Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a pioneer in inclusive and multicultural early childhood education. Preschools in this city emphasize social cohesion and democratic participation from a young age. Children are encouraged to express opinions, make choices during group activities, and participate in shaping their daily routines. Outdoor learning is a cornerstone—children often play in forests, parks, and urban green spaces, regardless of the weather. Environmental awareness is taught through hands-on experiences like composting, gardening, and nature walks. Additionally, the city’s international population makes intercultural dialogue a natural part of daily preschool life. Teachers are trained to support children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and many institutions offer bilingual or multilingual support. The philosophy of “the competent child”—that each child is capable and has agency—is alive and well here. It’s not uncommon to see preschoolers leading their own projects, solving conflicts through peer dialogue, or engaging in local community clean-up events. In Copenhagen, children are not only seen as learners, but as contributors to society from day one.

コペンハーゲンはデンマークの首都であり、幼児教育の分野でも先進的な理念と実践を誇る都市です。特に多文化共生と社会的包摂を重視する姿勢が教育現場に反映されており、異なる言語的・文化的背景を持つ子どもたちが共に学ぶ環境が整備されています。園では子どもたちが自分の意見を自由に表現し、日常の活動や遊びの中で「選択する力」「話し合う力」「他者と協働する力」を自然に育んでいきます。

また、屋外教育の重視はデンマーク全体に共通する特徴ですが、コペンハーゲンでは特に都市部においても森林や公園、公共の緑地が積極的に教育の場として活用されています。コンポスト体験やガーデニング活動など、実践的な自然教育を通じて、子どもたちは環境への関心と責任感を育てます。

「子どもは有能な存在（The competent child）」という哲学が園の運営方針に深く根ざしており、自らプロジェクトを立ち上げたり、地域社会の清掃活動に参加したりする姿も見られます。学びは一方通行ではなく、子ども自身が社会の一員として参加し、貢献するダイナミックな営みとして位置づけられているのです。 コペンハーゲンはデンマークの首都であり、多文化共生と包括的な幼児教育の先進地です。ここでは子どもが意見を持ち、日常活動に主体的に関われるような仕組みが整っています。どんな天候でも外遊びが日課で、自然とのふれあいや環境意識を重視しています。また、国際都市として異文化理解を深める教育も特徴です。子どもは「社会の一員」として扱われ、自らの声で世界と関わっていきます。

Tampere Tampere distinguishes itself through art-centric early education programs and collaboration with local cultural institutions. Daily routines often include music improvisation circles, drama workshops where children co-create stories, and “emotion art” sessions using colors to express feelings. Preschools partner with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra for guided listening and instrument exploration, and with local museums for tactile learning activities. Activities such as book-based theater and shadow puppetry help children interpret narratives and communicate ideas visually and emotionally. Kindergartens may follow Montessori or Steiner-inspired approaches, encouraging open-ended tasks like nature collage-making or handcrafting dolls from recycled materials. Emotional literacy is supported through feelings journals and peer dialogue sessions. Tampere’s education model places equal value on cognitive and emotional growth, ensuring children develop expressive, interpersonal, and reflective skills. The city also encourages family involvement through “Art Days” and seasonal exhibitions. Tampere stands as a cultural beacon in Finland’s early education landscape.