Data sources/VASU 2022
Framework·Finland·Ages 0–6 (ECEC)·Class E — opportunity provision

Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care

Varhaiskasvatussuunnitelman perusteet 2022

Opetushallitus / Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) · regulation OPH-700-2022 (amended 31.10.2022 via OPH-3888-2022).

Finland's national ECEC core curriculum — opportunity-provision pedagogy grounded in lapsen oma toimijuus (the child's own agency).

How this framework is measured
VASU is an opportunity curriculum
The curriculum text frames learning as "children are provided with opportunities to…" — the educator's job is to offer the setup; the child's engagement carries the learning.
What this means for parents
Your child is "covered" by a field not by passing a checklist but by repeatedly having the chance to play in that field's context. We track opportunities, not outcomes.
Five Finnish concepts the framework preserves
  • laaja-alainen osaaminen — broad transversal competence (system-level disposition aim)
  • oppimiskäsitys — conception of learning (through play and active exploration)
  • lapsen oma toimijuus — the child's own agency
  • tutkiva oppiminen — inquiry learning
  • toimintakulttuuri — operational culture of the setting
5
Fields of learning
+ 1 foundations
22
Strand goals
22
Constructs
framework-side
58
Activities
personnel-provided
0–72mo
Window
uniform — Class E

Alternate visualizations

0°

Overview · rings = areas → sub-areas → activities · hover to trace · click any segment to open it · drag the Rotate slider or Shift-drag to spin

Rich world of languagesInteractive skillsSensitively listen and respond to children's non-verbal messagesEncourage children to communicate with other children and personnelLanguage comprehensionVerbalise activities and talk with children to grow vocabularyUse images, objects, and gestures to support language comprehensionSpeech productionEncourage children to speak in different situations, with both adults and other childrenLanguage use competencePractise narrating, explaining, and turn-taking with childrenLinguistic memory and vocabularyUse nursery rhymes and singing games to develop linguistic memoryPlay with language, name things, and use illustrative wordsEngage in unhurried discussion, reading, and storytelling with childrenLanguage awarenessObserve different languages in the immediate surroundings with childrenEncourage children in playful writing and readingRich and diverse textsFamiliarise children with versatile children's literatureTell stories to children and encourage them to make up their ownDiverse forms of expressionMusical expressionSing songs, enjoy nursery rhymes, and experiment with different musical instrumentsGive children experiences of basic beat, word-rhythm, and body percussionEncourage children to express thoughts and emotions stirred by music, by explaining verbally, visually or through danceVisual expressionExperiment with various methods, tools, and materials for image-making — painting, drawing, buildingGuide children to interpret visual messages and observe colours, shapes, materialsCrafts expressionPractise crafts techniques — moulding, cutting, nailing, sawing, and sewingVerbal and bodily expressionEncourage children's verbal and bodily expression through drama, dance, and playMe and our communityEthical thinkingReflect on ethical questions with children in a safe, accepting atmosphereWorldview educationExamine religions and worldviews present in the group of childrenPast, present, and future of the local communityUse grandparents' childhood games and music to familiarise children with past timesExplore the diversity of people, genders, and families with childrenMedia educationExperiment with producing media content playfully in safe environmentsExploring my environmentMathematical thinkingProvide opportunities to classify, compare, and rank things and objectsDevelop the concept of numbers through play and child-appealing materialsExperiment with measuring and practise the concepts of location and relationArrange opportunities for building, arts and crafts, and clay modelling to strengthen geometric thinkingEnvironmental educationMake field trips to natural and built environments and explore the surroundingsObserve natural phenomena through different senses and across seasonsPractise identifying different plant and animal species with childrenPractise sustainable-living skills: recycling, repairing, reusing, food responsibilityTechnology educationCarry out children's own ideas by building things out of different materials and testing how devices workEncourage children to ask questions, find explanations together, and draw conclusionsI grow, move, and developPhysical activityEncourage children to spend time outdoors and engage in physically active play during all seasonsEnsure plenty of opportunities for independent physical activity, both indoors and outdoors, every dayDevelop fundamental movement skills — balance, locomotor, and manipulative skillsProvide experiences of traditional outdoor games and movement to stories and musicFood educationOrganise daily meals in an unhurried atmosphere, learning peaceful eating and good table mannersFamiliarise children with foods, their origins, visual appearance, textures, and tastes through different sensesHealthSupport children's capabilities for taking care of their health and personal hygieneSafetyGuide children's age-appropriate curiosity towards sexuality and the body respectfullyPractise safe mobility in local traffic, rules, and customs related to safe movementFramework foundationsCross-cutting opportunitiesThe intrinsic value of childhoodGrowth as a human beingRights of the childEquity, equality, and diversityDiversity of familiesHealthy and sustainable way of livingThe conception of learningA learning community at the heart of the operational cultureCommunity encouraging play and interactionParticipation, equality, and equityCultural diversity and language awarenessWell-being, safety, and a sustainable way of livingThe framework for pedagogical activityPedagogical documentationVersatile working methodsPlay as source of development, learning and well-beingCelebrate children's successes together and learn to encourage othersEncourage children to persevere and not be disheartened by failuresGuide children to direct and maintain their attentivenessPractise putting themselves in the place of others and solving conflicts constructivelyPractise getting dressed, eating meals, and taking care of personal hygiene and possessionsHelp children perceive, acknowledge, and name emotions — strengthen emotional skillsHelp children and encourage them to ask for help when necessary — support gradual independenceUse digital tools and applications in play, interaction, games, exploration, and artistic productionGuide children in versatile, responsible, and safe use of digital environmentsHave children plan, implement, and evaluate their actions together with the personnelGive room, time, and peaceful settings to children's initiatives for playing, experiments and experiencesEncourage children to make choices without gender-related role models or stereotypical rolesPrevent bullying by supporting peer relationships and community well-beingPromote children's well-being with daily calming-down and rest, plus versatile, healthy, and sufficient nutritionRich world of languagesInteractiveskillsSensitively listen andrespond to children'snon-verbal messagesEncourage children tocommunicate with otherchildren and personnelLanguagecomprehensionVerbalise activities andtalk with children to growvocabularyUse images, objects, andgestures to supportlanguage comprehensionSpeechproductionEncourage children tospeak in differentsituations, with bothadults and other childrenLanguageusecompetencePractise narrating,explaining, andturn-taking with childrenLinguisticmemory andvocabularyUse nursery rhymes and singinggames to develop linguisticmemoryPlay with language, name things,and use illustrative wordsEngage in unhurried discussion,reading, and storytelling withchildrenLanguageawarenessObserve differentlanguages in the immediatesurroundings with childrenEncourage children inplayful writing andreadingRich anddiversetextsFamiliarise children withversatile children'sliteratureTell stories to childrenand encourage them to makeup their ownDiverse forms of expressionMusical expressionSing songs, enjoy nurseryrhymes, and experimentwith different musicalinstrumentsGive children experiencesof basic beat,word-rhythm, and bodypercussionEncourage children toexpress thoughts andemotions stirred by music,by explaining verbally,visually or through danceVisual expressionExperiment with variousmethods, tools, andmaterials for image-making— painting, drawing,buildingGuide children tointerpret visual messagesand observe colours,shapes, materialsCrafts expressionPractise crafts techniques— moulding, cutting,nailing, sawing, andsewingVerbal and bodilyexpressionEncourage children'sverbal and bodilyexpression through drama,dance, and playMe and our communityEthical thinkingReflect on ethicalquestions with children ina safe, acceptingatmosphereWorldvieweducationExamine religions andworldviews present in thegroup of childrenPast, present, andfuture of thelocal communityUse grandparents'childhood games and musicto familiarise childrenwith past timesExplore the diversity ofpeople, genders, andfamilies with childrenMedia educationExperiment with producingmedia content playfully insafe environmentsExploring my environmentMathematical thinkingProvide opportunities toclassify, compare, andrank things and objectsDevelop the concept ofnumbers through play andchild-appealing materialsExperiment with measuringand practise the conceptsof location and relationArrange opportunities forbuilding, arts and crafts,and clay modelling tostrengthen geometricthinkingEnvironmental educationMake field trips tonatural and builtenvironments and explorethe surroundingsObserve natural phenomenathrough different sensesand across seasonsPractise identifyingdifferent plant and animalspecies with childrenPractisesustainable-living skills:recycling, repairing,reusing, foodresponsibilityTechnology educationCarry out children's ownideas by building thingsout of different materialsand testing how devicesworkEncourage children to askquestions, findexplanations together, anddraw conclusionsI grow, move, and developPhysical activityEncourage children to spendtime outdoors and engage inphysically active play duringall seasonsEnsure plenty of opportunitiesfor independent physicalactivity, both indoors andoutdoors, every dayDevelop fundamental movementskills — balance, locomotor,and manipulative skillsProvide experiences oftraditional outdoor games andmovement to stories and musicFood educationOrganise daily meals in anunhurried atmosphere,learning peaceful eatingand good table mannersFamiliarise children withfoods, their origins,visual appearance,textures, and tastesthrough different sensesHealthSupport children'scapabilities for takingcare of their health andpersonal hygieneSafetyGuide children'sage-appropriate curiositytowards sexuality and thebody respectfullyPractise safe mobility inlocal traffic, rules, andcustoms related to safemovementFramework foundationsCross-cutting opportunitiesThe intrinsic value of childhoodGrowth as a human beingRights of the childEquity, equality, and diversityDiversity of familiesHealthy and sustainable way of livingThe conception of learningA learning community at the heart…Community encouraging play…Participation, equality, and equityCultural diversity and…Well-being, safety, and a…The framework for…Pedagogical documentationVersatile working methodsPlay as source of…Celebrate children's…Encourage children to persevere…Guide children to direct and…Practise putting themselves in…Practise getting dressed,…Help children perceive,…Help children and encourage them…Use digital tools and applications…Guide children in…Have children plan, implement,…Give room, time, and…Encourage children to make…Prevent bullying by supporting…Promote children's well-being…VASU 2022

