7 Benefits of Hands On Learning in Early Childhood Education
Discover the benefits of hands-on learning in early childhood education and learn how to effectively incorporate hands-on activities and resources into your teaching practice.
Hands-on learning is the foundation of effective early childhood education. Every teacher dreams of a classroom where their students are engaged, focused, on-task, and learning with intention.
But how on earth do we create that ideal environment?
Through hands-on learning of course!
Are you frustrated with students tuning out during your explicit teaching lessons, rolling around on the carpet, or asking how long until the bell rings? I get it!
It’s every early years teacher’s nightmare. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Hands-on learning offers a solution. By incorporating hands-on learning and play-based activities in your classroom, you can create a practical, hands-on environment where your young students actively participate in their learning experience. This type of active learning brings the real world into the classroom and encourages meaningful, lasting understanding.
In this blog post, I’ll show you:
why the hands-on approach is essential in early childhood education
the benefits of hands-on learning
and how you can easily implement it to create a more engaging learning experience for your students.
I’ve even got a free guide on implementing play-based learning and links to resources that will make hands-on learning easy peasy for you!
What is Hands-on Learning?
Hands-on learning is a method of education where students actively participate in learning by doing. Instead of passively absorbing information through lectures or worksheets, children interact with resources, ask questions, explore, and make discoveries. This active participation allows young learners to make sense of the world around them and apply their knowledge in a practical, real-world context.
In my own classroom, I’ve seen firsthand how hands-on activities spark curiosity and create a deeper understanding compared to more passive methods.
When students are given the opportunity to manipulate objects, work collaboratively, or investigate through play, they are far more engaged and focused. I've noticed that during hands-on tasks, students are immersed in the learning experience.
I would even argue that their understanding or knowledge of the concepts or topics is deeper. My students grasp new ideas and concepts quickly and they seem to retain what they have learned.
For example, in our science unit about the weather, I decided to include some hands-on science activities. Rather than simply telling my students about all the different types of weather (rainy, sunny, cloudy etc), I invited them to create their own little weather gnomes and set up different small-world weather stations in our classroom. This worked a treat. They were excited and attentive but just as importantly, they took their learning to a deeper level. These hands-on activities helped them better grasp somewhat abstract concepts through tactile, real-world experiences.
They retained the information because they lived it.
If you're interested in other examples and learning more about how hands-on, play-based learning can benefit your students, check out my blog post: The Benefits of Play-Based Learning in Early Education.
Why is Hands-on Learning Important?
Yes. Hands-on experiences do boost engagement. Young students are much more engaged but it’s sooooo much more than that!
This type of learning is truly a powerful educational approach backed by research and supported by many educational pioneers.
One of the strongest advocates for this type of teaching method was Maria Montessori. Her famous quote captures its essence: “What the hand does, the mind remembers.”
In Montessori education, children learn best by using their hands. The children use concrete, hands-on resources to help them understand new concepts. This approach is particularly suited to early learners, who thrive when given the opportunity to manipulate materials and explore ideas through direct real-world experience. For our young students, hands-on education offers several definite benefits that lead to deeper understanding and retention.
There’s heaps of research supporting this view.
Students retain more information when they actively engage in the learning process. According to the Peak Performance Center, learners remember up to 75% of what they practice by doing, compared to just 5% from passive traditional learning methods like lectures. This evidence shows that active participation is the key to learning success, especially in early childhood education.
There's a lot of theoretical knowledge in this area. Educational theorists and researchers consistently highlight the importance of hands-on methods for optimal cognitive development. Studies such as Ekwueme, Ekon, and Ezenwa-Nebife's research on hands-on learning in science and math demonstrate that students who engage in active, experiential learning consistently perform better and retain more knowledge compared to those who rely solely on traditional methods like rote learning.
By using active, tactile experiences in your classroom, you're helping your children grasp concepts faster and ensuring long-term understanding – learning that sticks! If you want to improve your students' retention rate hands-on learning is a great way to do it.
What is Better: Rote Learning or Hands-on Learning?
Many educators still rely on rote learning techniques to drill facts and information. But is this truly effective for our young learners?
In a traditional lecture-style environment, if you are lucky, students may be passively absorbing some information, but are they truly engaged? Are they thinking and learning?
The problem with rote learning, especially in early childhood education, is that it often lacks the depth and meaningful connection that hands-on, experiential learning provides.
