My Book about Building Thriving Classrooms — English version expected in 2026!
What makes a classroom truly thrive?
The key: Intentional practices that build strong group dynamics.
My book Ryhmä toimivaksi—loosely translated as How to Build Thriving Classrooms: Easy Icebreakers and Group-Building Activities—offers teachers practical, research-informed tools to build engagement, collaboration, and a supportive classroom climate that fosters psychological safety and belonging.
Why this book
I created the resource I always wished I'd had as a teacher—something that supports positive interaction among students so they can learn more effectively, while also empowering the teacher to guide the group's development with confidence.
What you'll find inside
The key ideas behind group dynamics and psychological safety
Over 160 ready-to-use activities and reflection tools
Real-life examples and practical tips
Support and strategies for overcoming common challenges
Guidance for shaping the classroom culture from day one and throughout the school year
My book—loosely translated as How to Build Thriving Classrooms—became a bestseller in Finland and is now being translated into English.
It's not just about teaching. It's about the group dynamic.
What the book helps you achieve
Enhance student well-being and motivation
Strengthen group work
Create a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere
Improve students' social-emotional skills
Reduce conflicts and misunderstandings
Make it easier for students to concentrate on learning
Who is it for
This book is for K–12 educators, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and teacher trainers—as well as anyone who wants to harness group dynamics to support learning. Whether you're working with a brand-new class or trying to reset dynamics mid-year, this book helps you lead with presence, emotional intelligence, and clear direction.
Already trusted in Finland — soon available in English
Originally published in Finnish, the book has become a go-to resource for teachers and schools. It's used as a textbook in several teacher education programs in Finland. Currently, we're translating it into English to support educators around the world.
Book Testimonials
Top-notch content from cover to cover! The exercises are easy to apply, and the solid theoretical foundation and diverse references really convinced me. I've used it to help shift our entire school culture.
Jukka-Pekka Anttinen
Special Education Teacher
An absolute must-read for every subject teacher! So many excellent insights and clear takeaways. A wide range of practical exercises, and the FAQ section at the end is incredibly useful.
Salla Lähdesmäki
English language and Special Education Teacher
The author's expertise and experience shine through, creating a real sense of trust: you can start building a stronger classroom dynamic one small step at a time. The book practically invites you to try the exercises!
Katri Linnaluoma
Classroom Teacher
I really appreciated the tips for tackling team building challenges. The case examples describe situations that every teacher in basic education will recognize.
Katja Korkalainen
Teacher of Finnish language and literature
I had done a few exercises from the book with my students, and soon they started asking me, 'Can we do more of those activities from the book'?
Sanni-Kaisa Martikainen
Classroom Teacher
I wish this book had existed back when I graduated. The case examples are absolutely brilliant—and it's so easy to recognize similar patterns in your own classroom.
Reetta Kuusela
Classroom Teacher