Course Schedule

Core Activities

Day 1:

Introduction to STPM - Building connections

Begin with an active introduction to the Smart Teachers Play More (STPM) approach, highlighting Finland’s innovative education model and cultural heritage through "The Finnish Corner." Connect with European colleagues in ice-breakers and a social gathering at Helsinki’s iconic library, an inspiring hub of culture and creativity, setting the tone for a transformative week.

Day 2:

Foundations of well-being and stress management

Focus on building well-being and managing stress through awareness building and positive action. Learn to recognize stress and its triggers, and participate in a self-reflective "PERMA well-being audit" to identify personal stress patterns and areas for growth. Discover how small, intentional actions can reduce stress, create healthy habits, and promote emotional balance. The session also introduces mindfulness and breathwork as practical tools for stress management.

Day 3:

Well-being and stress management in the classroom with "Now Minutes"

Using the concept of "Now Minutes," learn step by step how to implement mindfulness, meditation, and calming activities into daily classroom routines. Discover how these practices support well-being and stress management and can also be integrated with academic objectives to create a balanced and focused learning environment.

Optional Activity: Finnish Sauna and sea swimming.

An additional activity we offer on this day is an authentic Finnish sauna and sea swimming experience at one of Helsinki’s public saunas. Embrace this unique well-being practice for relaxation, renewal, and connection with nature. During this experience, we encourage you to practice some of the new mindfulness and breathwork tools you have learned.

The Finnish educational system

We will conclude the day with an introduction to the Finnish school system, providing essential background knowledge in preparation for the upcoming school visit.

Day 4

Interactive school visits and reflection

Participants will spend the day visiting a Finnish school tailored to their teaching stage or subject area. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to gain inside knowledge, interact with Finnish educators and students, and explore the Finnish school system firsthand. Through conversations and observations, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the practices that make Finland's education system stand out. At the end of the school day, we will come together as a group to reflect on the visits, share insights, and discuss how these experiences can inform and inspire your own teaching practices.

Day 5: 

Integrating movement well-being practices into the classroom

Discover how movement and mindfulness can transform your classroom through yoga- and Pilates-inspired activities. Experience full-body mindfulness practices, including the body scan, and learn to integrate these techniques seamlessly into daily routines for a calm and focused learning environment.

Sharing positive well-being practices - A European dimension

Share and be inspired by positive practices in a collaborative session where participants exchange well-being activities and ideas from schools all over Europe.

Day 6:

Developing emotional vocabulary and positive classroom interventions

Discover the power of emotional vocabulary as a key tool for understanding and managing emotions. Engage in role play and core movement games that introduce and provide opportunities to explore emotions and encourage meaningful discussions in a safe and supportive setting. Experiment with small interventions that can shift mindsets and improve physical and emotional well-being.

Using digital tools to support well-being and stress management

Discover how digital tools can help make practising well-being in daily life easier. Explore how mindful integration of technology can boost emotional awareness, build positive habits, and create balance for both teachers and students.

Well-being action plan

Conclude the week using vision planning to create actionable goals for implementing well-being practices into your teaching. Define short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to foster well-being and focus, and strengthen your commitment through collaborative discussions and shared intentions.  Using digital collaboration, conclude the week with a creative shared reflection session including course evaluation and feedback.

Day 7:

Reflecting on experience

We’ll spend our final day together at the Helsinki City Museum, reflecting on the week’s experiences and insights. This time will also be an opportunity to strengthen the connections formed with new friends, celebrating the journey and looking ahead to future collaborations.