The children learn English in a natural and fun way!
At the Lauttasaari English Playschool, children become familiar with the English language in a natural and fun way, alongside play and chores. With the help of stories, rhymes, and songs, children are encouraged to use English such that their development of self-expression skills can be better observed, as well as their sense of being listened to and understood. At our Playschool, children’s inherent way of learning - by way of trying and doing - is respected.
Through the new language, children also have an opportunity to become familiar with other cultures and nationalities. The aim throughout all activities is to promote mutual respect and friendship between children.
Big Side – Little Side
Daily activities at our day care centre take place in two groups: the beginners class (Little Side) with 15 children and the older class (Big Side) with 15 children.
Diverse activities
In addition to instruction times, weekly activities include:
outdoor activities and games at Lahnalahti park
music led by music teacher Sanna Rintala
field trips to theatres, museums, the library etc.
exercise, team sports and games at the exercise park and Kasinonranta
drawing, painting, and crafts
nature school: morning nature walks by the sea in Lauttasaari
Outdoor activities and hiking in nature are an integral part of our Playschool’s activities. Social skills are learned according to the principle “Let’s be friends”, with the themes “Happy faces” and “Good choices”. In various years, the programme has been adapted to our teachers’ own areas of interest and expertise, such as drama, visual arts, yoga, and digital skills instruction.
Early childhood development and education curriculum
The day care centre’s early childhood development and education curriculum is built upon nationwide standards, and has been approved by the municipality’s examination for private day care providers.
Beginners, viskarit, eskarit
Systematic language instruction is carried out in groups based on age: 3- and 4-year-old beginners, 5-year-old “viskarit”, and 6-year-old “eskarit”. English is used as the language of preschool instruction except for 45 min twice a week when Finnish language is used.
The goal of early education is to support and advance a child’s growth and development, and also facilitate a natural transition to school.
Weekly program and yearly calendar
The timing of daily activities is decided by weekly programmes. The most important field trips and events are listed in the annual calendar, which is published twice a year.
Annual theme
For each school year, our Playschool has a common theme, which is chosen based on the children’s experiences and interests. Planned activities are completely integrated into the theme. On field trips, for example, we gain concrete experiences that relate to the subject. In groups, we continue to work on what we have just learnt. With the subject in mind, we strive to create a learning environment that is also beneficial for working independently. Themes for each school year:
2024-25 Space
2023-24 Animals with wings
2022-23 Fairy tales
2020-21 Animals
2019-20 Four elements (fire, water, air, earth)
2018-2019 My environment
2017-2018 My body
2016-2017 Space
2015-2016 Around the world