Finnish schools have integrated nature as a core learning environment, reflecting Finland’s deep cultural connection to the natural world. Students regularly participate in outdoor lessons across various subjects, from mathematics to literature. This approach combines Finland’s educational philosophy of holistic development with research showing that nature exposure enhances learning outcomes, creativity, and wellbeing. Finnish schools typically dedicate several hours weekly to outdoor learning, using forests, parks, and school yards as extensions of the classroom.

What makes nature so important in Finnish education?

Nature holds a central place in Finnish education because of the deeply rooted cultural concept of luontosuhde – the personal relationship with nature that Finns develop from childhood. This relationship is considered fundamental to Finnish identity and wellbeing, with research confirming that regular nature contact improves concentration, reduces stress, and enhances learning outcomes.

Finnish educational philosophy views nature as an ideal learning environment that engages all senses and provides authentic contexts for learning. The national curriculum explicitly recognizes that connection with the natural world helps develop environmental awareness, problem-solving skills, and physical health.

The Finnish approach is supported by extensive research showing that children who learn in natural environments demonstrate improved academic performance, particularly in science subjects. Studies conducted in Finnish schools have found that outdoor learning sessions result in more engaged students who retain information better than those in traditional classroom-only settings.

Additionally, the Finnish value of “everyman’s right” (jokamiehenoikeus) – which grants everyone access to forests regardless of ownership – creates a cultural framework where nature is seen as a shared resource for learning and development rather than a separate, occasional destination.

How do Finnish teachers integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum?

Finnish teachers integrate outdoor learning by treating nature as an extension of the classroom rather than a special event. The national curriculum provides flexibility for teachers to implement cross-curricular outdoor learning sessions where multiple subjects are taught simultaneously through nature-based activities, making learning more holistic and contextual.

Teacher training in Finland specifically prepares educators to facilitate outdoor learning. During their education studies, future teachers learn practical outdoor teaching methodologies and how to use natural environments effectively for different subjects. This training continues through professional development throughout their careers.

Assessment in outdoor settings often focuses on process rather than just outcomes. Teachers observe how students apply knowledge, collaborate with peers, and solve problems in natural contexts. Documentation through photographs, student journals, and project work helps capture learning that occurs outside classroom walls.

Finnish teachers typically plan outdoor learning in blocks that allow for deeper engagement with topics. For example, a morning might be dedicated to exploring mathematical concepts through measuring trees and calculating volumes, while also incorporating elements of biology by identifying species. This integrated approach reflects the Finnish emphasis on phenomenon-based learning, where real-world contexts drive education rather than strict subject boundaries.

What does a typical outdoor learning day look like in Finnish schools?

A typical outdoor learning day in Finnish schools begins with classroom preparation where teachers introduce the day’s learning objectives and necessary equipment. Students dress appropriately for the weather – a Finnish saying goes “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” – with schools often having spare outdoor gear available for those who need it.

Transportation to natural areas happens by foot when possible, as many Finnish schools are strategically located near forests or parks. For more distant locations, public transportation or school-arranged transport is used. Even school yards are designed with natural elements to facilitate outdoor learning when longer excursions aren’t practical.

Once at the location, activities typically follow this structure:

• Opening circle where teachers explain activities and set boundaries
• Structured learning activities connected to curriculum objectives
• Free exploration time where students can investigate personal interests
• Reflection period where learning is discussed and consolidated

Back in the classroom, teachers facilitate discussions about what was observed and learned. Students often document their experiences through writing, drawing, or digital means. This reflection phase connects outdoor experiences to classroom learning, helping students process and retain knowledge gained in nature.

Importantly, outdoor learning happens year-round in Finland, including during winter months. The Finnish approach emphasizes that experiencing all seasons provides unique learning opportunities and builds resilience.

Which subjects benefit most from nature-based learning in Finland?

While all subjects benefit from nature-based approaches, science education shows particularly strong outcomes when taught outdoors in Finland. Biology, physics, and chemistry concepts come alive when students can directly observe natural phenomena, conduct experiments in authentic settings, and see ecological relationships firsthand rather than just reading about them.

Mathematics instruction transforms in outdoor settings, with Finnish teachers using natural objects for counting, measuring, and understanding geometric concepts. Students might calculate the height of trees using angle measurements, collect and analyze data about plant growth, or explore mathematical patterns in nature.

Language arts thrive in natural environments, where Finnish teachers use outdoor experiences to inspire creative writing, storytelling, and discussion. The sensory richness of natural settings provides vocabulary development opportunities and authentic contexts for communication.

Physical education naturally extends beyond traditional sports in outdoor settings. Finnish schools use forests for developing motor skills through activities like balancing on logs, climbing appropriate trees, and navigating varied terrain – activities that develop coordination in ways structured playground equipment cannot match.

Art education benefits tremendously, with natural materials becoming both subjects and mediums for creative expression. Finnish students might create environmental art installations, sketch landscapes, or use natural pigments for painting, connecting artistic expression with environmental awareness.

How do Finnish schools use nature to support student wellbeing?

Finnish schools deliberately use nature exposure to reduce stress and improve mental health among students. Research consistently shows that even short periods in natural environments lower cortisol levels and improve mood – benefits that Finnish educators actively incorporate into school routines, especially during high-pressure academic periods.

Natural environments provide ideal settings for developing social skills and emotional regulation. Finnish teachers observe that the open space and reduced structure of outdoor settings often help children who struggle with classroom behaviors to engage more positively with peers and learning activities.

Finnish schools use outdoor breaks throughout the day, following the research-backed understanding that regular nature exposure improves concentration. The standard rhythm in Finnish education includes a 15-minute outdoor break after each 45-minute lesson, regardless of weather, which teachers report significantly improves focus during learning periods.

Nature-based activities build resilience by encouraging appropriate risk-taking and problem-solving. Finnish educational philosophy values allowing children to test their capabilities in natural settings – whether climbing, balancing, or navigating terrain – which builds confidence and self-regulation skills.

For students with attention difficulties or sensory processing challenges, Finnish schools find that natural environments often provide the optimal sensory input for learning. The varied but non-overwhelming stimuli in nature can help students who find classroom settings challenging to regulate and engage more effectively.

Through our programmes at VisitEDUfinn, education professionals can observe firsthand how Finnish schools implement these nature-based approaches. Our job shadowing opportunities and school visits showcase how teachers integrate outdoor learning into daily practice, providing valuable insights that visitors can adapt to their own educational contexts.