28 milestones · 22 constructs · 58 activities · uniform 0–72mo window

The five fields of learning(oppimisen alueet)

VASU organises ECEC content into five fields plus a framework-foundations layer (cross-cutting values, conception of learning, principles, methods). All milestones carry a uniform window {0, 72} — Class E rejects age-band stratification by design.

Rich world of languagesKielten rikas maailma

Children develop linguistic skills, identities, and curiosity towards languages, texts, and cultures. VASU treats multiliteracy as the bridge from spoken language through narrative into reading and writing.

Interactive skillsVuorovaikutustaidot2 opportunities · 1 construct · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
For the development of interactive skills, children's experiences of being heard and getting responses to their initiatives are important. The personnel's sensitivity and responses to children's messages, including non-verbal ones, are essential. The development of interaction skills is supported by encouraging the children to communicate with other children and personnel.

Vuorovaikutustaitojen kehittymisen kannalta lasten kokemukset kuulluksi tulemisesta ja siitä, että heidän aloitteisiinsa vastataan, ovat tärkeitä. Henkilöstön sensitiivisyys ja reagointi myös lasten non-verbaaleihin viesteihin on keskeistä. Vuorovaikutustaitojen kehittymistä tuetaan kannustamalla lapsia kommunikoimaan toisten lasten ja henkilöstön kanssa.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, the equivalent is responding when your child reaches for connection — meeting their gaze when they point, narrating back what they did, picking up their non-verbal signals during mealtimes and bath. Your sensitivity is the curriculum.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Personnel duty
    Sensitively listen and respond to children's non-verbal messages
    Lasten non-verbaalien viestien sensitiivinen kuuntelu ja vastaaminen
    The personnel's sensitivity and responses to children's messages, including non-verbal ones, are essential.
  • Coaching
    Encourage children to communicate with other children and personnel
    Lasten kannustaminen kommunikoimaan toisten lasten ja henkilöstön kanssa
    The development of interaction skills is supported by encouraging the children to communicate with other children and personnel.
Language comprehensionKielen ymmärtäminen2 opportunities · 1 construct · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
Children's language comprehension skills are supported with abundant linguistic modelling. Verbalising activities in a consistent manner and discussions support children in developing their vocabulary. Descriptive and accurate language is used in different situations. Images, objects, and gestures are used for support when needed.

Lasten kielen ymmärtämisen taitoja tuetaan runsaan kielellisen mallintamisen avulla. Johdonmukainen toiminnan sanallistaminen ja keskusteleminen tukevat lasten sanavarannon kehittymistä. Erilaisissa varhaiskasvatuksen tilanteissa käytetään kuvailevaa ja tarkkaa kieltä. Tarvittaessa käytetään kuvia, esineitä ja tukiviittomia.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Verbalise everyday tasks as you do them with your child — “I’m peeling the carrot, then I’ll chop it.” Show what you mean with the object, point, gesture. Comprehension grows in the running commentary of family life.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Conversational
    Verbalise activities and talk with children to grow vocabulary
    Toiminnan sanallistaminen ja keskusteleminen lasten kanssa
    Verbalising activities in a consistent manner and discussions support children in developing their vocabulary.
  • Exposure
    Use images, objects, and gestures to support language comprehension
    Kuvien, esineiden ja tukiviittomien käyttäminen kielen ymmärtämisen tukena
    Images, objects, and gestures are used for support when needed.
Speech productionPuheen tuottaminen1 opportunity · 1 construct · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
The development of children's speech production skills is monitored and guided. Children are encouraged to speak in different situations, both with adults and other children. This helps children use and understand spoken language. The children's attention will gradually be drawn to different tones of voice and emphases.

Lasten puheen tuottamisen taitojen kehittymistä seurataan ja ohjataan. Lapsia rohkaistaan puhumaan eri tilanteissa sekä aikuisten että toisten lasten kanssa. Tämä auttaa lapsia käyttämään ja ymmärtämään puhuttua kieltä. Lasten kanssa kiinnitetään vähitellen huomiota myös äänensävyihin ja äänenpainoihin.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Create space for your child to speak in different situations — at the table, on a walk, with grandparents, with siblings. Wait through the pauses. Notice tone and emphasis as they appear.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Encourage children to speak in different situations, with both adults and other children
    Lasten rohkaiseminen puhumaan eri tilanteissa aikuisten ja toisten lasten kanssa
    Children are encouraged to speak in different situations, both with adults and other children.
Language use competenceKielen käyttötaidot1 opportunity · 1 construct · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
Children's language use skills are guided and the use of language in different situations is reflected on together with the children. The aim is to strengthen language use with situation awareness. The children practise narrating, explaining, and speaking in turns. Empathy, use of humour and learning good manners also strengthen children's language use competences.

Lasten kielen käyttötaitoja ohjataan ja kielen käyttöä pohditaan yhdessä lasten kanssa eri tilanteissa. Tavoitteena on tilannetietoisen kielen käytön vahvistuminen. Lasten kanssa harjoitellaan kertomista, selittämistä ja puheen vuorottelua. Lisäksi eläytyminen, huumorin käyttö sekä hyvien tapojen opettelu vahvistavat lasten kielen käyttötaitoja.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Practice narrating the day together: tell each other what happened at lunch, take turns explaining. Family meals and bedtime stories are the natural setting for narrating, explaining, and turn-taking.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Conversational
    Practise narrating, explaining, and turn-taking with children
    Kertomisen, selittämisen ja puheen vuorottelun harjoittelu lasten kanssa
    The children practise narrating, explaining, and speaking in turns.
Linguistic memory and vocabularyKielellinen muisti ja sanavaranto3 opportunities · 2 constructs · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
Children diversify their linguistic expression as their linguistic memory and vocabulary expand. The development of linguistic memory is supported by, for example, the use of nursery rhymes and singing games. Playing with language, naming things, and using illustrative words promote the development of children's linguistic memory and vocabulary.

