Sann wants every child entering daycare to have space to develop their strengths in a safe environment. To achieve this, she incorporates positive pedagogy and respects different cultures in her work.
The shoe rack in the entrance of Daycare Pacius in Helsinki overflows with little boots. Hats and mittens are stored in plastic bins labeled with children's names. It’s an autumn Tuesday afternoon, and the children are napping. The daycare centre is filled with a rare silence.
Early childhood education teacher Reija Sann guides us to the kitchen. She is in charge of a group of six-year-olds called Pajupillit (or Willow Whistles). Managing a group of 18 children is not always an easy feat, but Sann finds it rewarding.
– This is incredibly creative work. Every child has their strengths, and recognising and nurturing those requires creativity. This isn't an assembly line; there's no single way to help children thrive, she says. Indeed, the daycare centre’s activities are planned in a way that embraces the children’s strengths and brings out the best in each child.
At Daycare Pacius, children are encouraged to thrive through positive pedagogy. The emphasis is on friendly communication. If conflicts arise among the children, they use MiniVerso, a peer mediation method for early childhood education.
Children also get to make decisions that concern them, such as the group's rules. They state that no one should be bullied or hit, and everyone is included in play.
While the adults ultimately bear responsibility for the children, their role also involves giving the children space to simply be kids. If a child needs to be told not to do something, the adult must provide a good reason for it. Early childhood education professionals strive to say "no" as rarely as possible.
– I did have to say no when the children wanted a swimming pool and a bounce house in the yard. I suggested they play with toy cars instead, Sann says, laughing.
On the kitchen counter is a stack of printed pictures of various dishes. Recently, the daycare centre organised a cultural café where children could play-act buying foods typical of different cultures. They also learned to say "thank you" and "you're welcome" in their group mates’ native languages.
Different cultures are both seen and heard at Daycare Pacius. This creates a safe environment where every child can join the group just as they are. In Sann's group, children speak Finnish, Spanish, Somali, and Kurdish, among other languages. In 2023, 11 different native languages were represented.
– It’s the adult's responsibility to show through their behavior that different things are equally okay, Sann says.
For example, some young girls at the daycare centre wear headscarves. Storybooks are used to teach about different cultural traditions. In addition to Christmas celebrations, the daycare has celebrated Eid, marking the end of Ramadan. Both celebrations brought families together, featuring colorful lights, joyful music, and delicious food.
– Being culturally aware requires sensitivity, continuous learning, and curiosity from the adults in charge of education. We maintain open communication with parents because we want to make it easy for them to share their views and wishes with us, Sann explains.
One by one, the children wake from their naps. Some gather around a table to play with Legos, while others choose to read a book. If anyone forgets what’s planned for the day, they can check the illustrated activity cards on the wall. Mondays are for physical activities, on Tuesdays the kids focus on academic skills.
Sann greets the waking children gently, promising to help them pick a preferable picture book from the shelf.
– The way you are as a teacher reflects on the group. You need to be mindful of what you carry with you, she says. Sann herself carries calmness, humor, and acceptance of both oneself and others to the group.
Interactions with children and their parents provide constant opportunities for self-evaluation – reflecting on her reactions, tone of voice, and body language. This reflective approach also extends to Sann’s team.
– I hope the children who leave here have strong social skills and healthy self-esteem, she says.
Eventually, the children do move on. For Sann, the most challenging moments of the school year are the end-of-year celebrations each spring. She misses every group.
– Luckily, the kids often come back to the fence later to share their adventures, she says, pointing outside to the yard.
Text: Kristiina Ella Markkanen
