Practical Tip ~ Hands-on Activities

Here’s this week’s practical tip ~

Here’s my secret to successful, fun, memorable homeschool ~ Plan a hands-on project or activity for each theme that is well-suited to your children’s age and interest and to the lesson taught.

Here are some benefits ~

As children use their hands to build, sort or otherwise manipulate materials, different areas of the brain are activated, enriching the learning experience.
Diversity of skills, methods, materials and activities develop children’s personal connections which creates the best memories of the books, themes, characters or topics studied. Remember – concrete before abstract!
Abstract concepts are made concrete by physically manipulating materials to represent abstract concepts in different subjects. This is very important for young children!
Hands-on activities are engaging and motivating when children are using manipulatives or are involved in hands-on activities.
When children practice and show what they know by relying on movement, activities or manipulatives, children involve a variety of learning skills in addition to reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Hands-on activities involve creativity with materials they are using, such as when they are building a model or creating an artistic representation of a concept.
Diversity of hands-on activities allow children to present their understanding in their strengths, while creatively encouraging them to develop in their weaknesses, for example, kinesthetic/ verbal/ non-verbal/ visual/ auditory / spatial-dimensional / dramatic/ musical/ presentation.
Hands-on activities are very important for remedial education, reinforcing learning where children struggle with reading, writing or speaking skills.
Hands-on activities are wonderful for gifted children, giving them challenges and creative opportunities to express themselves.
Children may need to work with siblings, partners, teams or small groups which develops their ability to collaborate and communicate.
Young children develop a sense of independence when they are encouraged to do things for themselves. This is huge confidence booster!
Hands-on activities make incredible introductions to lessons where children are instantly drawn in and motivated in the lesson.
Used as conclusions to themes, hands-on activities provide an excellent summary presentation for the work studied. where children can demonstrate their application of techniques, knowledge and understanding. These projects often form wonderful displays for family and friends to view and enjoy!
Provide choice and freedom. I have only discovered in these last few years that my child can create their own learning with some prompts, suggestions or concept outlines. I provide the necessary materials and she decides how and what activity she prefers.
All my kids rate the hands-on activities as those they loved and enjoyed the most!
Simply = it is fun!

Don’t forget to include high schoolers in your hands-on activities planning!

Especially in Science and Biology, where correct techniques, scientific approach and accurate methodology are vital.
More importantly, as the study becomes more abstract in high school, hands-on activities may provide the necessary experience to make connections and cement the highschooler’s understanding.
Career and vocational hands-on activities provide meaningful and realistic experience for teens and young adults to more effectively chose their future study and career.

Are there any disadvantages?

Some projects take a long time, with several phases, such as our solar system mobile above. My suggestion = MAKE the time available and stretch out your schedule and plan it in.
Space to be messy and creative. Prepare the area, use plastic table cloths, aprons or newspaper to make cleaning up simpler. Work outside weather permitting.
Some projects are difficult to store but photos capture the project for portfolios.
Not every lesson has a practical activity.
Some children become very stressed and frustrated by mess or creative processes. They may prefer written projects or quiet presentations.
Some parents see hands-on activities as “busy work” and prefer to focus on formal lessons. This is especially true for “school-at-home-type” homeschooling where parents insist on keeping to a strict schedule. Again, may I plead with you to relax and enjoy the journey! Especially with young children – take your time and make the time for hands-on activities!
Parents homeschooling multiple ages find these activities distracting to the other children. My suggestion is to find something suitable for everyone to join in or to provide unique options for each child.

My blog is filled with hands-on activity posts! Here are some posts to read ~

Other articles on the Internet ~

I trust that these practical tips inspire and encourage you in your homeschooling! Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences or questions in the comments below.

Blessings, Nadene

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