Lasten kielellinen ilmaisu monipuolistuu, kun heidän kielellinen muistinsa ja sanavarantonsa laajenee. Kielellisen muistin kehittymistä tukevat esimerkiksi lorujen ja laululeikkien käyttö. Kielellä leikittely, nimeäminen sekä kuvaavien sanojen käyttäminen edistävät lasten kielellisen muistin ja sanavarannon kehittymistä.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Sing the same songs, recite the same nursery rhymes, name objects on walks. Repetition through play builds linguistic memory at home as effectively as at the ECEC setting.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (3)
  • Exposure
    Use nursery rhymes and singing games to develop linguistic memory
    Lorujen ja laululeikkien käyttäminen kielellisen muistin kehittämiseen
    The development of linguistic memory is supported by, for example, the use of nursery rhymes and singing games.
  • Mixed verb
    Play with language, name things, and use illustrative words
    Kielellä leikittely ja kuvaavien sanojen käyttäminen
    Playing with language, naming things, and using illustrative words promote the development of children's linguistic memory and vocabulary.
  • Exposure
    Engage in unhurried discussion, reading, and storytelling with children
    Kiireetön keskustelu, lukeminen ja tarinoiden kerronta lasten kanssa
    Discussions, reading and telling stories in an unhurried atmosphere provide opportunities for considering the meanings of words and texts and learning new concepts in their contexts.
Language awarenessKielitietoisuus2 opportunities · 2 constructs · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
Observing different languages in the immediate surroundings support the children's developing language awareness. The personnel have the task of attracting and encouraging the children's interest in spoken and written language and gradually also in reading and writing. Language is observed and examined to direct children's attention from the meanings of words towards the shapes and structures of language, including words, syllables, and phonemes.

Lähiympäristön eri kielten havainnointi tukee lasten kielitietoisuuden kehittymistä. Henkilöstön tehtävänä on herättää ja lisätä lasten kiinnostusta suullista ja kirjoitettua kieltä sekä vähitellen myös lukemista ja kirjoittamista kohtaan. Kielen havainnoinnin ja tutkimisen avulla suunnataan lasten huomiota sanojen merkityksistä kielen muotoihin ja rakenteisiin, kuten sanoihin, tavuihin ja äänteisiin.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Notice the languages around your home — your own, the neighbours’, the books on the shelf. Play with writing your child’s name, point to letters on signs, read aloud unhurriedly. Language awareness is built through noticing together.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Conversational
    Observe different languages in the immediate surroundings with children
    Lähiympäristön eri kielten havainnointi yhdessä lasten kanssa
    Observing different languages in the immediate surroundings support the children's developing language awareness.
  • Coaching
    Encourage children in playful writing and reading
    Lasten rohkaiseminen leikilliseen kirjoittamiseen ja lukemiseen
    Children are encouraged to playful writing and reading.
Rich and diverse textsRikkaat ja vaihtelevat tekstit2 opportunities · 3 constructs · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
Rich and diverse texts are used in ECEC. Children are familiarised with versatile children's literature. Stories are told to them, and they are also encouraged to make up their own stories. Children's stories, nursery rhymes and verbal messages are documented.

Varhaiskasvatuksessa käytetään rikkaita ja vaihtelevia tekstejä. Lasten kanssa tutustutaan monipuolisesti lastenkirjallisuuteen. Lapsille kerrotaan tarinoita, ja heitä kannustetaan itse keksimään niitä. Lasten kertomuksia, loruja ja sanallisia viestejä dokumentoidaan.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Read a range of books — picture books, your home language, traditional stories, children’s literature. Tell stories from your family. Encourage your child to make up their own and write them down for them.

Framework principles operative here (3)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Exposure
    Familiarise children with versatile children's literature
    Lasten tutustuttaminen monipuolisesti lastenkirjallisuuteen
    Children are familiarised with versatile children's literature.
  • Exposure
    Tell stories to children and encourage them to make up their own
    Lapsille tarinoiden kertominen ja lasten rohkaiseminen keksimään omia
    Stories are told to them, and they are also encouraged to make up their own stories.

Diverse forms of expressionIlmaisun monet muodot

Musical, visual, crafts, verbal, and bodily expression. The field holds that children meet the world through art — and that creative combination across modes is characteristic of how they think.

Musical expressionMusiikillinen ilmaisu3 opportunities · 1 construct · cognitive/spatial_reasoning
Source verbatim
The aim of musical expression in ECEC is to provide the children with musical experiences as well as strengthen the children's interest in and relationship with music. Children are guided to immerse themselves in music and make observations on the sound environment. Children gather experiences of basic beat, rhythm in words and making music with their bodies.

Varhaiskasvatuksen musiikillisen ilmaisun tavoitteena on tuottaa lapsille musiikillisia kokemuksia sekä vahvistaa lasten kiinnostusta ja suhdetta musiikkiin. Lapsia ohjataan elämykselliseen kuuntelemiseen ja ääniympäristön havainnointiin. Lapset saavat kokemuksia perussykkeestä, sanarytmeistä ja kehosoittamisesta.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Sing with your child during routines, dance in the kitchen, let them try a wooden spoon as a drum or a comb as a guitar. Listen to music together and move to it.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (3)
  • Coaching
    Sing songs, enjoy nursery rhymes, and experiment with different musical instruments
    Yhdessä laulaminen, lorujen lausuminen ja eri soittimien kokeilu
    Children sing songs and enjoy nursery rhymes, experiment with different musical instruments as well as listen and move to music together with the personnel.
  • Exposure
    Give children experiences of basic beat, word-rhythm, and body percussion
    Lasten kokemukset perussykkeestä, sanarytmeistä ja kehosoittamisesta
    Children gather experiences of basic beat, rhythm in words and making music with their bodies.
  • Coaching
    Encourage children to express thoughts and emotions stirred by music, by explaining verbally, visually or through dance
    Lasten rohkaiseminen ilmaisemaan musiikin herättämiä tunteita kertoen, kuvallisesti tai tanssien
    Children are encouraged to use their imagination and express their thoughts and emotions stirred by music, for example by explaining them verbally, visually or through dance.
Visual expressionKuvallinen ilmaisu2 opportunities · 2 constructs · cognitive/spatial_reasoning
Source verbatim
The goal of visual expression is to develop the children's relationship with visual arts, other forms of visual culture and cultural heritage. Children practise visual thinking, observation, and interpretation of images through versatile visual expression. Children experiment with various methods, tools, and materials for creating an image, for example by painting, drawing, building, and making media presentations.

Kuvallisen ilmaisun tavoitteena on kehittää lasten suhdetta kuvataiteeseen, muuhun visuaaliseen kulttuuriin ja kulttuuriperintöön. Lapset harjoittavat kuvallista ajatteluaan, havainnointiaan ja kuvien tulkintaa monipuolisen kuvailmaisun avulla. Lapset kokeilevat erilaisia kuvan tekemisen tapoja, välineitä ja materiaaleja esimerkiksi maalaamalla, piirtämällä, rakentamalla ja mediaesityksiä tekemällä.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Provide paper, paint, crayons, building blocks, clay — and time without an end-product expectation. The exploration of materials is the experience; what they make is secondary.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Conversational
    Experiment with various methods, tools, and materials for image-making — painting, drawing, building
    Eri kuvan tekemisen tapojen, välineiden ja materiaalien kokeilu
    Children experiment with various methods, tools, and materials for creating an image, for example by painting, drawing, building, and making media presentations.
  • Coaching
    Guide children to interpret visual messages and observe colours, shapes, materials
    Lasten ohjaaminen tulkitsemaan kuvallisia viestejä ja havainnoimaan värejä, muotoja ja materiaaleja
    Children are guided to interpret and explain their thoughts about visual messages. When examining images, attention is paid to such aspects as colours, shapes, materials, the artist, context of presentation, and emotions stirred by the images.
Crafts expressionKäsityöllinen ilmaisu1 opportunity · 1 construct · physical/fine_motor
Source verbatim
The children practise planning skills, creative problem solving, fine motor skills, knowledge of structures, materials and techniques, and design with the help of crafts suitable for children (both technical and textile). These techniques may include moulding, cutting, nailing, sawing, and sewing. The goal of crafts expression is to bring to the children the joy of experimenting, exploring, doing things together, experiencing and making discoveries as well as the enjoyment of seeing the result of their creativity and personal touch.

