How to Guide: Helping Your Child Navigate the Finnish School System

Welcome to Finland, where the education system is renowned for its excellence in promoting student success and well-being, with a strong emphasis on safety. If you've recently moved here with your family, you may have questions about how to support your child best navigating the Finnish school system. Fear not, as this guide will provide essential tips to help your child thrive academically and socially in a safe environment.

How to Walk Your Kids to School Safely

One of the unique aspects of living in Finland is the emphasis on independence and safety. After preschool, the parents are recommended to walk the path to school with their kids. This helps kids have confidence in walking alone when school begins in autumn. First graders are encouraged to walk to school and leave behind their bikes and other transport gadgets. Most neighborhoods have safe walking paths and bike lanes, making the journey to school safe and an excellent way for your child to stay active and enjoy the fresh Finnish air.

Sometimes, your child can't walk to school due to the extended distance between school and home. The municipal government provides a bus fair for kids or other means of transport, free of charge if the journey to school is more than 5 kilometers long.

How to Learn to Speak and Read Finnish: The Reading Diploma

Mastering the Finnish language is crucial for your child's academic success and integration into Finnish society. One common goal for many students, and a great motivator, is earning the Reading Diploma, a prestigious certificate awarded to those who demonstrate proficiency in reading books. Practice reading with your child at home, and consider enrolling them in language courses to hone their skills further.

How to Network with Other Parents: Join the Parents Association

Connecting with Finnish parents can be a valuable source of support and information as you navigate the Finnish school system. Consider joining the Parents Association at your child's school to meet other families, exchange tips, and participate in school events. By building a network of fellow parents, you'll feel more integrated into the local community and have a strong support system to rely on. It will be challenging and overwhelming initially because Finns are not known to be embracing new people. However, the more resilient you are, the faster you learn the system.

How to Master Wilma: The Most Important School Application

Wilma is a must-know tool for parents whose children attend school in Finland. This comprehensive school application lets you stay updated on your child's progress, communicate with teachers, and access essential school events and announcements. Take the time to familiarize yourself with Wilma's features to ensure you're fully engaged in your child's educational journey.

Remember, transitioning to a new school system can be challenging for both you and your child, but actively engaging in your child's education will help them thrive academically and socially in the Finnish school system.

How to Master the Finnish Weather: Dress up in weather-appropriate clothes.

In Finland, where there are four distinct seasons, children must be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions they will encounter. Ensuring that children are dressed in weather-appropriate clothing will help keep them comfortable and protected while they play and explore outdoors. Whether it's the cold and snowy winters, the rainy springs, the warm summers, or the crisp autumns, dressing children in the proper attire is key to their well-being.

Good luck, and enjoy the rewarding experience of witnessing your child flourish in their new academic surroundings.