Title: Why Are Finland's Schools Successful?  | Innovation   | Smithsonian Magazine
Headings: Why Are Finland’s Schools Successful?
Why Are Finland’s Schools Successful?
The country’s achievements in education have other nations, especially the United States, doing their homework
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Content: Play is important at this age,” Rintola would later say. “ We value play.” With their wiggles unwound, the students took from their desks little bags of buttons, beans and laminated cards numbered 1 through 20. A teacher’s aide passed around yellow strips representing units of ten. At a smart board at the front of the room, Rintola ushered the class through the principles of base ten. One girl wore cat ears on her head, for no apparent reason. Another kept a stuffed mouse on her desk to remind her of home. Rintola roamed the room helping each child grasp the concepts. Those who finished early played an advanced “nut puzzle” game. After 40 minutes it was time for a hot lunch in the cathedral-like cafeteria.