Suunnittelutaitoja, luovaa ongelmanratkaisua, hienomotorisia taitoja, rakenteiden, materiaalien ja tekniikoiden tuntemusta sekä muotoilua harjoitellaan lapsille soveltuvien käsityön teknisen työn ja tekstiilityön työtapojen avulla. Näitä työtapoja voivat olla esimerkiksi muovailu, leikkaaminen, naulaaminen, sahaaminen ja ompelu. Käsityöllisen ilmaisun tavoitteena on tarjota lapsille kokeilun, tutkimisen, yhteisöllisen tekemisen, kokemisen ja oivaltamisen iloa.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Let your child help with safe parts of household making — kneading dough, folding laundry, sticking together a card for a grandparent. Real materials, real tasks, supervised tools.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Mixed verb
    Practise crafts techniques — moulding, cutting, nailing, sawing, and sewing
    Käsityön työtapojen harjoittelu — muovailu, leikkaaminen, naulaaminen, sahaaminen, ompelu
    These techniques may include moulding, cutting, nailing, sawing, and sewing.
Verbal and bodily expressionSanallinen ja kehollinen ilmaisu1 opportunity · 1 construct · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
Children are encouraged to engage in verbal and bodily expression, for example through drama, dance, and play. The aim is that the exercises and games offer children opportunities to versatile verbal and bodily experiences, expression, and communication. For example, children's literature, literary art, different forms of theatre, dance and circus are utilised diversely in the activities.

Lapsia rohkaistaan sanalliseen ja keholliseen ilmaisuun esimerkiksi draaman, tanssin ja leikin keinoin. Tavoitteena on, että harjoitukset ja leikit tarjoavat lapsille mahdollisuuden monipuoliseen kielelliseen ja keholliseen kokemiseen, ilmaisuun ja viestintään. Toiminnassa hyödynnetään monipuolisesti esimerkiksi lastenkirjallisuutta, sanataidetta, teatterin eri muotoja, tanssia ja sirkusta.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Make up plays together, act out story characters, dance to express feelings. Physical drama and improvisation belong at home as much as in the ECEC setting.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Encourage children's verbal and bodily expression through drama, dance, and play
    Lasten rohkaiseminen sanalliseen ja keholliseen ilmaisuun draaman, tanssin ja leikin keinoin
    Children are encouraged to engage in verbal and bodily expression, for example through drama, dance, and play.

Me and our communityMinä ja meidän yhteisömme

Children expand their living environment beyond home, meeting different ways of thinking and acting. The field develops capabilities for understanding diversity of community and practising acting within it.

Ethical thinkingEettinen ajattelu1 opportunity · 2 constructs · social_emotional/identity_self
Source verbatim
The development of ethical thinking skills is supported by reflecting together on ethical questions that arise in different situations or that concern the children. For instance, the themes may be connected to friendship, telling wrong from right, justice or causes of fear, sadness, and joy. Ethical questions are discussed in a manner that enables the children to feel safe and accepted.

Eettisen ajattelun taitojen kehittymistä tuetaan pohtimalla lasten kanssa eri tilanteissa esiintyviä tai lapsia askarruttavia eettisiä kysymyksiä. Teemat voivat liittyä esimerkiksi ystävyyteen, oikean ja väärän erottamiseen, oikeudenmukaisuuteen tai pelon, surun ja ilon aiheisiin. Eettisiä kysymyksiä käsitellään lasten kanssa niin, että he voivat tuntea olonsa turvalliseksi ja hyväksytyksi.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Talk through small everyday ethical moments — sharing a toy, what to do when a friend is sad, why we don’t hit. Keep the conversation safe and accepting of the child’s own thinking.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Conversational
    Reflect on ethical questions with children in a safe, accepting atmosphere
    Eettisten kysymysten pohtiminen lasten kanssa turvallisessa ilmapiirissä
    Ethical questions are discussed in a manner that enables the children to feel safe and accepted.
Worldview educationKatsomuskasvatus1 opportunity · 1 construct · social_emotional/identity_self
Source verbatim
Worldview education in ECEC focuses on examining together the religions and other worldviews present in the group of children. Religions and worldviews can also be examined more extensively with the children. Irreligion can also be examined. The goal is to promote mutual respect and understanding of varying worldviews as well as to support the development of the children's cultural identities and worldviews.

Varhaiskasvatuksen katsomuskasvatuksessa yhteisen tutustumisen kohteena ovat lapsiryhmässä läsnä olevat uskonnot ja muut katsomukset. Lasten kanssa voidaan tarkastella myös laajemmin uskontoja ja katsomuksia. Vastaavasti tarkastellaan uskonnottomuutta. Tavoitteena on edistää keskinäistä kunnioitusta ja ymmärrystä eri katsomuksia kohtaan sekä tukea lasten kulttuuristen ja katsomuksellisten identiteettien kehittymistä.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Talk about your family’s traditions, holidays, and beliefs. If you encounter different worldviews in books or with friends, examine them together with curiosity rather than evaluation.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Mixed verb
    Examine religions and worldviews present in the group of children
    Lapsiryhmässä läsnä olevien uskontojen ja katsomusten tarkastelu lasten kanssa
    Worldview education in ECEC focuses on examining together the religions and other worldviews present in the group of children.
Past, present, and future of the local communityLähiyhteisön menneisyys, nykyisyys ja tulevaisuus2 opportunities · 1 construct · social_emotional/social_others
Source verbatim
By discussing the past, the present and the future of the local community, children's interest is geared towards historical matters and building a good future. Diversity in the children's growth environments is also observed. Diversity in the local community is also respectfully observed with the children. Among others, the diversity of people, genders and families is explored.

Lähiyhteisön menneisyyttä, nykyisyyttä ja tulevaisuutta pohtimalla suunnataan lasten mielenkiintoa historiallisiin asioihin sekä hyvän tulevaisuuden rakentamiseen. Lisäksi tarkastellaan lasten kasvuympäristöjen moninaisuutta. Lasten kanssa tarkastellaan myös lähiyhteisön moninaisuutta sitä kunnioittaen. Tarkastelun kohteena ovat muun muassa ihmisten, sukupuolten ja perheiden moninaisuus.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Share family photos, tell stories about grandparents’ childhoods, walk your local neighbourhood and notice what’s changed. Past-present-future awareness is built through family stories.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Mixed verb
    Use grandparents' childhood games and music to familiarise children with past times
    Lasten isovanhempien lapsuuden leikkien ja musiikin hyödyntäminen menneeseen aikaan tutustumisessa
    For instance, the games and music from the childhood of the children's grandparents can be used in familiarisation with past times.
  • Mixed verb
    Explore the diversity of people, genders, and families with children
    Ihmisten, sukupuolten ja perheiden moninaisuuden tarkastelu lasten kanssa
    Among others, the diversity of people, genders and families is explored. The goal is to educate children to understand that people are different but equal.
Media educationMediakasvatus1 opportunity · 2 constructs · cognitive/language_communication
Source verbatim
The task of the media education in ECEC is to support the children's possibilities for being active and expressing themselves in their communities. Children are familiarised with different media and producing media content is experimented with playfully in safe environments. The children are guided in using media responsibly, taking into account their own and other people's well-being.

