The end of another school year is approaching. Grades are being collected, exams are being written, plans for summer and the fresh beginnings of September are in the making. For some, June brings farewells to homeroom teachers and kindergarten teachers and marks the step into new school adventures. Those who will be just a year older in the fall are surely already planning how to express their gratitude to their teachers, as they’ve successfully navigated another year of shared ups and downs.
In any case, we have a truly original and excellent gift idea that will surely delight your teachers and educators. Before we reveal it to you, we wanted to share with you the incredible differences in education around the world.
Not all schools are the same
Differences in educational systems are not solely the result of differences in financial capabilities between countries. Schools around the world also differ in some fundamental values – the number of hours deemed necessary for students to spend in school and learning, as well as curricula and the ways schools prepare children for the life ahead of them.
The Finnish education system is considered one of the most successful in the world, and it all starts with teacher education, where pedagogical skills play the most important role and teachers are highly respected. Breaks last 15 minutes, school does not start before 9 AM, there is less homework than anywhere else in the world, there are no standardized tests, and the emphasis on play, fresh air breaks, and physical activity is a priority. It is no small matter that children are evaluated on an individual basis, and the importance of a 5.0 grade average is not even mentioned.
In contrast, Chinese public schools highly value memorization and the repetition of facts, unlike critical thinking and creativity skills, which are not given as much importance. Some believe that rote memorization is the key factor enabling Chinese students to achieve exceptionally high results on international scales.
In Japan, it seems that the school system is oriented towards creating good citizens and emphasizes the quality of teaching over quantity. Perhaps it is for this reason that the residents of Japan are among the most educated in the world. Even though they have very few breaks to maintain motivation, they learn how to be generous, empathetic, and diligent. They clean their own classrooms, restaurants, and even restrooms. Accidentally dozing off in class is considered a sign of dedication after a hard day’s work.
In Bangladesh, geographical features and frequent floods have resulted in the opening of so-called floating schools on solar energy-powered boats. This way, students are provided with uninterrupted education even during monsoons, access to the internet, and the boat serves as both a school and a school bus.
South Korean students can have classes that last up to 16 hours. They spend their time in school from 8 to 4, then go home for lunch, and often continue to private schools after 6 for intensive review of school material. Students fear achieving poor results in school, which could prevent them from gaining admission to prestigious universities because education plays a crucial role in securing a good job, choosing a marriage partner, and determining one’s social standing. That’s why many of them think about suicide to avoid exams, which seems like a dreadful cost for one’s education.”
The Dutch education system has an unusual rule that all children begin their schooling the day after their 4th birthday, even if it falls during the school year. In this way, they aim to ensure that all students are at the same developmental stage when they start their education. Until the age of 12, the focus is on play, there are no homework assignments or exams, so children are not afraid of poor results, competition, or school.
Finally, an example from Norway where high school graduation celebrations last for three weeks. As it’s known, Russfeiring takes place just before final exams, and Norwegian students often rent a van, bus, or car, decorate it, and then drive it around the country, partying for days with lots of alcohol, bizarre challenges, and non-stop celebrations. After that, how do they even pass the final exams?
Unique and original schools
- Did you know that there is a witch school in Salem (Essex, Massachusetts) that teaches its students magic and witchcraft? It’s even possible to attend it online!
- In San Pablo, Philippines, there is a school built from recycled bottles, which served as their construction material. Also in the Philippines, you can enroll in a mermaid academy where you learn how to swim with a tail and enjoy the underwater world.
- Although it’s currently not operational, Dongzhong Mid-Cave Elementary School in the village of Mao, Ziyun County, China, was literally located inside a real cave.
- The Trabajo Ya School in Valencia, Spain, is unique for offering a course in “training for the world’s oldest profession” with the utmost discretion.
- Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service is a college for students looking to pursue a career in the funeral service industry. Students learn, for example, common subjects like mathematics and history, but they also take very specific courses that help students learn to dedicate their lives to assisting others in dealing with one of the most challenging things, coping with the death of a loved one.
- In Berlin, there is an incredible Erika Mann Elementary School designed by none other than children in collaboration with architecture students.
- At the Brooklyn Free School, students don’t receive grades, have no homework, don’t
take tests, and they don’t even have to attend classes if they choose not to. Unless they don’t want to.
The best gift for caregivers, teachers, and professors
Education can sometimes seem challenging. Perhaps it’s not perfectly structured and organized here. And, of course, there’s always room for improvement. But there’s no doubt that caregivers, teachers, and professors are a significant part of children’s lives, creating memories that last a lifetime. They collectively share both the good and the bad moments, which later become values and skills that children grow up with. They are their pillars, role models, friends, support, shoulders to lean on, individuals who often know them exceptionally well and always strive to bring out their best.
How to thank them for that? Gift them a memory of you.
Students, be creative, special, and sincere this year, and create a personalized photo book of priceless memories. Decorate it with unique covers and choose photos that are meaningful to you. Write your personal messages, insert drawings and quotes, and even include video messages! And then, surrender to the warm feeling when your teacher opens their unique memory gift.
Parents, to show appreciation to the lovely daycare teachers, choose an empty album with personalized velvet covers and place children’s drawings and photos inside.
For all their hard work as educators, create a personalized Notebook or ClockME Planner as the perfect blend of memories from your class or group, which will accompany them in new teaching adventures.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for teachers who have been there for you, reach out to us. We will do everything to collaboratively create a gift that is unique and special, exclusively yours, and will forever stay in their memories. Your caregivers, teachers, and professors not only educate your minds but also your hearts. Gift them a piece of your heart in a personalized gift that tells your unique story.
It will be our great pleasure to assist you in giving memories and happy moments to those who help us grow into great individuals.Check out our personalized gift suggestions here.
