Lukukappaleina

Lukukappaleina refers to individual reading passages that are used as material for reading practice, comprehension, and literary or linguistic analysis in Finnish education. The term describes short excerpts or sections taken from literary works, essays, reports, or other texts, which are presented to students to read and study rather than as a complete book. Lukukappaleina can be drawn from both classical and contemporary sources and are often selected to suit a particular learning objective or level.

In practice, lukukappaleina are commonly included in textbooks, workbooks, or teacher-made materials. They are typically accompanied by tasks such as vocabulary exercises, comprehension questions, discussion prompts, or questions for analysis of themes, style, and structure. The passages are usually short enough to fit within a class period and to allow focused work on reading strategies, interpretation, and language use.

The concept is rooted in the broader Finnish approach to language and literature education, where reading passages are used to develop reading fluency, critical thinking, and cultural literacy. They complement longer works and can be used across grade levels, from primary school to secondary education. The term contrasts with lukukirja, which refers to a reader or a book of multiple passages, and highlights the modular use of texts in instruction.

Related terms include lukukirja (reader), lukusanoihin liittyvä tehtävä (reading tasks), and lukutaito (reading literacy). Lukukappaleina emphasizes the functional role of individual passages within teaching and assessment.