Varhaiskasvatuksessa mediakasvatuksen tehtävänä on tukea lasten mahdollisuuksia toimia aktiivisesti ja ilmaista itseään yhteisössään. Lasten kanssa tutustutaan eri medioihin ja kokeillaan median tuottamista leikinomaisesti turvallisissa ympäristöissä. Lapsia ohjataan käyttämään mediaa vastuullisesti ottaen huomioon oma ja toisten hyvinvointi.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Watch a short video together and talk about what you saw. Help your child notice that someone made it, and that not everything in media is real. Co-viewing beats solo screen time at this age.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Digital competenceDigitaalinen osaaminen
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Exposure
    Experiment with producing media content playfully in safe environments
    Median tuottamisen kokeileminen leikinomaisesti turvallisissa ympäristöissä
    Children are familiarised with different media and producing media content is experimented with playfully in safe environments.

Exploring and interacting with my environmentTutkin ja toimin ympäristössäni

Observation, analysis, and inquiry across natural and built environments. Mathematical thinking, environmental education, and technology education share this field — VASU frames the child as researcher (tutkiva oppiminen).

Mathematical thinkingMatemaattinen ajattelu4 opportunities · 2 constructs · cognitive/numeracy
Source verbatim
The goal of ECEC is to provide the children with joy of invention and learning in different phases of their mathematical thinking. Children familiarise themselves with mathematics and its areas through illustrative and playful activities. Children are provided with opportunities to classify, compare, and rank different things and objects and to discover and produce regularities and changes.

Varhaiskasvatuksen tavoitteena on tarjota oivaltamisen ja oppimisen iloa matemaattisen ajattelunsa eri vaiheissa oleville lapsille. Lapset tutustuvat matematiikkaan ja sen osa-alueisiin havainnollisen ja leikinomaisen toiminnan myötä. Lapsille tarjotaan mahdollisuuksia luokitella, vertailla ja asettaa järjestykseen asioita ja esineitä sekä löytää ja tuottaa säännönmukaisuuksia ja muutoksia.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Sort the laundry by colour together, count steps as you walk, compare the sizes of fruit at the market. Mathematical thinking grows through classification, comparison, and noticing patterns in everyday objects.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (4)
  • Exposure
    Provide opportunities to classify, compare, and rank things and objects
    Lapsille mahdollisuuksien tarjoaminen luokitella, vertailla ja asettaa asioita järjestykseen
    Children are provided with opportunities to classify, compare, and rank different things and objects and to discover and produce regularities and changes.
  • Mixed verb
    Develop the concept of numbers through play and child-appealing materials
    Lukukäsitteen kehittäminen leikin ja lapsia houkuttelevien materiaalien avulla
    The development of the concept of numbers is supported diversely in interactive situations, such as by utilising play and materials that appeal to children.
  • Conversational
    Experiment with measuring and practise the concepts of location and relation
    Mittaamisen kokeileminen ja sijainti- ja suhdekäsitteiden harjoittelu lasten kanssa
    Measuring is experimented with, and the concepts of location and relation are practised with the children, for example through games involving physical activities, by drawing or using different instruments.
  • Exposure
    Arrange opportunities for building, arts and crafts, and clay modelling to strengthen geometric thinking
    Rakentelu, askartelu ja muovailu geometrisen ajattelun vahvistamiseksi
    In order to strengthen children's geometric thinking, opportunities for building, arts and crafts and clay modelling are arranged for them.
Environmental educationYmpäristökasvatus4 opportunities · 4 constructs · cognitive/sensory
Source verbatim
The goal of environmental education is to strengthen children's relationship with nature and ability to act responsibly in nature as well as to guide them towards a sustainable way of living. Environmental education comprises of three dimensions: learning in the environment, learning about the environment and acting for the environment. The local natural and built environments are not only objects of learning, but also learning environments.

Ympäristökasvatuksen tavoitteena on vahvistaa lasten luontosuhdetta ja vastuullista toimimista ympäristössä sekä ohjata heitä kohti kestävää elämäntapaa. Ympäristökasvatus sisältää kolme ulottuvuutta: oppiminen ympäristössä, oppiminen ympäristöstä sekä toimiminen ympäristön puolesta. Lähiluonto sekä rakennettu ympäristö ovat sekä oppimisen kohteita että oppimisympäristöjä.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Spend time outdoors in nature regardless of weather — walks, gardening, looking under stones. Talk about caring for the environment as you do small acts: not littering, recycling, watering plants.

Framework principles operative here (4)
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
  • Participation and involvementOsallistuminen ja vaikuttaminen
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (4)
  • Mixed verb
    Make field trips to natural and built environments and explore the surroundings
    Luonnossa ja rakennetussa ympäristössä retkeily sekä ympäristön tutkiminen
    Making field trips to natural and built environments and exploring the surroundings are an important part of ECEC.
  • Conversational
    Observe natural phenomena through different senses and across seasons
    Luonnonilmiöiden havainnointi eri aistein ja eri vuodenaikoina
    Natural phenomena are observed through the use of different senses and in different seasons. They are discussed and examined.
  • Mixed verb
    Practise identifying different plant and animal species with children
    Eri kasvi- ja eläinlajien tunnistamisen harjoitteleminen lasten kanssa
    Practice in identifying different plant and animal species strengthens children's knowledge of nature.
  • Mixed verb
    Practise sustainable-living skills: recycling, repairing, reusing, food responsibility
    Kestävän elämäntavan käytäntöjen opettelu: kierrätys, korjaaminen, uusiokäyttö, ruokavastuullisuus
    These practical skills include not littering while on excursions, learning moderation and being economical, responsibility related to meals, saving energy as well as decreasing the amount of waste by such means as recycling, repairing, and reusing things.
Technology educationTeknologiakasvatus2 opportunities · 1 construct · cognitive/spatial_reasoning
Source verbatim
The goal of technology education is to encourage children to familiarise themselves with experimental and inquiry-based approaches. Children are also guided to observe technology in the environment and to come up with their own, creative solutions. Children are encouraged to ask questions, find explanations together and draw conclusions.

Teknologiakasvatuksen tavoitteena on kannustaa lapsia tutustumaan tutkivaan ja kokeilevaan työtapaan. Lapsia ohjataan myös havainnoimaan ympäristön teknologiaa ja keksimään omia luovia ratkaisuja. Lapsia rohkaistaan tekemään kysymyksiä, etsimään niihin yhdessä vastauksia ja tekemään päätelmiä.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Encourage tinkering — taking apart a broken radio, building with construction toys, asking how things work. Answer their questions when you can; explore together when you can’t.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Exposure
    Carry out children's own ideas by building things out of different materials and testing how devices work
    Lasten omien ideoiden toteuttaminen rakentamalla eri materiaaleista ja testaamalla laitteiden toimintaa
    Children are provided with opportunities to carry out their own ideas, for example by building things out of different materials and testing how different devices work.
  • Coaching
    Encourage children to ask questions, find explanations together, and draw conclusions
    Lasten rohkaiseminen tekemään kysymyksiä, etsimään yhdessä vastauksia ja tekemään päätelmiä
    Children are encouraged to ask questions, find explanations together and draw conclusions.

I grow, move, and developKasvan, liikun ja kehityn

Physical activity, food education, health, and safety — VASU’s foundation for a life that values wellbeing and active living, built together with guardians.

Physical activityLiikkuminen4 opportunities · 2 constructs · physical/gross_motor
Source verbatim
A goal of ECEC is to encourage children to be physically active in versatile ways and to experience joy of physical activity. Children are encouraged to spend time outdoors and engage in physically active play during all seasons. Sufficient daily physical activity is important for the child's healthy growth, development, learning and well-being. The task of ECEC is to develop children's knowledge of their bodies, body management as well as fundamental movement skills, such as balance, locomotor, and manipulative skills.

