Why Media Education Belongs in Every Early Childhood Classroom — Also Without Screens
Media surrounds us — not only in the form of devices, screens, and platforms, but also in the stories we tell, the images children carry on their backpacks, and the way we talk about the world. That's why, in Finland, media education is not seen as an optional add-on. It is an essential part of early childhood education — embedded in the broader learning area called Me and My Community.
The learning area, Me and my community, is part of the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education, and includes learning to express oneself, understand one's environment, and act as part of a community. Media education naturally supports all of this. It's not just about teaching children how to use a tablet or recognize a screen — it's about helping them make sense of the world they already live in.
In Finland, media education begins early. Even toddlers are encouraged to explore communication through images, music, and movement. Children don't need devices to start learning media skills — a camera can become a tool for storytelling, and a drawing can spark a discussion about feelings or fairness in the media world.
Media education supports:
- Multiliteracy: the ability to interpret, produce, and critically evaluate different kinds of messages — not only text, but also images, sound, and visual narratives.
- Self-expression and participation: Children learn that their voice matters. They are invited to create and share stories, ask questions, and reflect on what they see and hear.
- Social and emotional skills: Media moments are opportunities to build empathy, recognize emotions, and navigate social situations.
At ONNI Education, we have embraced the Finnish model and extended it into our own learning principles. Media education is one of our additional learning areas, meaning that while it's not always in the spotlight, it plays a vital role in supporting children's overall well-being, curiosity, and learning motivation. Our pedagogical approach encourages educators to notice the media culture that surrounds children and to turn it into a meaningful part of everyday learning — no screens required.
Our ONNI principles highlight:
- Media as a bridge between home and school: It invites shared understanding and co-education with families.
- Media as a tool for inclusion: Every child, regardless of background or language, can participate through images, sounds, and stories.
- Media as a lens for the world: Helping children to reflect, question, and shape the world around them.
Media education doesn't require a computer lab or a smartphone in every hand. What it does require is awareness, reflection, and creativity from educators. When we give children tools to interpret their media world — whether it's a cartoon, a photo, or a storybook — we give them the tools to grow as thoughtful, confident citizens.
Let's not wait for devices to arrive before we start teaching media skills. Let's begin with what we already have: stories, conversations, creativity, and children who are ready to explore.
Text: Olli Kamunen, CEO of ONNI Education
Free Sample from the ONNI Curriculum
Here is a ready-to-use ONNI Lesson Plan that follows the principles of the Finnish National Core Curriculum and ONNI Education's holistic approach to early childhood learning. This activity supports children's media literacy, creativity, and collaboration—and can be implemented without any digital tools. Perfect for kindergartens looking to explore media education through play, storytelling, and teamwork!
Download this lesson plan and try media education without screens!
