Building 21st-century skills in early childhood

why competence matters more than content

The world our children are growing up in is changing rapidly. Technology, global connections, and cultural diversity are reshaping how we live and communicate. While the future may feel uncertain, one thing is clear – the skills children need to succeed in the 21st century begin developing in the early years. 

Early childhood is not just preparation for school. It is the foundation for life. Research shows that the soft skills developed during these years, such as communication, collaboration, self-regulation, and empathy, support future abilities including creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and resilience. When nurtured early, these skills help children grow into confident, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent learners. 

The power of soft skills

In Finland, early childhood education is guided by a simple principle. Children learn best through play, curiosity, and meaningful relationships. Rather than focusing on early academic pressure, Finnish early childhood education and care (ECEC) takes a holistic approach, supporting children’s emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development together. 

These values closely align with Bahraini culture, where strong family bonds, respect, and character development play an essential role in children’s upbringing. Learning is connected to everyday life, allowing children time to explore, ask questions, and develop at their own pace. 

Through play and daily interactions, children naturally build essential life skills. They learn to communicate through conversation and storytelling, collaborate by working and playing with others, and regulate emotions with the support of predictable routines and caring adults. Empathy grows through role-modelling, shared stories, and cultural traditions that emphasise kindness and care for others. In Bahrain’s multilingual environment, exposure to Arabic, English, and other languages further strengthens communication skills and global awareness. 

From soft skills to 21st-century competences

In Finland, these abilities are often called transversal competences. These are skills that support learning and wellbeing across all areas of life. They include critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, cooperation, communication, and emotional wellbeing. 

These competences develop naturally through play, storytelling, outdoor learning, and hands-on projects. When children build, imagine, and explore, they strengthen problem-solving and creative thinking. Leadership and teamwork grow as children collaborate and make decisions together, while empathy and adaptability help them navigate change with confidence. 

Learning through curiosity 

Finnish preschools emphasise curiosity rather than testing. Teachers guide learning by asking open-ended questions such as, “what do you think will happen next?” Or “how could we improve this?” Assessment is based on observation and documentation, shared with families who are seen as active partners in the learning journey. This close connection between home and school helps children feel safe, valued, and confident.

Preparing children for life

This newsletter marks the start of our Parent workshop series, where we’ll explore:

– How play develops 21st century skills
– Mindful parenting and emotional intelligence
– Nature-based learning and creativity

Stay tuned for workshop dates and invitations and follow our LinkedIn page for insights from our classrooms!