Varhaiskasvatuksen tavoitteena on innostaa lapsia liikkumaan monipuolisesti sekä kokemaan liikunnan iloa. Lapsia kannustetaan ulkoiluun ja liikunnallisiin leikkeihin kaikkina vuodenaikoina. Riittävä fyysinen aktiivisuus on tärkeää lapsen terveelle kasvulle, kehitykselle, oppimiselle ja hyvinvoinnille. Varhaiskasvatuksen tehtävänä on kehittää lasten kehontuntemusta ja -hallintaa sekä motorisia perustaitoja, kuten tasapaino-, liikkumis- ja välineenkäsittelytaitoja.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Build outdoor active play into every day, regardless of season — climbing, running, biking, rough-and-tumble. Plenty of independent active play indoors too, and supervised exercise when it fits.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
Opportunities personnel provide (4)
  • Coaching
    Encourage children to spend time outdoors and engage in physically active play during all seasons
    Lasten kannustaminen ulkoiluun ja liikunnallisiin leikkeihin kaikkina vuodenaikoina
    Children are encouraged to spend time outdoors and engage in physically active play during all seasons.
  • Exposure
    Ensure plenty of opportunities for independent physical activity, both indoors and outdoors, every day
    Riittävien mahdollisuuksien turvaaminen päivittäiseen omaehtoiseen liikuntaan sisällä ja ulkona
    In addition to supervised exercise, it is ensured that children get plenty of opportunities for independent physical activity both indoors and outdoors every day.
  • Personnel duty
    Develop fundamental movement skills — balance, locomotor, and manipulative skills
    Motoristen perustaitojen — tasapaino-, liikkumis- ja välineenkäsittelytaitojen — kehittäminen
    The task of ECEC is to develop children's knowledge of their bodies, body management as well as fundamental movement skills, such as balance, locomotor, and manipulative skills.
  • Exposure
    Provide experiences of traditional outdoor games and movement to stories and music
    Lasten kokemukset perinteisistä pihaleikeistä sekä satu- ja musiikkiliikunnasta
    In ECEC, children gather experiences of different physical games, such as traditional outdoor games as well as moving to stories and music.
Food educationRuokakasvatus2 opportunities · 2 constructs · physical/sensory
Source verbatim
The aim of food education is to promote positive attitudes towards food and eating and support versatile and healthy eating habits. Children are guided to eat independently and to obtain versatile and sufficient nutrition. Daily meals are organised in an unhurried atmosphere where the children learn to eat without disturbances and with good table manners. They are also familiarised with a culture of eating together with others.

Ruokakasvatuksen tavoitteena on edistää myönteistä suhtautumista ruokaan ja syömiseen sekä tukea monipuolisia ja terveellisiä ruokatottumuksia. Lapsia ohjataan omatoimiseen ruokailuun ja monipuoliseen, riittävään syömiseen. Päivittäiset ateriahetket järjestetään kiireettömässä ilmapiirissä opetellen ruokarauhaa ja hyviä pöytätapoja sekä yhdessä syömisen kulttuuria.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Have unhurried family meals when you can. Let your child help prepare food, smell ingredients, notice textures. Talk about where food comes from. Mealtime is education at home as much as at the ECEC setting.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Exposure
    Organise daily meals in an unhurried atmosphere, learning peaceful eating and good table manners
    Päivittäiset ateriahetket kiireettömässä ilmapiirissä ruokarauhaa ja hyviä pöytätapoja opetellen
    Daily meals are organised in an unhurried atmosphere where the children learn to eat without disturbances and with good table manners. They are also familiarised with a culture of eating together with others.
  • Exposure
    Familiarise children with foods, their origins, visual appearance, textures, and tastes through different senses
    Ruokiin, niiden alkuperään, ulkonäköön ja makuun tutustuminen eri aisteja käyttäen
    Children familiarise themselves with foods, their origins, visual appearance, textures, and tastes through the use of different senses and exploration.
HealthTerveys1 opportunity · 1 construct · physical/identity_self
Source verbatim
Issues connected to health and safety are considered together with the children in ECEC. Children's capabilities for taking care of their health and personal hygiene are supported. The significance of exercise, rest and good interpersonal relationships to health and well-being are discussed with the children.

Varhaiskasvatuksessa pohditaan yhdessä lasten kanssa terveyteen ja turvallisuuteen liittyviä asioita. Lasten valmiuksia pitää huolta terveydestään sekä henkilökohtaisesta hygieniastaan tuetaan. Lasten kanssa keskustellaan liikkumisen, levon ja hyvien ihmissuhteiden merkityksestä hyvinvoinnille ja terveydelle.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Build daily routines around hygiene (handwashing, teeth, baths), sleep, and rest as predictable rituals — not as instructions. Children absorb health behaviours by repetition in a calm setting.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Mixed verb
    Support children's capabilities for taking care of their health and personal hygiene
    Lasten valmiuksien tukeminen pitää huolta terveydestään ja henkilökohtaisesta hygieniastaan
    Children's capabilities for taking care of their health and personal hygiene are supported.
SafetyTurvallisuus2 opportunities · 1 construct · social_emotional/social_others
Source verbatim
Children learn about issues connected to safety in everyday situations. These may include situations where children are getting dressed, eating, playing, and spending time outdoors. Children's age-appropriate curiosity towards sexuality and the body is guided respectfully. Children practise safety in traffic in their local area as well as rules and customs related to safe mobility. The goal is to support the children's sense of security and to provide them with capabilities for asking for and seeking help and for operating safely in different situations and environments.

Lasten kanssa opetellaan turvallisuuteen liittyviä asioita päivittäisissä tilanteissa. Näitä voivat olla muun muassa pukeutumis-, ruokailu-, leikki- sekä ulkoilutilanteet. Lasten ikätasoista uteliaisuutta seksuaalisuuteen ja kehoon ohjataan kunnioittavasti. Varhaiskasvatuksessa harjoitellaan lähiliikenteessä liikkumista ja turvalliseen liikkumiseen liittyviä sääntöjä ja tapoja. Tavoitteena on tukea lasten turvallisuuden tunnetta, antaa heille valmiuksia pyytää ja hakea apua sekä toimia turvallisesti erilaisissa tilanteissa ja ympäristöissä.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

Practise traffic awareness on every walk, name the safety rules of your home, talk about what to do if you get lost. Safety education at home is the running conversation, not a lesson.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
Opportunities personnel provide (2)
  • Mixed verb
    Guide children's age-appropriate curiosity towards sexuality and the body respectfully
    Lasten ikätasoisen uteliaisuuden ohjaaminen seksuaalisuuteen ja kehoon kunnioittavasti
    Children's age-appropriate curiosity towards sexuality and the body is guided respectfully.
  • Conversational
    Practise safe mobility in local traffic, rules, and customs related to safe movement
    Lähiliikenteessä liikkumisen ja turvalliseen liikkumiseen liittyvien sääntöjen harjoittelu
    Children practise safety in traffic in their local area as well as rules and customs related to safe mobility.

Framework foundationsToimintakulttuurin perusta

VASU’s 22 cross-cutting principles, values, conception of learning, operating principles, and pedagogical methods. These describe the posture the setting must honour — not child progress markers, but practitioner + parent self-assessment material.

Celebrate children's successes together and learn to encourage othersLasten onnistumisten yhteinen iloitseminen ja kannustamaan opetteleminen1 opportunity · 2 constructs
Source verbatim
Their successes are celebrated together, and they are invited to encourage others.

Heidän kanssaan iloitaan onnistumisista ja opetellaan kannustamaan toisia.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, when your child manages a puzzle piece, pours milk, or remembers a grandparent's birthday, you can pause the family meal or play for a quick shared notice of what worked. Invite your child to spot a sibling's or cousin's success too, perhaps choosing a clap, smile, or kind words.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Celebrate children's successes together and learn to encourage others
    Lasten onnistumisten yhteinen iloitseminen ja kannustamaan opetteleminen
    Their successes are celebrated together, and they are invited to encourage others.
Encourage children to persevere and not be disheartened by failuresLasten kannustaminen sinnikkyyteen ja olemaan lannistumatta epäonnistumisista1 opportunity · 1 construct
Source verbatim
Children are also encouraged to persevere, not be disheartened by failures, and come up with solutions in different situations.

