January 12, 2018

Why Hands-on Learning at Preschool Is Best

For decades research has shown that hands-on learning at preschool is best. While knowledgeable early childhood educators understand how valuable it is, many who have the decision-making power do not. That's why it's important that parents educate themselves on the issue and become advocates for hands-on learning at preschool and, thus, advocates for what's best for their young children.

What Is Hands-On Learning at Preschool?

Hands-on learning at preschool simply means the children are active learners throughout the day: exploring with materials, learning by doing, moving throughout the classroom, and interacting with one another. The teacher acts as a facilitator – not by telling the children what to do with the materials – but by asking questions that challenge them to use them in new and creative ways. A teacher skilled at hands-on learning will often begin her inquiries with how: How can you build that bigger without it falling? How can you make sure those plants grow healthy? How can you all play together so everyone has a turn?

Most of us experienced hands-on learning when we were children in preschool and kindergarten, and it contributed greatly to our fond memories for those early years of learning. Scholars in early childhood development have written extensively on the value of hands-on learning, arguing that it's developmentally appropriate because young children discover best through their senses, through movement, and through their sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the world's largest organization of early childhood professionals – says a quality early childhood education is one in which “Children are given opportunities to learn and develop through exploration and play...materials and equipment spark children's interest and encourage them to experiment and learn.”

Enjoy,

Ms. Nora Sierra

EC Assistant Principal