Experiential Learning for Kids

We all are aware of the fact that kids learn the best while playing and having hands-on experience. In the era of multiple distractions and extra protective parents, it has been pretty tricky for the kids to have practical, real-life experiences that people from our generation had while playing outside and discovering stuff independently. Well, the deficiency can be fulfilled through Experiential learning.

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning is based on learning things by experiencing, experimenting, creating, interacting, and practically indulging in simple activities in the surroundings. Specific characteristics of experiential learning :

• It is suitable for all age groups and helps kids who are full of curiosity and have excellent learning potential.
• It is usually very flexible and doesn’t have a rigid structure. Fewer rules, more learning.
• It utilizes safe, simple activities that require little adult supervision.
• Kids are free to explore nature and can go on according to their own pace and comfort.
• Awareness through their surroundings through creative learning, imaginative playing, fun activities like dance, music, painting, or travel or excursions.

The kids answer the questions like did they notice that, why or how that occurred, if it happens in real life, and where they could utilize it. 

What are the advantages of Experiential Learning for kids?

Studies demonstrate that the brain retains 75% of the knowledge it gains by practically experiencing or doing things themselves compared to the meager 10% and 5% by reading and hearing, respectively.

This renders the traditional learning methodology that involves mugging up other‘s experiences and narrow scope for exploration pretty ineffective. Certain advantages are:

• Lets the kids explore their creative side and make independent observations.
• It expands the child’s thinking horizons and feeds their curiosity, making them more intelligent.
• Limitless learning is practiced without any pieces of equipment, regardless of time and space. 
• Help understand the concept behind facts while finding the solutions to their doubts.
• Kids find answers independently without depending on some preset knowledge or experience. It asserts that there’s no fixed way to look at situations or solutions.
• Solving queries on their own fills them with a sense of entitlement, leading to growth in confidence and personality.
• It makes observative and encourages fresh perspectives. 
• Teachers are dealing with difficult situations and failures.
• Allows a hang of social and soft skills practically that can’t be taught in a close classroom or through books.

Experiential learning activities for kids

The activities for Experiential learning for kids needn’t be hefty or challenging to follow. They must be full of life skills to let the child grasp the concept in an experimental form. Few activities to begin with:

• Potting a plant and watching its growth.
• Traveling places, museums, historical monuments and let the kids explore.
• Let them do clay modeling and make anything their creativity allows
• Use dice for teaching numbers and playing various games.
• Allow them to look up for a less known country or region on an atlas or globe.
• Let them use blankets or bedsheets to set up a makeshift tent.
• Team exercises of treasure hunt.
• Problem-solving through identifying the utility of an object in a given situation.
• Grocery shopping and teaching them numbers, colors, and remembering stuff.

There are so many activities that can let the kids learn through experiential learning. One needs to let their mind wander and develop their senses. 

Summary

Article Name

All You Need to Know about Experiential Learning for Kids

Description

Kids learn the best while playing and having hands-on experience. Experiential Learning for kids helps retains 75% of the knowledge. Let us know How?

Author

Snehalata Jain

Publisher Name

Blogsikka

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