Books have been a major part of education throughout history. In fact, for hundreds of years, books were the only mode of knowledge transfer. And they worked marvellously well. But times change and things evolve.
Though academic learning is still the core of all educational institutions, they are not merely enough. Kids are naturally curious and they shouldn’t be bound in-between paper binds for all answers and learnings. In fact, a lot of schools and preschools are replacing the mainstream textbook-led education with a more inclusive action-led system and they have proven to be more effective.
We have put together some of the ways your kids could learn beyond school books - both at home and at school. We hope this works as the nudge you needed to encourage them to be active participants in non-literary activities that you were probably already considering.
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1. Gardening
Mud, water, spade, dirt, squirting gun - everything about gardening screams fun! Especially to kids. But it’s not just fun gardening has to offer to kids, it’s extremely beneficial in many other ways. It teaches them to be gentle and responsible, to care for plants and by extension, care for everyone around. There’s reasoning and discovery - about parts of plants, weather, understanding of cause and effect (if you don’t water the plants, they die).
It also includes physical activities, a chance to do something entertaining, and the fruits of it are quite delicious, sometimes literally! ;) 2. Outdoor Camping
Outdoor campings provide children with an opportunity to connect with nature and develop basic life skills. They observe and learn about different plants, and trees, their colours and patterns. This is also the best setting to learn about risks and safety measures.
In addition to that, kids also develop a sense of confidence and independence. This little time away from home allows them to work on their decision-making while making them aware of their capabilities and limitations.
3. School Trips
School trips help kids bond with adults other than their parents, which they otherwise wouldn’t. It helps them develop social skills, build stronger relationships with peers and teachers, and most importantly, experiential learning! They learn through their experiences, every step of the way.
This also aids in their leadership skills, leading a group of peers, or observing those who do. And the fact that they get to discover and view their world from a new perspective is an added benefit, no doubt.
4. Sports
Physical development, exercise, and good posture are given when children practice and play sports regularly. But along with the obvious benefits, sports also help kids learn tactics and strategies. It pushes them to be team players, make new friends, learn about fair play, and also boosts their self-esteem. Enhancement of mental development is also a major contribution of sports. While kids learn to respect authority, rules, teammates, and opponents, they also build a positive space where they can deal with stress and enhance mental well-being. It helps keep their mind strong and clear.
5. Summer Camps
Summer camps don’t only come with potential friends and memories, they also come with rules which demand discipline and organisation - the two most important virtues everyone should cultivate in their lives! From working on social skills to discovering independence, summer camps are a complete developmental package wrapped in fun. Children tend to pick up some serious hobbies that could stay with them for life in these camps. Also, these camps often come with a no-technology rule which is a great way to get children who are too sedentary to have a more healthy and active lifestyle out in the wild. You won’t even have to be the bad cop!
Summing up, kids learn in ways more than a few. The world is their classroom, and their own actions - their teacher. So don’t worry if your little ones are not glued to books at all times, no matter what they’re doing, they are sure to be constantly learning.