kindness, patience, and empathy, the real foundations of learning.”

The parent smiled, realizing that “a good day” in preschool isn’t one without emotion, but one where emotions are safely held and gently guided.

🌿 The Rekla Lens: Relationships Before Routines

In Finnish preschools, teachers know that social-emotional learning (SEL) is not a separate subject, it’s the heartbeat of every moment. The day flows through routines that strengthen connection: morning greetings, circle time, outdoor play, shared meals, and reflection.

The Finnish early childhood framework is grounded in three simple values: care,

trust, and joy. These aren’t decorations on the wall; they are living, breathing practices that guide tone, pace, and presence.

When children feel seen and safe, they can take healthy risks, cooperate, and focus. That’s why Finnish educators begin with belonging because belonging builds learning.

💚 What Social-Emotional Learning Looks Like in Practice

In Finnish preschool, emotional growth is woven into daily life:

• During play, children learn negotiation and fairness.

• During circle time, they practice listening and gratitude.

• Outdoors, they develop patience, courage, and teamwork.

  
  

When challenges arise, teachers model calm reflection instead of quick correction. Children are encouraged to name their emotions; “I feel sad,” “I feel angry,” “I feel left out”, and to see how those feelings connect to their actions.

Even nature supports SEL. Fresh air, movement, and unstructured time calm the mind and build resilience. Every shared discovery, every hand offered to a friend, is a lesson in empathy.

🌼 Rekla Reflection: Practical Ways to Build Belonging

Here are three simple Finnish-inspired practices teachers can begin using right away:

1️⃣ Morning Connection Rituals

Start with a song, a greeting, or a question like, “How do you feel today?” These moments anchor the day in warmth and safety.

2️⃣ Emotion Check-Ins

Use a small “Feelings Wall” or picture cards so children can show how they’re feeling. Naming emotions makes them easier to manage.

3️⃣ Peer Appreciation Moments

End each day with gratitude, “I liked when you helped me clean up,” or “You shared your crayons with me.” These simple reflections grow empathy and community.

Even in large, busy classrooms, these practices bring calm and connection back to the center of learning.

🌱 Rekla Reflection Question

How might you create moments of belonging in your classroom this week?

Could you begin the day with connection instead of correction?

Could you slow down enough to notice small acts of kindness?

Belonging isn’t taught. It’s cultivated; moment by moment, through care, trust, and joy.

🎥 Watch the full episode

Preschool the Finnish Way | Part 4: Social-Emotional Learning & Belonging

“Learning is grounded in caring, trust, and joy.” — Finnish National Agency for Education