Lapsia kannustetaan myös sinnikkyyteen ja olemaan lannistumatta epäonnistumisista sekä keksimään ratkaisuja eri tilanteissa.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, when a tower falls, a zipper jams, or a game is lost, you can keep the materials available and treat the failure as one try, not the end. Ask your child what solution they want to test next, such as using bigger blocks, starting the zip lower, or changing the game plan.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Encourage children to persevere and not be disheartened by failures
    Lasten kannustaminen sinnikkyyteen ja olemaan lannistumatta epäonnistumisista
    Children are also encouraged to persevere, not be disheartened by failures, and come up with solutions in different situations.
Guide children to direct and maintain their attentivenessLasten ohjaaminen suuntaamaan ja ylläpitämään tarkkaavaisuuttaan1 opportunity · 1 construct
Source verbatim
They are guided to direct and maintain their attentiveness.

Heitä ohjataan suuntaamaan ja ylläpitämään tarkkaavaisuuttaan.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, you can help your child direct and keep attention by making small focus-friendly pockets during play, cooking, or a car ride. Try offering one clear object or task at a time, then let your child choose whether to continue, pause, or return after a short break.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Thinking and learningAjattelu ja oppiminen
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Guide children to direct and maintain their attentiveness
    Lasten ohjaaminen suuntaamaan ja ylläpitämään tarkkaavaisuuttaan
    They are guided to direct and maintain their attentiveness.
Practise putting themselves in the place of others and solving conflicts constructivelyToisen asemaan asettumisen ja ristiriitatilanteiden rakentava ratkaiseminen lasten kanssa1 opportunity · 1 construct
Source verbatim
The children are guided in putting themselves in the place of others and seeing things from different perspectives as well as in solving conflicts constructively.

Lasten kanssa harjoitellaan asettumista toisen asemaan, opetellaan tarkastelemaan asioita eri näkökulmista sekä ratkaisemaan ristiriitatilanteita rakentavasti.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, when your child argues with a sibling over a toy or space on the sofa, you can slow the moment down by wondering aloud what each person may be seeing or wanting. Then offer your child a chance to suggest a constructive fix, such as turns, trading, repairing, or making a new rule together.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Practise putting themselves in the place of others and solving conflicts constructively
    Toisen asemaan asettumisen ja ristiriitatilanteiden rakentava ratkaiseminen lasten kanssa
    The children are guided in putting themselves in the place of others and seeing things from different perspectives as well as in solving conflicts constructively.
Practise getting dressed, eating meals, and taking care of personal hygiene and possessionsPukeutumisen, ruokailun ja henkilökohtaisesta hygieniasta huolehtimisen harjoittelu1 opportunity · 1 construct
Source verbatim
Different skills, such as getting dressed, eating meals, and taking care of personal hygiene and possessions are practised with the children.

Lasten kanssa harjoitellaan erilaisia taitoja kuten pukeutumista, ruokailua sekä henkilökohtaisesta hygieniasta ja omista tavaroista huolehtimista.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, ordinary routines give your child real practice with getting dressed, eating meals, washing, brushing teeth, and caring for belongings. You can prepare reachable hooks, cloths, cutlery, and baskets, then let your child do the parts they can while you stay nearby for tricky buttons, spills, or missing socks.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Conversational
    Practise getting dressed, eating meals, and taking care of personal hygiene and possessions
    Pukeutumisen, ruokailun ja henkilökohtaisesta hygieniasta huolehtimisen harjoittelu
    Different skills, such as getting dressed, eating meals, and taking care of personal hygiene and possessions are practised with the children.
Help children perceive, acknowledge, and name emotions — strengthen emotional skillsLasten kanssa tunteiden havaitseminen, tiedostaminen ja nimeäminen — tunnetaitojen vahvistaminen1 opportunity · 1 construct
Source verbatim
Children are helped in expressing and regulating their emotions. Children's emotional skills improve as they practise perceiving, acknowledging, and naming emotions.

Lapsia autetaan tunteiden ilmaisussa ja itsesäätelyssä. Lasten tunnetaidot vahvistuvat, kun heidän kanssaan opetellaan havaitsemaan, tiedostamaan ja nimeämään tunteita.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, when your child cries after a broken biscuit, shouts during play, or goes quiet after a visit, you can help them notice the body signs and name possible feelings. Keep the words simple, such as angry, disappointed, proud, worried, or excited, and let your child accept, change, or ignore the label.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Help children perceive, acknowledge, and name emotions — strengthen emotional skills
    Lasten kanssa tunteiden havaitseminen, tiedostaminen ja nimeäminen — tunnetaitojen vahvistaminen
    Children are helped in expressing and regulating their emotions. Children's emotional skills improve as they practise perceiving, acknowledging, and naming emotions.
Help children and encourage them to ask for help when necessary — support gradual independenceLasten kannustaminen pyytämään apua tarvittaessa — itsenäisyyden asteittaisen lisääntymisen tukeminen1 opportunity · 1 construct
Source verbatim
Gradual increase in the children's level of independence is supported. Children are helped and they are encouraged to ask for help when necessary.

Lasten itsenäisyyden asteittaista lisääntymistä tuetaan. Lapsia autetaan ja heitä kannustetaan pyytämään apua sitä tarvitessaan.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, you can support your child's growing independence by leaving manageable parts of daily life open, such as carrying a plate, packing mittens, or choosing bath toys. If a task becomes too hard, pause long enough for your child to try asking for help, then give only the help needed for the next step.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Help children and encourage them to ask for help when necessary — support gradual independence
    Lasten kannustaminen pyytämään apua tarvittaessa — itsenäisyyden asteittaisen lisääntymisen tukeminen
    Gradual increase in the children's level of independence is supported. Children are helped and they are encouraged to ask for help when necessary.
Use digital tools and applications in play, interaction, games, exploration, and artistic productionDigitaalisten välineiden ja sovellusten hyödyntäminen leikissä, vuorovaikutuksessa, peleissä, tutkimisessa ja taiteellisessa tuottamisessa1 opportunity · 2 constructs
Source verbatim
Digital tools, applications and environments are used in documentation, play, interaction, games, exploration, physical activity and artistic experience and production.

Digitaalisia välineitä, sovelluksia ja ympäristöjä hyödynnetään dokumentoinnissa, leikeissä, vuorovaikutuksessa, peleissä, tutkimisessa, liikkumisessa sekä taiteellisessa kokemisessa ja tuottamisessa.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, digital tools can become part of your child's play, exploration, movement, games, and art instead of only screen watching. Your child might photograph garden insects, record a song for grandparents, make a stop-motion block story, follow a dance video, or draw over a picture from a family walk.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Digital competenceDigitaalinen osaaminen
  • MultiliteracyMonilukutaito
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Mixed verb
    Use digital tools and applications in play, interaction, games, exploration, and artistic production
    Digitaalisten välineiden ja sovellusten hyödyntäminen leikissä, vuorovaikutuksessa, peleissä, tutkimisessa ja taiteellisessa tuottamisessa
    Digital tools, applications and environments are used in documentation, play, interaction, games, exploration, physical activity and artistic experience and production.
Guide children in versatile, responsible, and safe use of digital environmentsLasten ohjaaminen digitaalisten ympäristöjen monipuoliseen, vastuulliseen ja turvalliseen käyttöön1 opportunity · 1 construct
Source verbatim
The personnel guide children in versatile, responsible, and safe use of digital environments.

