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How do children learn in Finland? Ten pupils from Years 3 to 7 and two learning guides from Klax School found out as part of an Erasmus+ project trip to Oulu. The children are part of the Klax school project group “Our happy future” and are therefore also very interested in environmental issues. After a warm welcome at the partner school “Oulunlahden koulu”, the children were able to participate directly in various subjects. They were part of an outdoor math lesson and took part in a robotics project. In the German lesson, the pupils taught each other Finnish and German words and thus improved their language skills.
To delve deeper into Finnish culture, the school organized a Finland Festival, where students learned facts about the country and its people, sang Finnish songs and visited an art exhibition. May is also welcomed with a festival in Finland. On the so-called “Vappu Day”, the school organized a big party. In addition to a talent show, in which the children rehearsed and performed songs together, they were then able to watch the traditional parade of students.
On the public holiday, the group went on a great nature observation tour. On the way to Nallikari beach, they were lucky enough to spot Finland's national bird: The whooper swan. As the students are very concerned about the responsible treatment of nature, they organized a garbage collection campaign with the Finnish students. Afterwards, there was a cozy get-together with grilled sausages and Finnish pastries.
The week flew by and then it was time to leave for the airport. With heartfelt words of thanks, the group said goodbye to the sponsor school in Oulu and made their way back to Berlin. There they were greeted by their loving families. It was an unforgettable week full of new experiences and friendships that everyone will remember for a long time to come. The pupils are looking forward with great anticipation to the visit of their friends from Finland, who will be coming to Berlin at the end of May. The Klax School will also be receiving visits from a group of students from Spain and Latvia.
