In Denmark, the kindergarten experience looks quite different from many other countries. Rather than an emphasis on formal academic instruction, Danish kindergartens prioritize a play-based, exploratory approach that supports the holistic development of young children.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Danish kindergarten model so unique and enriching for little learners.
A Focus on Play-Based Discovery
At the heart of Danish kindergartens lies the belief that children learn best through joyful, self-directed play and first-hand experiences.
You won’t find worksheets, deskwork or an overemphasis on rote skills here. Instead, these kindergartens cultivate a vibrant environment of open-ended play activities, sensory exploration, storytelling, art, music and abundant opportunities for physical activity.
Through free play, guided play, creative play and more, children organically develop a wide range of cognitive abilities like problem-solving, critical thinking and language skills.
But play nurtures far more than just academics – it allows children to build social-emotional intelligence, self-regulation, imagination and a zest for learning itself.
Nurturing the Whole Child
More than just education centers, Danish kindergartens serve as spaces for holistic growth and well-being. There is a profound appreciation for childhood as a unique life stage, not merely preparation for the future.
Great care is taken to respect children’s inherent interests, perspectives and rhythms of development.
Enhancing children’s independence, self-esteem and personal agency are core goals. A low child-to-teacher ratio allows for attunement to each child’s needs. Rather than top-down instruction, teachers act as supportive guides, encouraging children to explore, experiment and discover at their own pace fueled by curiosity.
Democratic Values in Action
Danish society places a strong emphasis on democratic principles from the youngest ages. In kindergartens, you’ll see this democratic spirit alive through daily practices.
Children actively participate in discussions around the establishment of classroom rules and routines through daily circle times. Their voices and choices are centered.
This participation nurtures critical thinking and an understanding of democratic citizenship from an early age.
Children gain skills in respectful dialogue, negotiation and recognizing diverse perspectives. It’s an inspiring model of mutual respect between children and adults.
The Great Outdoors
While the indoor classrooms buzz with engaging activity corners, Danish kindergartens place a special focus on connecting children with the natural world. All kindergartens have dedicated outdoor play areas and garden spaces.
More notably, there is a strong tradition of regular outings and forest days where children can roam, explore and engage in unstructured outdoor play.
This immersion in nature fosters environmental awareness, physical skills, risk management and a sense of wonder towards the living world around them from an impressionable age.
Continuity through Family Partnerships
Danish kindergartens actively partner with parents through regular communication, classroom participation and aligned practices at home.
This collaboration ensures consistency and continuity in supporting each child’s growth and well-being. It allows the nurturing philosophies to extend beyond the classroom walls.
By involving families as active stakeholders, the child’s holistic needs can be better understood and met.
At its core, Denmark’s progressive approach to early childhood education is centered around respect for childhood – its joys, its spontaneous curiosity and its unbridled potential.
My experience with child-centered early education
From 2010 – 2019 I had the privilege of teaching in a similar hands-on, child-centered kindergarten approach, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this child-centered, play-based pedagogy.
I understand intimately how creating an environment brimming with open-ended exploration, joyful discovery and respect for the innate curiosity of young minds can kindle an enduring love of learning.
My classroom was a holistic haven where every child’s unique strengths, interests and developmental needs were nurtured through carefully facilitated play, outdoor adventures and democratic participation.
Under my guidance, children organically build vital skills – cognitive, physical, social and emotional – while their sense of wonder, independence and self-belief blossomed. With a deft blend of intentionality and a deep appreciation for the magic of childhood, I exemplified how prioritizing play, freedom and trust lays the firmest foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
Rather than pushing academics from the earliest ages, Danish kindergartens honor the human drive for exploratory, self-directed learning.
Through play, wonder and strong bonds of trust, these little ones are granted the invaluable gifts of confidence, passion for discovery and a firm foundation for lifelong learning. This is what holistic, child-centered education looks like in action.
What to know more about active learning check out this blog post. Click here ‘ Nurturing Essential Skills in Early Learners: A Play Based, Child-Led Approach ‘
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