Henkilöstö ohjaa lapsia digitaalisten ympäristöjen monipuoliseen, vastuulliseen ja turvalliseen käyttöön.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, you can make digital use varied, responsible, and safe by choosing together what the device is for before it opens. Let your child help decide simple agreements, such as asking before taking photos, stopping when the timer rings, keeping family names private, and telling you if something feels strange.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Digital competenceDigitaalinen osaaminen
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Personnel duty
    Guide children in versatile, responsible, and safe use of digital environments
    Lasten ohjaaminen digitaalisten ympäristöjen monipuoliseen, vastuulliseen ja turvalliseen käyttöön
    The personnel guide children in versatile, responsible, and safe use of digital environments.
Have children plan, implement, and evaluate their actions together with the personnelLasten osallistuminen yhdessä henkilöstön kanssa toiminnan suunnitteluun, toteuttamiseen ja arviointiin1 opportunity · 1 construct
Source verbatim
Children plan, implement and evaluate their actions together with the personnel. In doing so, children learn interaction skills as well as the significance of shared rules, agreements, and trust.

Lapset suunnittelevat, toteuttavat ja arvioivat toimintaa yhdessä henkilöstön kanssa. Samalla lapset oppivat vuorovaikutustaitoja sekä yhteisten sääntöjen, sopimusten ja luottamuksen merkitystä.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, let your child plan, carry out, and look back on real actions, such as making a snack, building a blanket den, or arranging a visit with grandparents. You can ask what the plan is, what shared rules are needed, and afterward what worked, what changed, and who kept which agreement.

Framework principles operative here (1)
  • Participation and involvementOsallistuminen ja vaikuttaminen
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Personnel duty
    Have children plan, implement, and evaluate their actions together with the personnel
    Lasten osallistuminen yhdessä henkilöstön kanssa toiminnan suunnitteluun, toteuttamiseen ja arviointiin
    Children plan, implement and evaluate their actions together with the personnel. In doing so, children learn interaction skills as well as the significance of shared rules, agreements, and trust.
Give room, time, and peaceful settings to children's initiatives for playing, experiments and experiencesTilan, ajan ja leikkirauhan antaminen lasten leikkialoitteille, kokeiluille ja elämyksille1 opportunity · 2 constructs
Source verbatim
Room, time, and peaceful settings are given to children's initiatives for playing, experiments and experiences.

Lasten leikkialoitteille, kokeiluille ja elämyksille annetaan tilaa, aikaa ja leikkirauhaa.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, your child needs room, time, and calm for their own play ideas, experiments, and experiences to grow. You can leave a corner of the floor, a garden patch, bath cups, or recycled boxes available long enough that your child can start, change, abandon, and return to the activity.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Participation and involvementOsallistuminen ja vaikuttaminen
  • Community encouraging play and interactionLeikkiin ja vuorovaikutukseen kannustava yhteisö
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Mixed verb
    Give room, time, and peaceful settings to children's initiatives for playing, experiments and experiences
    Tilan, ajan ja leikkirauhan antaminen lasten leikkialoitteille, kokeiluille ja elämyksille
    Room, time, and peaceful settings are given to children's initiatives for playing, experiments and experiences.
Encourage children to make choices without gender-related role models or stereotypical rolesLasten rohkaiseminen tekemään valintoja ilman sukupuoleen sidottuja stereotyyppisiä rooleja1 opportunity · 2 constructs
Source verbatim
The personnel encourage the children to make choices without gender-related role models or any other stereotypical roles or presumptions related to other personal characteristics.

Henkilöstö rohkaisee lapsia tekemään valintoja ilman sukupuoleen tai muihin henkilöön liittyviin seikkoihin sidottuja stereotyyppisiä rooleja ja ennakko-odotuksia.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, you can widen your child's choices by offering clothes, toys, chores, stories, and hobbies without tying them to gender or other personal traits. Let your child choose the truck, doll, apron, superhero cape, dance, hammer, or pink socks because they fit the play or mood, not because of who others expect them to be.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
  • Participation, equality, and equityOsallisuus, yhdenvertaisuus ja tasa-arvo
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Coaching
    Encourage children to make choices without gender-related role models or stereotypical roles
    Lasten rohkaiseminen tekemään valintoja ilman sukupuoleen sidottuja stereotyyppisiä rooleja
    The personnel encourage the children to make choices without gender-related role models or any other stereotypical roles or presumptions related to other personal characteristics.
Prevent bullying by supporting peer relationships and community well-beingKiusaamisen ennaltaehkäisy lasten vertaissuhteita ja yhteisön hyvinvointia tukemalla1 opportunity · 2 constructs
Source verbatim
Supporting the peer relationships between children and well-being in the community is essential to the prevention of bullying. Children practise recognising and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.

Olennaista kiusaamisen ennaltaehkäisyssä on tukea lasten vertaissuhteita ja yhteisön hyvinvointia. Lasten kanssa opetellaan tunnistamaan ja ratkaisemaan ristiriitoja rakentavasti.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, sibling play, neighbourhood games, and cousin visits are places where your child can practise noticing conflict and repairing relationships before patterns become hurtful. You can name what happened, check that everyone is safe, and invite your child to help find a constructive next step, such as returning, apologising, swapping roles, or asking for space.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Cultural competence, interaction, and self-expressionKulttuurinen osaaminen, vuorovaikutus ja ilmaisu
  • Well-being, safety, and a sustainable way of livingHyvinvointi, turvallisuus ja kestävä elämäntapa
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Conversational
    Prevent bullying by supporting peer relationships and community well-being
    Kiusaamisen ennaltaehkäisy lasten vertaissuhteita ja yhteisön hyvinvointia tukemalla
    Supporting the peer relationships between children and well-being in the community is essential to the prevention of bullying. Children practise recognising and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
Promote children's well-being with daily calming-down and rest, plus versatile, healthy, and sufficient nutritionLasten hyvinvoinnin edistäminen päivittäisellä rauhoittumisella, levolla ja monipuolisella, terveellisellä ravinnolla1 opportunity · 2 constructs
Source verbatim
Children's well-being is promoted by providing them with an opportunity for calming down and resting during the day as well as versatile, healthy, and sufficient nutrition.

Lasten hyvinvointia edistetään antamalla mahdollisuus päivän aikana rauhoittumiseen ja lepoon sekä tarjoamalla monipuolista, terveellistä ja riittävää ravintoa.

How to adapt this at home — LC-authored

At home, you can protect your child's well-being by making daily chances to calm down and rest as ordinary as meals and outdoor play. Offer a quiet sofa, dim bath time, a book corner, or music after activity, alongside varied, healthy, and sufficient food that your child can help choose, serve, or taste.

Framework principles operative here (2)
  • Taking care of oneself and managing daily lifeItsestä huolehtiminen ja arjen taidot
  • Well-being, safety, and a sustainable way of livingHyvinvointi, turvallisuus ja kestävä elämäntapa
Opportunities personnel provide (1)
  • Mixed verb
    Promote children's well-being with daily calming-down and rest, plus versatile, healthy, and sufficient nutrition
    Lasten hyvinvoinnin edistäminen päivittäisellä rauhoittumisella, levolla ja monipuolisella, terveellisellä ravinnolla
    Children's well-being is promoted by providing them with an opportunity for calming down and resting during the day as well as versatile, healthy, and sufficient nutrition.
These are framework-side principles. Not child-progress markers — self-assessment material for the practitioner, adaptable as self-reflection prompts for the parent. VASU offers no child-side rubric tier on top by design (the framework rejects measurement-driven framing per lapsen oma toimijuus). LC tracks child progress in this paradigm via exposure-binary on opportunities.

Sources & licence

Citation: Opetushallitus. (2022). Varhaiskasvatussuunnitelman perusteet 2022. Määräys OPH-700-2022 (amended 31.10.2022 OPH-3888-2022). Helsinki: Finnish National Agency for Education.
Methodology: https://www.oph.fi/en/education-and-qualifications/national-core-curriculum-ecec-nutshell
Licence: Public regulation — OPH-700-2022 (amended 31.10.2022 OPH-3888-2022). Open distribution per Finnish administrative-act conventions.
Attribution: Opetushallitus / Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI)