Kasvatusolot

Kasvatusolot is a Finnish term describing the educational environments and conditions that enable upbringing, development, and learning within child care and schooling. The concept refers to the combined set of physical spaces, daily routines, social interactions, and pedagogical approaches through which adults support children's growth.

Elements of kasvatusolot include the design and use of spaces such as classrooms, play and outdoor areas; the arrangement of furniture and materials to support different activities; the rhythm of the day including transitions and breaks; and the quality of interactions between teachers, caregivers, and learners. The aim is a holistic developmental perspective encompassing emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth.

In Finnish policy and pedagogy, kasvatusolot are considered alongside curriculum content, emphasizing that learning occurs in everyday life and not only during formal instruction. In early childhood education and care and in basic education, efforts focus on creating safe, accessible, inclusive environments that foster autonomy, participation, and well-being.

Practical approaches include flexible configurations for group work and independent exploration, access to diverse materials, outdoor learning, and routines that support social-emotional development. While the term is primarily used in Finnish-language discourse, it is commonly translated as "educational environments" or "upbringing environments" in international discussions.

Related topics include the Finnish education system, early childhood education, pedagogy, and learning environments.