välitiskuleikkeistä

Välitiskuleikkejä is a Finnish term that translates to "intermission games" or "recess games." These are informal, often spontaneous games played by children during breaks at school or other institutions. The primary purpose of välitiskuleikkejä is to provide physical activity, social interaction, and a mental break from structured learning.

The types of games played can vary greatly depending on the age group, the available space, and the prevailing weather conditions. Common examples include tag (peijari), hide-and-seek (piilosta), ball games like kicking a soccer ball around, or simple chasing games. Sometimes, children might create their own rules or variations of existing games, fostering creativity and problem-solving.

Välitiskuleikkejä are an integral part of the school day in Finland, contributing to a child's overall well-being and development. They offer opportunities for children to practice cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution in a less formal setting. The unstructured nature of these games allows children to exercise autonomy and make their own choices about how they spend their break time. This emphasis on free play during breaks is considered a valuable component of the Finnish educational philosophy.