COVID: How are German schools preparing for fall?
Many coronavirus outbreaks have been linked to schools in Germany, even as case numbers recede. And the problem could be far from over. Even after the summer, many children will not have been vaccinated.
Most German schools will soon be closed for the summer
In Germany, summer vacation has already begun in some states. But after a disruptive year, people already want to know what will happen when the next semester begins. State education ministers recently made a straightforward decision: On June 11, they announced schools would start again with full face-to-face instruction.
Considered such a core activity that it is assessed by teachers, play in Finland is also about learning risk and responsibility â competences Finnish society promotes to the extent that it is common for even seven-year-olds to walk to school on their own.
In short, writes Sahlberg, âFinlandâs insight can boost grades and learning for all students, as well as their social growth, emotional development, health, wellbeing and happiness. It can be boiled down to a single phrase: let children play.â
The need is particularly urgent in schools reopening after pandemic lockdowns, he argued, since play will mitigate stress, promote resilience and allow children to rebuild relationships through physical activity: âThey need that much more than they need academic pressure, graded assignments and excessive screen time.â