Hands-on learning offers a number of benefits over rote learning, such as
better retention
improved problem-solving skills
and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.
When students actively engage with materials and have opportunities for investigative learning, they are practising by doing—one of the most effective methods of study.
This type of educational experience encourages children to move information from short-term to long-term memory, making the acquisition of knowledge more personal and meaningful.
From my personal experience in the classroom, I’ve seen firsthand the stark difference between these two approaches.
I remember during a math lesson on addition, for example, I gathered the students at the carpet area to explicitly teach them. It didn’t take long before I saw kids fiddling with nearby blocks, rolling around, and then I got a completely off-topic comment, “My mum likes coffee.”
This kind of distraction seemed to happen regularly during explicit lessons. Something magical occurred when we transitioned to a hands-on activity using manipulatives to physically model addition. The students were engaged, on task, and focused.
Why is this?
The main reasons are that hands-on learning creates safe spaces for children to explore, experiment, and apply their understanding in ways that are personally meaningful.
It turns abstract concepts into tangible experiences, allowing young students to gain important skills while at the same time making learning fun and interactive.
Don’t get me wrong - direct instruction, such as in the example above, certainly has its place in any curriculum-oriented classroom. It’s necessary for teaching specific skills and knowledge.
However, the real magic happens in hands-on learning. It’s through experiential activities that children not only practice the skills they learn but also explore and apply them in creative and engaging ways. This combination leads to a deeper understanding of the curriculum, greater retention, and better recall.
If you're ready to see your students thrive, implement more hands-on learning activities! A more interactive approach is the proven way to create more meaningful and impactful educational experiences in your classroom.
The 7 Benefits of Hands-on Learning
Hands-on learning offers a number of definite benefits for young children, making it one of the most effective ways to foster engagement, retention, and skill development.
Let’s explore these benefits in detail with some of my real-life classroom examples, supporting research, and relevant products and resources.
1. Improves Memory so Students Retain More
Hands-on learning significantly enhances memory retention by engaging multiple senses and providing context to the learning experience.
According to the National Training Laboratories, students retain 75% of what they learn when they practice it and 90% when they use that knowledge immediately. A hands-on approach helps students grasp abstract concepts more effectively, turning these concepts into long-term knowledge.
To summarise: learners retain approximately:
90% of what they learn when they teach someone else/use immediately.
75% of what they learn when they practice what they learned.
50% of what they learn when engaged in a group discussion.
30% of what they learn when they see a demonstration.
20% of what they learn from audio-visual.
10% of what they learn when they've learned from reading.
5% of what they learn when they've learned from lecture.
In my classroom, I use hands-on activities all the time. Just a couple of examples would be creating patterns with loose parts or using sensory trays to invite students to practice by doing. These types of activities reinforce their learning and helps them apply their knowledge. Did you know that when children physically manipulate objects or materials, they strengthen neural pathways? It leads to better retention and improved academic performance.
Research ( check it out below) supports the idea that active learning, where students engage in direct experiences, promotes critical thinking and improves academic performance by making learning more personal and meaningful.
By involving touch, sight, and physical movement, hands-on learning activates both sides of the brain, enhancing cognitive development and engagement.
2. Improves Attention and Executive Functioning Skills
Hands-on learning builds focus and self-regulation skills by engaging students in activities that require planning, problem-solving, and working memory— all essential components of executive functioning.
In my classroom, I’ve seen how hands-on projects like building with blocks or conducting simple science experiments not only captivate students’ attention for extended periods but also help them practice and develop these skills.
A hands-on approach creates an active learning environment where children are required to pay attention to the task at hand, strategise solutions, and self-monitor their progress.
Real-world experiences like these are crucial for developing important life skills like goal-setting and organisation. Important life skills that go way beyond the classroom.
3. Encourages Teamwork and Collaboration
Hands-on learning naturally encourages teamwork and collaboration because many activities require students to work in groups, share materials, or solve problems together. Group work promotes peer interaction, helping children develop essential social skills such as turn-taking, negotiation, and effective communication.
As well as all these benefits, hands-on learning environments also encourage the development of empathy and cooperation.
For example, in our investigation sessions, there are many opportunities for collaboration and group activities. I intentionally design learning areas that encourage this type of activity.
Whether it is a collaborative art project, a complex block structure built by a group of students at the blocks area or a dramatic play space, students discuss ideas, compromise, and build positive relationships with each other in these activities.
