Hands On Learning…
What are the benifits?
- Benefits of Hands on Learning: My philosophy on hands on learning is shaped by a combination of my Reggio Emilia training, classroom experience, and, most significantly, my personal journey with my own children, including my neurodivergent child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Through these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the transformative power of self-directed learning, which honors individual needs and interests with high autonomy..
- Creativity and Expression: A benefit of hands-on learning is that it fosters creativity and self-expression. Children have the freedom to express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings through various mediums and materials. This creative expression is valued as a form of communication and exploration in Reggio Emilia-inspired environments.
- Active Engagement: This approach actively involves children in the learning process. It empowers them to manipulate materials, explore ideas, and make discoveries through firsthand experiences. Embracing this approach requires reevaluating your perspective on the resources available to your child and accepting mess as an inherent part of learning.
- Collaboration and Social Interaction: Hands-on learning promotes collaboration and interaction between you and your child. Working together on projects, sharing ideas, and problem-solving fosters these connections. Through hands-on activities, children learn important social skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy.
- Sensory Exploration: Another benefit of hands-on learning is the emphasis on sensory exploration. Children use their senses to interact with materials, textures, and objects in their environment. This sensory engagement enriches their learning experiences and fosters deeper understanding.
- Child-Led Inquiry: Hands-on learning aligns with the Reggio Emilia principle of child-led inquiry. In this approach, children’s interests and curiosities drive the learning process. Hands-on activities are often initiated by children’s questions and ideas, allowing them to take ownership of their learning and explore topics that intrigue them.
- Concrete Experiences: Hands-on learning provides concrete experiences, helping children connect abstract concepts with real-world phenomena. Through hands-on activities, children can see, touch, and experience concepts tangibly, undeniably making learning more meaningful and memorable.
- Self-Directed Learning: Hands-on learning is crucial for self-directed learning. This approach trusts that children have an innate desire to learn and explore their world. By engaging in hands-on activities, children interact directly with their environment, while enhancing their understanding and curiosity. They receive the support needed to pursue their passions and develop a deep love for learning. Ample time is provided for them to engage with and learn from their surroundings through active participation.
- Hands on Learning Resource: The Reggio Emilia approach prioritizes hands on learning as a dynamic and indispensable element of children’s educational journeys. This approach fosters active engagement, sensory exploration, creativity, collaboration, all while working through child-led inquiry. For those interested in delving deeper into this approach, I recommend exploring ‘The Hundred Languages of Children‘ by Carolyn Edwards, Lella Gandini, and George Forman, a foundational text that dives deeper into its principles and practices.