Exploring Finland and Finnish Culture

Learning Objective

Total Time: 1 minute

Students will gain an understanding of key aspects of Finnish culture, history, and society.

Assessments

Total Time: 1 minute

Students will participate in a 2-minute reflective discussion about what aspects of Finnish culture surprised or intrigued them the most.

Key Points

Total Time: 2 minutes

• Geographical Location: Finland's unique position in Northern Europe and its natural landscapes.
• Historical Background: Brief overview of Finland's history from Swedish and Russian rule to independence.
• Language: Introduce Finnish language and its uniqueness compared to other European languages.
• Sauna: The cultural significance of sauna in Finnish life.
• Education System: Overview of Finland's world-renowned education system.
• Traditions and Festivals: Highlight traditional Finnish customs, holidays, and festivals such as Midsummer and Juhannus.

Opening

Total Time: 4 minutes

• Start with a captivating visual slideshow showing stunning images of Finnish landscapes (Santa Claus Village, Northern Lights, forests, and lakes).
• Pose the question: “What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Finland?” Allow students to share responses.
• Facilitate a quick brainstorm on what they are curious about regarding Finnish culture.

Introduction to New Material

Total Time: 5 minutes

• Present a brief lecture utilizing slides that cover the main topics with visuals: geographical map, key historical events, the Finnish language, and cultural icons.
• Use storytelling to share a personal experience or anecdote related to Finnish culture (like visiting a sauna or experiencing winter activities).
• Clarify common misconceptions about Finland, such as the assumption that Finnish is similar to other Nordic languages.

Guided Practice

Total Time: 4 minutes

• In small groups, students will discuss and list three fascinating aspects of Finnish culture based on the presentation.
• Each group will then share one point with the class, fostering collaborative learning and prompting peer-to-peer engagement.

Closing

Total Time: 3 minutes

• Lead a closing discussion where students reflect on what they learned:
  • Use an interactive polling tool (like Mentimeter) to gather their thoughts on which aspect of Finnish culture they found most intriguing.
• Encourage students to consider how cultural differences shape perspectives and experiences.

Extension Activity

Total Time: 1 minute

• Invite students to research and prepare a short presentation (3-5 minutes) about a specific Finnish cultural element (e.g., the education system, cuisine, music) to share in the next class.

Homework

Total Time: 2 minutes

• Assign students to watch a short documentary about Finland (e.g., 'Finland: The Land of the Midnight Sun') and write a brief reflection on the insights gained regarding Finnish culture.