This type of group work is crucial for social-emotional growth and helps them form bonds with peers. Group work also improves their communication skills.
4. Develops Oral Language
Hands-on activities offer rich opportunities for language development, allowing children to practice their listening and speaking skills as they describe their processes, share ideas, and ask questions.
Oral language is a key focus in early childhood education, and hands-on learning promotes these skills by facilitating social interaction and natural conversations among students.
In my classroom, I’ve found that children often engage in deep discussions while working with manipulatives or during group projects, building their vocabulary and communication skills. Whether it’s through negotiating roles in dramatic play or explaining their thought process during a science experiment, hands-on tasks provide an excellent opportunity for language development.
5. Increases Engagement and Student Motivation
One of the most visible benefits of hands-on learning is the increase in student engagement. Children are naturally curious and thrive in environments where they can explore and experiment. When students actively participate in hands-on activities, their motivation and focus improve dramatically.
In a passive learning environment, students may become easily distracted.
However, when engaged in hands-on tasks, like creating a box construction or manipulating loose parts, I’ve noticed they stay on task. They are focused, and eager to continue and extend their learning.
For example, when we do hands-on math activities, I don’t get unrelated comments like “My mum likes coffee,” because the students are too busy solving problems and working with their hands!
This type of active engagement isn’t only beneficial in keeping students engaged in the classroom. I believe it has long-term implications. When you help students connect academic tasks with discovery and excitement, you are instilling a lifelong love of learning.
6. Fosters Self-Esteem and Autonomy
Hands-on learning allows children to take control of their own learning, fostering both confidence and self-esteem.
Children have various learning styles. If they are encouraged to embrace their unique and different learning styles, whether they are kinesthetic learners, visual learners, or auditory learners, open-ended activities can offer students the freedom to explore concepts in a way that suits them best. This helps foster a sense of accomplishment and independence.
In my classroom, I see students thrive when they solve problems independently. It builds their self-esteem with each successful task.
An open-ended, flexible approach to your hands-on learning activities ensures that each child can engage with materials in a way that matches their learning style and that’s going to lead to deep learning experiences.
7. Develops Thinking Skills
Hands-on learning is a powerful way to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in young children. It provides them with the opportunity to explore, experiment, and take risks in a safe environment.
One of the most effective ways to ensure your hands-on learning activities are developing these skills is by making sure you are asking open-ended questions during the activities.
I remember seeing a breakthrough in some of my students' thinking during investigation time when they were building a bridge with wooden blocks. They were extremely focused on stacking the blocks, but their structure just kept collapsing. Instead of telling them how to fix it, I asked, “What is this block at the bottom for?”
This simple question sparked a conversation about stability and balance and the kids started experimenting with different block arrangements. They discussed their observations and tested ideas until they eventually discovered that using wider blocks as a foundation made their bridge more stable.
They didn’t just solve the problem. There was deep engagement and the excitement they felt in figuring it out on their own was contagious. This moment of critical thinking and collaboration was sparked by just one open-ended question!
There is great power in these simple questions. They not only promote higher-order thinking during hands-on activities, but they can help children develop a deeper understanding and greater independence in their learning.
If you're interested in learning more about how open-ended questions can promote higher-order thinking, check out my blog post: Open-ended Questions Promote Higher Order Thinking.
Bonus Benefit: Supports Fine Motor Skills
Yes, I mentioned there were seven benefits of hands-on learning, but here's an important bonus that can’t be overlooked: hands-on activities also help develop fine motor skills.
Many of these activities—like manipulating small objects, cutting, or building—require precise movements, which naturally improve children's hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
In my classroom, tasks such as threading beads, using tweezers in sensory bins, or shaping playdough all help students strengthen their fine motor skills while they learn. These activities are especially important in preparing young children for writing and other tasks that require careful control.
In fact, fine motor skills are so important for early childhood development that many classrooms have dedicated fine motor programs.
Do you really need to spend extra time on a separate program?
When you incorporate a variety of hands-on learning opportunities into your daily routine, you’re already supporting fine motor development, streamlining your time and helping children grow in multiple ways at once.
Research to Back it All Up
National Training Laboratories - The Learning Pyramid
The Learning Pyramid, developed by the National Training Laboratories, is a widely referenced model showing that students retain more information through active learning strategies compared to passive ones.
