Finland’s woodworking classrooms blow my mind. In these spaces, young children receive a lot of autonomy while using sharp tools like handsaws, drills, and knives. The Finnish educators I’ve met seem very comfortable with the whole thing. Honestly, I’m still getting used to it all.
At the elementary-level, kids in Finland are required to take handicrafts where they learn woodworking and the skills of making textiles. Children can start using handtools, including handsaws, in first grade. Impressive, right? A little scary, too?
This is the kind of learning environment you need to see with your own eyes.
In this week’s episode, I’m bringing you into the woodworking classroom at Haapaniemi primary school in Kuopio, Finland. I’ll introduce you to my friend Jussi Kukkola, who’s the principal and a skilled woodworking teacher. I love his insight into teaching and learning, and I think you will too.
“Children—they love making things with their hands,” he told me. “[Woodworking class is] making dreams come true.”
Please check out episode 2 and, if you enjoy it, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel!
***
Timothy D. Walker is an American teacher living in Finland and the author of the new book Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms. He is a contributing writer on education issues for The Atlantic.
