Anglophone group

Hello and happy Friday,

I just read this article.

Finnish students often attend school for just 4–5 hours a day, and Finland consistently ranks among the top countries in global education outcomes. According to Education Corner and InfoFinland, Finnish children typically begin formal schooling at age 7 and attend classes for shorter periods compared to many other countries.

A typical school day runs from around 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, especially in primary grades. Despite these shorter hours, Finland’s students perform exceptionally well in international assessments like the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

The success of Finland’s education system is rooted in several key factors. Homework is minimal, allowing students more time to rest, play, and pursue personal interests. Breaks between classes are frequent and encouraged, often lasting 15 minutes or more, which helps students stay focused and mentally refreshed. Most importantly, teachers in Finland are highly trained,…

I came across this idea this morning and it really made me think!:

Teachers tend to fall somewhere along a spectrum — from Quiet and Queasy, to Firm but Fun, to Strict and Scary.

Of course, most of us probably move between these styles depending on the group, the mood, or even the day!

What struck me most was the description of the Firm but Fun teacher: someone who combines structure with warmth, sets clear expectations, and still keeps learning enjoyable. It feels like that’s where many of us aspire to be, but it takes awareness and practice to stay there.

What about you?

• Do you recognize yourself in one of these categories?

Active listening is more than just hearing words. It’s about being fully present, understanding meaning, and building deeper connections.

You know those moments when a student feels really heard?

When you paraphrase what they’ve said, or pause long enough for them to find their own words, and suddenly, you see it in their eyes: they feel seen.

Active listening can transform those moments. It teaches empathy, reflection, and patience, qualities we all want to nurture, both in our students and in ourselves.

Here are a few simple ways I like to weave it into lessons:

• Paraphrase what my students say and invite them to do the same.

I just read this article this morning and couldn’t wait to share it with you all: “Teachers’ Break Time” by Aprajita Ralli, published on September 30, 2025. (Link)

It’s a powerful reminder that while we often prioritize student well-being (and rightly so), we must equally reflect on teacher well-being. Aprajita beautifully writes about how even short breaks can become spaces of restoration, connection, and informal learning, and why these “small” moments actually have a huge impact on how we show up in the classroom.

Her words struck a chord with me, especially this line:

"When teachers thrive, students flourish."

I’d love to hear from you.

• How does your school celebrate and protect teacher well-being during the day?