This pyramid visually demonstrates that active learning strategies, such as hands-on activities, promote deeper understanding and long-term retention compared to passive learning methods like lectures.
Hattie and Timperley (2007) – Visible Learning
John Hattie’s meta-analysis of educational research, known as Visible Learning, provides strong evidence for the benefits of active learning. Hattie found that students who actively engage in their learning process (e.g., through problem-solving, collaboration, and hands-on activities) show significant improvements in academic achievement.
Hattie’s work indicates that strategies that involve direct experience, collaboration, and feedback are some of the most effective methods for enhancing student learning outcomes.
Bransford, Brown, and Cocking (2000) – How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School
This work emphasises the importance of experiential learning in fostering deep learning and critical thinking. The authors argue that learning environments that allow students to practice by doing make learning more personal and meaningful, leading to better knowledge retention and application. Experiential learning allows students to connect new knowledge to prior experiences, promoting deeper understanding.
The book also highlights that students who engage in problem-solving activities and direct experiences are more likely to develop critical thinking skills, as they must analyse situations, evaluate possible solutions, and make decisions based on real-world contexts.
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (1984)
David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory suggests that learning is most effective when students go through a cycle of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. This theory emphasises that learning is a process where knowledge is created through the transformation of experience, and that direct, hands-on engagement allows students to internalise and apply new concepts better.
Kolb’s theory has been influential in promoting the idea that active learning leads to improved critical thinking and problem-solving abilities because it involves continuous reflection and adaptation.
Bonwell and Eison (1991) – Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom
Bonwell and Eison’s work advocates for incorporating active learning strategies into the classroom to improve critical thinking and academic performance. They define active learning as any approach where students actively participate in the learning process, as opposed to passively listening to a lecture. Their research shows that students in active learning environments perform better academically and are more engaged in higher-order thinking tasks, such as problem-solving and critical analysis.
They also emphasise that active learning strategies create a more personal and meaningful educational experience for students, as they directly involve the learner in the process.
Diamond, A. (2013). Executive Functions
This study shows that activities involving active participation, like hands-on tasks, foster the development of executive functions, such as working memory, self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility. Diamond highlights that these functions are crucial for success in school and life, and can be improved through tasks that require planning, problem-solving, and sustained attention.
This paper discusses how hands-on activities increase focus and executive function by engaging children in real-world problem-solving, improving their attention span and ability to regulate behaviour.
Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes
Vygotsky’s theory emphasises the role of social interaction in learning, showing that hands-on collaborative activities help children learn from their peers and develop important social skills through cooperative tasks.
Want to learn more about Vygotsky and how his theory impacts hands-on learning in the classroom? Check out this blog post: Vygotsky's Play Theory: A Guide for Play Based Teachers
This research highlights how hands-on learning and play, when combined with teacher-scaffolded discussions, promotes rich language development. The act of describing, questioning, and discussing during hands-on tasks enhances oral language skills.
Bonwell, C.C., & Eison, J.A. (1991). Active Learning: Creating Excitement in the Classroom
This research shows that students who engage in active learning, including hands-on activities, are more engaged and motivated to participate in lessons, leading to better educational outcomes.
Deci, E.L., & Ryan, R.M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior
According to the Self-Determination Theory, autonomy in learning (such as through hands-on activities) fosters intrinsic motivation and self-esteem. Children feel more confident and capable when they take control of their learning process.
Piaget, J. (1971). The Theory of Stages in Cognitive Development
Piaget’s theory supports the idea that children learn through active exploration and experimentation. Hands-on activities encourage children to engage in concrete thinking, leading to deeper cognitive development and critical thinking skills.
I’ve got a blog post on Piaget and his theories and how they relate to play based learning. If you’re interested in learning more, check it out here: Piaget and Play Based Learning
This interesting study shows that children with better-developed fine motor skills are more successful academically, particularly in early childhood education. Hands-on learning opportunities provide frequent chances to build these skills.
Examples of Hands-on Activities
Hands-on learning can take many forms. For me, it often takes the form of engaging, playful activities that allow children to explore, experiment, and learn through direct experience.
In this section, you will find some practical examples of hands-on learning activities from my classroom. You'll see they are easy to implement and all help develop essential skills.
If you want to use some of them in your classroom, I have linked to my relevant blog posts and resources to help make your planning even easier!
As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Involving children in hands-on activities helps them gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and develop essential skills that will build a strong foundation for future learning.
