Benefits of Hands-On Learning
At Squishy Circuits, we’re all about playful learning. Our goal is to teach kids about circuitry and engineering through play—because learning is easier when kids are having fun. And working directly with components and play dough presents a tactile learning experience that resonates well with children. Keep reading to find out more about some of the benefits of hands-on learning.
Builds Better Retention
Many people—and young people in particular—learn better by doing, which is exactly what hands-on learning affords. The connection between the brain and the senses—in this case, touch—is an engaging one that stimulates the mind and helps enhance memory retention.
When children can physically do a task rather than simply watch it or have it explained to them, they absorb and understand it better. It creates a more memorable experience.
Aids in Developing Problem-Solving Skills
Children are curious by nature, and hands-on learning feeds that curiosity.
When kids use their hands to work on projects, they often run into challenges that require them to examine, assess, and develop solutions based on what they observe. And if one attempt doesn’t yield the results they want, they can go back, reassess, and try again. Seeing and understanding how things work—or how they don’t—is important to the process of thinking critically and learning to adapt when solving problems.
Appeals to Different Learning Abilities
Not all children learn through the same method, which can sometimes create its own set of challenges. But building Squishy Circuits projects lets kids engage with materials in their own way to help them realize and comprehend their strengths with regard to learning.
Those who are more inclined to absorb information visually can see how a project takes shape. Auditory learners or reading/writing learners can connect the instructions they hear or read, respectively, with a finished project. And those who prefer to learn through hands-on methods have all the tools at their disposal for creating, analyzing, and understanding. Through hands-on learning, everyone wins.
Encourages Creativity
Innovative thinking is the beating heart of creativity. And our hands-on Squishy Circuits projects promote creativity through artistic and analytic means. We have an entire collection of fun projects that offer step-by-step instructions, but finding your own way to build those projects is highly encouraged. With our play dough kits, kids have everything they need to brainstorm and create their own designs!
And the science behind, well, science involves gaining knowledge through experimentation. Which is exactly what Squishy Circuits were designed to do. With so many components and options for building projects, there’s truly no limit to creating and testing electrical connections to make any creation come to life.
Cultivates a Love of Learning
Children tend to learn better, easier, and quicker when they’re having fun. And there’s no better way to have fun than through play.
The hands-on learning opportunities from Squishy Circuits highlight creativity and engagement while promoting curiosity and fun. All of this combines to make for a more enjoyable learning process, one that will inspire kids to keep asking questions, investigating, and finding solutions to cultivate a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
Build Skills Through Play with Squishy Circuits
Though we highlighted only a few here, there seems to be no limit to the benefits of hands-on learning. And that’s why Squishy Circuits are such popular tools in and out of the classroom. Children interact with play dough to bolster creativity, curiosity, and engagement while learning about electrical circuits and having fun. To us, that’s a win-win. Find out more about our kits and projects and discover how they can help your students and/or kids learn through play.