Kaisaniemi Ala-asteen Koulu

Kaisaniemi primary school is located closer to the city center, which is closer to my Airbnb. Although the school is within Helsinki, there is a beautiful green space in the back where children run around and play. Upon arrival, I saw classes enjoying the sunshine though engaging teamwork activities. I entered Door A and was embraced by laughter coming from an elegant stairway and many little shoes scattered on the floor. A teacher led me to the teacher's lounge and the principal's office, which was secured behind a glass wall. The teacher typed in a code and introduced me to the principal.

Kaisaniemi's principal was so delighted to meet me and give me a tour of her school. She informs me of the new renovations. The school displays both modern technologies and antique designs. Each classroom includes at least one historical piece of furniture. From reconditioned wooden desks to long ornate benches to large bookshelves, Kaisaniemi is decorated by unique furniture, cherished by faculty, staff, and students.

Children were sewing animal pillows on the first floor, reading on the second floor, dancing to Taylor Swift in the hall on the third floor, learning a math lesson on the fourth floor, and playing instruments on the fifth floor. One classroom in particular stood out to me. A wing on the third floor was extraordinarily quiet. I walked into a classroom, and saw approximately 20 kids sitting at the desks, working diligently in their notebooks. As my eyes scanned the classroom, I noticed that the teacher was absent. These children were so focused, even when the teacher was not present.

After visiting classrooms, I saw a clear pattern among the children. They all enjoyed learning and showed it through their actions. When returning to the principal, she told me about how her school, similar to other Finnish schools, hold the arts at high regards. Kaisaniemi, a school in a middle-class area, puts a large focus on advancing children's creativity and artistic intelligence. Children have different ways of expressing themselves, and the school aims to help children find themselves and harness their talents.

The principal graciously showed me a PowerPoint she and other educational professionals developed in 2016. The presentation discusses the goals and objectives to build a generation of the future. By establishing connected values and ethical principles where children are the highest priority, true teaching and learning can exist. At the center is the child's best interest. Connected to the child's best interest is building constructive collaboration, enriching diversity, and a sustainable future.

Constructive collaboration refers to the socialization of children, where children are taught to learn with one another and increase their responsibility. Children fortify bonds with classmates and are able to work within an interpersonal environment, as well as an intra-personal environment.

Enriching diversity is the creation of respectful children who appreciate differences. Understanding and valuing diverse cultures are essential to future progression and an empathetic society.

A sustainable future emphasizes the need to provide children with the tools to grow and adapt to their environment and modern technology. The future needs innovative children, who have the ability to think outside of the box and influence the future.

Below is a picture given to the principal of Kaisaniemi, exhibiting how the school will educate a generation prepared for the future and the innovation needed to progress the human race.

I appreciate and admire the principal of Kaisaniemi and her generous hospitality. Her guidance and encouragement are truly inspiring.

Helsingin Kaupunki 2016.