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?

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reminds us how powerful stories are.

When we show a person or a place in only one way, that single story can shape perceptions, and often causes harm.

Take a few minutes to watch her talk and reflect on the stories we tell and share: http://t.ted.com/jwXfnGX

In InTÀs global and multilingual community, we love hearing different perspectives.

• What’s a story you’ve seen that surprised you or challenged the way you think?

The school year has just begun, and already the debate about homework is back.

Some colleagues say it’s essential for reinforcing learning and building independence.

Others feel it mainly creates stress and deepens inequalities.

As for me, I think homework can have value, but only if it’s done thoughtfully. I’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. Homework shouldn’t be repetitive, and it should never cover something students haven’t already seen in class.

👉 What about you? How are you approaching homework with your students this year?

Have you ever had a student point out your mood the moment you walk in?

“Miss, you look stressed today.”

Or, “You’re in a good mood, aren’t you?”

We all know that students learn more than just what’s in the textbook. Every day, they’re also learning from how we teach, how we respond, and even who we are in the classroom.

They notice our moods, the way we handle mistakes, how we treat each other, and those silent lessons often leave the strongest mark.

• What are some “silent curriculum” moments you’ve noticed with your own students?

Yesterday, I had dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and inside my fortune cookie, I found this little message that really made me think.

I love this reminder because no matter how much we know or how experienced we are, the most effective teachers never stop learning. Staying curious and open to new ideas helps us grow and connect better with our students.

What do you think about this? Have you had a moment recently where you felt more like a student than a teacher?