{"id":2757,"date":"2025-09-05T23:23:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T23:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/riley\/?p=2757"},"modified":"2026-02-24T15:06:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:06:54","slug":"evidence-matters-exploring-the-baltic-tiger-thacker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.furman.edu\/riley\/evidence-matters-exploring-the-baltic-tiger-thacker\/","title":{"rendered":"Evidence Matters: Rediscovering Childhood Through Estonia\u2019s Whole-Child Approach to Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Wendy Thacker<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

When Did Being a Kid Stop Being Just Being a Kid?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Remember the days of Kool-Aid mustaches, PB&J sandwiches from someone else’s mom, and playing outside until the streetlights turned on? When fresh air, sunshine, snow, sleet, or rain didn\u2019t stop us, it simply changed the game. Somewhere along the way, childhood has started to feel more like a checklist than an adventure.<\/p>\n

I\u202fwas honored to be invited to join a diverse group of South Carolina leaders, K\u201312 educators, and higher education professionals on a learning journey to Estonia to study their education system. Estonia ranks fourth globally and first in Europe\u202fon the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test\u2014a remarkable achievement that reflects their deep commitment to academic excellence. But why? What were they doing differently than everyone else?<\/p>\n

Beyond Test Scores: A Journey into Estonia\u2019s Child-First Education System<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While their proximity to Russia and history of occupation certainly contribute to their intense focus on education and IT as a form of national resilience, what struck me most was Estonia\u2019s whole-child approach, especially in elementary education. During our visit, we toured multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, Tallinn Polytechnic school, the University of Tallinn, Republic of Estonia Education and Youth Board, and Rakett 69\u2014a local STEM game show. We had meaningful conversations with students, educators, and administrators and witnessed firsthand how Estonia has embraced technology and learning as a national priority, while also creating environments where children are encouraged to be children.<\/p>\n

During our many visits, we witnessed more than just the memorization of facts and figures\u2014we saw countless examples of applied learning in action. Students were actively engaging with concepts, solving real-world problems, and demonstrating a deeper understanding through hands-on experiences. We saw kids learning teamwork, collaboration, and problem solving in robotics classes. We observed students working through the household budgeting process during a hobbies class\u2014a popular topic.\u00a0 We witnessed students learning life skills like baking, where math and fractions come alive in measuring cups and mixing bowls.<\/p>\n

Letting Kids Be Kids: How Estonia Balances Innovation with Humanity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, testing and guidelines matter. But there\u2019s something truly refreshing about watching teachers teach with autonomy\u2014adapting lessons to meet the unique ways their students learn. In Estonia, teachers follow their students for the first four years of school. This practice allows educators to deeply understand each child\u2019s strengths, challenges, and progress over time. It also creates space to thoughtfully support their mental health.<\/p>\n

This approach supports the whole child. Children begin at age seven when they are more mature and better prepared to learn. The school day is shorter, giving the students time for after school activities, play, family, and simply being kids. Students enjoy an hour-long break for lunch, with the freedom to go outside for fresh air or to relax in one of the many open-seating areas around the building. It\u2019s a chance to decompress, catch up with friends and just be kids.<\/p>\n

What struck me most wasn\u2019t the technology or the facilities. It was the old-school feeling of it all. It wasn\u2019t about shiny desks or the latest gadgets. It was about treating children like children\u2014not little adults. It was about teaching them to learn, not just memorize. About nurturing growth, not just performance.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, the Most Powerful Innovations Come from Simplicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sometimes, the most powerful innovations come not from complexity, but from simplicity. Estonia reminded me that getting back to the basics\u2014nurturing curiosity, protecting childhood, and prioritizing well-being\u2014can be one of the most transformative strategies of all.<\/p>\n

Someone, pass me the PB&J.<\/p>\n

\n

Wendy Thacker serves as vice president of philanthropy and community engagement at ScanSource.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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