Experiential Learning for Kids | Dr. Beno Kurien |

Student distraction isn’t a new problem—it’s an issue that teachers and parents have had to deal with as long as schools have existed.

But what if a solution could be found in the way materials are taught in class? The traditional method of teaching encourages students to learn through lectures and textbooks. With limited attention spans and more recent distractions like cell phones in the classroom, students are easily distracted from class materials.
It’s also been found that we retain 75% of what we do compared to 5% of what we hear or 10% of what we read. So why not apply this knowledge to the way we teach?
That’s where experiential learning comes in.

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.