Collaboration Between Preschool and Primary Education
In Oulu, a unified path of growth and learning is being built from early childhood education to basic education. The Oulu learning path includes objectives for implementing pedagogy for children aged 5-8 and agreed-upon practices for cooperation between preschool and early primary education to ensure smooth transitions.
Cooperation between preschool and early primary education involves regular and planned collaboration between preschool education and grades 1-2, following common city-level guidelines and the goals outlined in the local cooperation plan for preschool and early primary education. This model allows for individual attention to the child, timely support, and strengthening of participation.
Cooperation between preschool and early primary education is carried out in various groups according to the curricula. During the preschool year, children become familiar with the learning environments of the school. The cooperation flexibly utilizes different learning environments and remote connections. The goal is to work together and build and develop a shared operational culture. The staff of preschool and early primary education is responsible for the development, planning, and implementation of the cooperation together.
Pedagogy of 5–8 years-old children
Pedagogy for children aged 5-8 refers to the creation of a shared pedagogical culture and activities based on the understanding of learning. It involves the ability and expertise to implement individualized, planned, and goal-oriented common pedagogy in accordance with the objectives of curricula and the education program.
Unified pedagogy, operational culture, and learning environment in preschool and early primary education strengthen the early learning of basic skills for children. By working together, we enable the child's individual progression on the path of growth and learning through flexible transitions.
Flexible preschool and early primary education is developed based on the needs and perspectives of children, considering what kind of everyday life is built for them with flexible practices. Transitioning from early childhood education to preschool education and from preschool education to school are important life stages for children.
The formation and continuity of friendships are supported by building flexible pedagogical processes and practices. Successful transitions promote children's sense of security and well-being, as well as their growth and learning conditions.
The goals and practices of the different stages of the learning path are agreed upon together and form the foundation of quality education. The quality of education is promoted through joint discussions and cooperation among the staff of preschool, early childhood, and basic education. Diverse expertise is a shared resource. The staff of early childhood education, preschool education, and early primary education also have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with each other's activities and learning environments in practice.
Strengthening the child's unified path of growth and learning requires all parties to learn cooperation and new things together with others.