As parents, we all want the best for our children, and one of the most powerful ways for them to develop practical life skills is by learning through direct, first-hand experiences. That’s where hands-on learning comes in!
It is a proven method that not only helps children retain information but also shapes their thinking, boosts their confidence, and prepares them for a bright future.
In this article, we’ll explore what hands-on learning really means, why it’s so important, and how parents can implement this approach to raise resilient, creative, and capable young minds.
What is hands-on learning?
Hands-on learning—also known as experiential learning—is a form of education that involves learning by doing. The concept dates back to ancient philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle. However, it gained significant traction in the 20th century with educational theorists like John Dewey, who argued that education should be rooted in real-world experiences to make learning more meaningful.
Rather than listening to a lecture or reading about a topic, kids are encouraged to actively participate in activities that allow them to experiment, build, create, and problem-solve—bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Imagine conducting a science experiment to discover how chemical reactions work, or learning the principles of physics by building a bridge out of blocks. Outside of the classroom, this could be exploring the environment to identify different animals, or using mathematics to measure ingredients when cooking or baking.
All of these immersive experiences turn abstract ideas into something tangible, making learning more memorable, meaningful, and fun.
6 reasons why hands-on learning is important for kids
According to new research from Pearson, 1.5 million children in England struggle to stay engaged with their learning. To tackle this, 57% of teachers say offering more vocational and hands-on learning opportunities could make a real difference in supporting students.
It’s clear that traditional, one-size-fits-all teaching methods won’t work for every child, so it’s vital we suggest alternatives to help kids of all ages stay motivated and confident in their abilities both academically and personally.
Here are some of the key reasons why hands-on learning is important:
1. Increases engagement and retention
Children are naturally eager to discover the world around them, and hands-on learning taps into this curiosity by encouraging active participation. For example, if kids are tasked with learning the cycle of plants, they don’t just read about it—they dig into the soil, plant the seed, water them, and, as they watch the seed sprout, observe the changes in colour, texture, and shape.
Consequently, children are more likely to stay focused and interested in the subject matter because it engages multiple senses simultaneously (touch, sight, smell, and even sound), while also building neural connections through a process called neuroplasticity, which promotes long-term memory retention.
2. Provides real-world experiences
In today’s world, practical skills are just as important as academic knowledge. Hands-on learning activities for kids connect learning to real-life situations, helping them see the relevance of what they’re studying and apply it.
In a science lesson on electricity, kids can build a simple circuit using a battery, wires, and a light bulb. By connecting the pieces together and troubleshooting, they gain a better understanding of electrical flow and conductivity. Meanwhile, fixing a bike by adjusting the brakes or pumping the tyres demonstrates how friction and tension work.
3. Develop critical thinking skills
One of the biggest advantages of hands-on learning is its ability to develop critical thinking skills. During interactive activities, children are required to experiment, hypothesise, and test ideas. This allows them to ask questions, analyse situations and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
Building a tower that keeps collapsing teaches more about structural integrity than any diagram in a textbook. Through trial and error, children discover what works and why, laying the groundwork for independent, analytical thinking—an essential skill for future education, work, and life.
4. Builds confidence
We all make mistakes (it’s only natural), and, as we’ve mentioned, hands-on learning often involves a lot of trial and error. As they experiment and try new things, kids learn to persevere through setbacks. Once they’ve completed a project like building a raft or mastered a new survival skill, they feel a greater sense of accomplishment and pride.
Ultimately, children learn that through persistence and effort, they can tackle challenges head-on, nurturing a growth mindset and a willingness to take risks in a healthy and constructive way. Furthermore, it also builds their confidence and resilience, teaching them that failure is a step on the path to success.
5. Boosts creativity
Creativity goes beyond being artistic or musical. It’s about thinking outside the box and approaching problems from different angles to achieve the best outcome. For instance, when solving a maths problem like finding the area of an irregular shape, instead of using a standard formula, a child might break the shape into smaller, simpler sections (like triangles or rectangles), calculate each part, and then add them together.
