The power of hands-on learning: why it matters for young children
When it comes to early childhood education, nothing beats learning by doing. At BEST Preschool, this principle is at the heart of everything we do. Surrounded by nature, with a forest right in the backyard, children engage in hands-on learning experiences every day, guided by dedicated educators who value exploration, creativity, and discovery. Whether it’s experimenting with natural materials outdoors or engaging in sensory activities inside, hands-on learning helps children connect deeply with the world around them.
Hands-on learning , where children engage directly with materials, objects, and experiences, is one of the most effective ways for young minds to explore the world. Instead of simply listening to explanations or memorizing facts, children are encouraged to discover, create, and problem-solve through active participation.
Why hands-on learning works
Children learn best through exploration. Touching, moving, building, testing – these physical interactions are how they naturally make sense of their surroundings. As they grow, hands-on learning continues to be vital, supporting cognitive, physical, and emotional development.
1. It makes learning fun and memorable
Let’s face it – young children have short attention spans, and traditional worksheets or flashcards often don’t cut it. But swap out a pencil for playdough or shaving foam, and suddenly, letter formation becomes a fun game. Not only do kids stay engaged longer, but they also retain information better when learning is playful and tactile.
2. It encourages exploration of the natural world
Hands-on learning isn’t limited to the classroom. Outdoor play, gardening, and nature walks offer rich learning experiences. At BEST Preschool, children have daily access to nature – the forest is literally in the backyard. This unique setting allows them to spend extended time outdoors, where they can observe seasonal changes, collect natural materials, and engage in open-ended play in a real woodland environment. Guided by dedicated educators, children develop curiosity, patience, and a deep respect for living things, while also strengthening gross motor skills and emotional resilience.
3. It engages all senses
Sensory play – think finger painting, splashing in water, or squishing slime – might look messy, but it’s brain-building work. Engaging multiple senses at once boosts memory, enhances language development, and improves understanding. It also encourages children to describe textures, colors, and sensations, expanding their vocabulary. At BEST Preschool, sensory exploration is a daily occurrence, with children often creating and experimenting using natural materials found outdoors, under the careful guidance of their passionate teachers.
4. It stimulates the whole brain
In early childhood, the brain develops at a rapid pace. The right hemisphere, which governs creativity and spatial awareness, dominates in the early years. Hands-on learning stimulates both sides of the brain by combining physical movement, communication, and logical thinking, and laying a strong foundation for future academic skills. Whether they’re building shelters in the woods or measuring ingredients during cooking activities, children at BEST Preschool are constantly challenged to think, move, and communicate in an integrated way.
5. It builds crucial fine motor skills
From using scissors to buttoning shirts, fine motor skills are essential for independence and academic readiness. Hands-on activities like cutting, sorting, and molding strengthen the muscles and coordination needed for writing and self-care tasks. Activities at BEST Preschool are intentionally designed to support these skills – whether indoors with crafts or outdoors with natural materials like leaves, twigs, and stones.
Hands-on learning isn’t just a fun alternative to traditional teaching; it’s how young children are wired to learn. By giving kids opportunities to touch, move, explore, and play, especially in inspiring environments like BEST Preschool, where nature is part of the classroom and educators are deeply involved – we help them develop not just knowledge, but confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.