At kids’ adventure camps, a problem solving activity offers the perfect opportunity to put this kind of creative thinking into action. As children navigate the course blindfolded with instructions coming from a fellow camper, they’re challenged to think creatively and adjust their strategy to complete the course.
6. Supports fine motor skills
Finally, there’s one benefit of hands-on learning for children which cannot be overlooked—supporting fine motor skills! From cutting with scissors to tying shoelaces, any tactile activity that involves manipulating small objects will strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers.
As a result, this leads to better hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and control, making everyday tasks, as well as more challenging ones like climbing a wall or aiming a bow and arrow in archery, feel easier and more manageable for kids.
How to implement hands-on learning at home
Helping your kids get hands-on with learning at home doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. In fact, some of the best learning happens through simple, everyday experiences!
Here are some simple ways to get started:
Cooking together: Banana bread
What you’ll need:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas
- 115g melted butter
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- A pinch of salt
- 150g caster sugar
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 190g plain flour
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Grease a loaf tin or line it with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas using a fork.
- Stir in the melted butter.
- Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix everything together.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for about 55–60 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let it cool, then slice and enjoy your homemade banana bread!
What children will learn:
Children will learn basic maths by measuring ingredients and understanding quantities. They will also develop fine motor skills through actions like stirring, pouring, and mashing.
Gardening: Planting seeds
What you’ll need:
- Flower or vegetable seeds (like sunflowers, lettuce, or carrots)
- Compost or soil
- Plant pots or a space in the garden
- Watering can or jug
Steps:
- Choose a sunny spot in the garden or use pots if you’re planting indoors or on a balcony.
- Fill your pots or garden bed with compost. Let your child scoop the soil.
- Make small holes in the soil and place the seeds inside, following the spacing instructions on the seed packet.
- Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and gently pat it down.
- Water the soil carefully so it’s damp but not soaked.
- Check the plants daily and water them when the soil feels dry.
What children will learn:
Children will learn responsibility by taking care of their plants every day. They will also learn all about nature and science, understanding how plants grow and how insects help in the process of pollination.
DIY Science experiments: Baking soda volcano
What you’ll need:
- A small container (like a plastic cup or yoghurt pot)
- 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda
- 120ml of vinegar
- A few drops of food colouring (optional)
- A tray to contain the experiment
Steps:
- Place the container on the tray. Add the bicarbonate of soda to the container.
- If you want colourful lava, add a few drops of food colouring to the vinegar.
- Slowly pour the vinegar into the container and watch the bubbly eruption!
- You can try again by adding more bicarbonate of soda and vinegar.
What children will learn:
Children will learn about cause and effect by seeing what happens when two substances mix. It helps develop an interest in STEM, critical thinking skills, and understanding of basic chemistry, learning that a chemical reaction produces the fizzy bubbles.
Art and Craft Projects: Recycled Materials Art
What you’ll need:
- Items from around the house: cardboard boxes, toilet rolls, plastic bottles, bottle caps, fabric scraps
- Scissors, glue, tape
- Paint, crayons, or markers
Steps:
- Collect clean, safe recycled materials with your child. Choose what kind of art to make like a robot, a spaceship, or an animal.
- Help your child cut, glue, and tape the materials together into their chosen shape.
- Decorate the creation using paints, markers, stickers, or anything you have at home.
- Let it dry and display it proudly around the house!
What children will learn:
Children will learn to use their imagination by turning everyday items into something creative. They will build fine motor skills by cutting, gluing, and painting. Furthermore, it teaches them the importance of recycling and caring for the environment by discovering how old items can be reused in new ways.
Experience the power of hands-on learning at adventure camp!
We understand the importance of hands-on learning and have designed our specialist adventure camps to provide rich, immersive experiences for children.
With a variety of thrilling activities that cater to different interests and skill levels, including Cooks Academy, Bake It!, Bushcraft, Cool Science, and Pony Camp, we guarantee that every child will find something they love!
At PGL, it’s all about stepping outside your comfort zone, discovering new skills, making lasting friendships, and creating unforgettable memories! So, give your child the adventure of a lifetime this summer by enrolling them in one of our exciting holiday camps!
Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help!