1. Capacity Activities
Setting up hands-on capacity activities is pretty simple. These hands-on math activities will provide your students with countless learning opportunities.
All you need are a few containers of different sizes and a sensory tray filled with a base material like coloured rice, sand, or water. You’ll be amazed at how long children will stay engaged with filling and emptying containers.
This activity is one of the best ways for children to develop their estimating skills, understanding of conservation, and fine motor skills.
In my classroom, I often set out a sensory tray like this with a printable prompt from my 76 Measurement Provocations Pack for Foundation Stage.
Try this yourself: Gather a range of containers and let children explore how much each container holds by filling them with different materials. Add a printable prompt for guidance, and watch as your students discuss, estimate, and experiment with capacity.
For more hands-on measurement ideas, check out my blog post: 9 Fun Hands-on Measurement Activities for Kindergarten, where I share practical and fun measurement activities that your students will love.
2. Sorting Plants and Animals into Climate Habitats
Sorting is an important skill for preschool and kindergarten children to master.
One of my favourite hands-on activities for sorting develops critical thinking and problem-solving in both math and environmental science. It involves sorting animals and plants based on different climate habitats, helping children deepen their understanding of climates and seasons while also developing their sorting abilities.
Here’s how to do it: Set up climate boxes or sorting mats representing different climate zones, like a rainforest, desert, or polar region. Provide animal and plant figures or pictures for sorting. Children will explore and categorise the figures, discussing their reasoning and observations about how animals and plants adapt to different environments.
This activity fosters scientific thinking and the real-world scenarios help children develop their ability to classify and categorise according to various characteristics. You can expand the learning by adding books, vocabulary cards, and posters that provide more information on these climates.
Check out my resource Animal Habitat Flashcards for Picture Sorts, a comprehensive set of 63 animal and 7 matching habitat cards. With real-life photos perfect for habitat sorting they can even be used for writing activities, vocabulary work, and science projects as well.
3. Loose Parts Play for Learning About Quantities and Numbers
Loose parts play offers so many opportunities for hands-on math learning, especially when teaching concepts like quantities and numbers. By adding number posters, number cards, and related texts to your loose parts area, you’ll easily inspire mathematical investigations that are both fun and educational.
This investigation area can stay set up for an entire term!
Just change the types of loose parts (e.g., natural materials, beads, buttons) to keep the kids interested and engaged.
Adding my printable Loose Parts Number Mats will further provoke number exploration and help children practice number concepts while they play.
Try this: Set up a loose parts area with number cards and posters. Offer materials like shells, pebbles, or buttons for children to arrange and count. They’ll naturally begin exploring quantities and building their understanding of numbers through play.
For more ideas like this one, check out my blog post: 23 Loose Parts Ideas for Early Childhood Math.
4. Hands-on Learning Resources
Hands-on learning is all about learning by doing, and it's one of the most effective ways for young children to explore the curriculum. If you want more ideas, check out my blog post: The 5 Best Resources for Hands-On Learning in Early Childhood Classrooms.
There is an endless stream of wonderful play-based learning resources available to early childhood educators these days. You could spend thousands of dollars fitting out your classroom – believe me – I know!!
If you want to get the best bang for your buck, I’ve got 5 must-have resources that should be on the top of your early childhood classroom resources list.
These top resources will make your hands-on learning activities fun, educational, and easy to implement. They will help your students master the curriculum and they’ll be having so much fun, they won’t even realise how many content descriptors they are covering!
The Role of the Teacher in Facilitating Hands-on Learning
In a hands-on learning environment, the role of the teacher shifts from direct instruction to facilitation.
As facilitators, we
guide the exploration
provide tools and materials that encourage discovery
foster an environment where curiosity leads the way.
One of the most powerful strategies early childhood teachers can use to take their hands-on learning activities to a higher level is that of asking open-ended questions. These types of questions prompt students to think critically, explore multiple solutions, and engage deeply with the subject matter.
Next time your students are engaged in a hands-on learning activity, try asking questions like “What do you think would happen if…?” or “How could you make this work differently?” You’ll be surprised at the conversations you’ll have.
Interested in my little open-ended question teaching hack? Print out some question prompts and add them to a keyring. It makes it easy to have them at your fingertips so you can refer to them and ensure that every moment is an opportunity for deeper thinking.
Want to get a printable copy of all my questions? 👇
Teachers also play an essential role in setting up the physical space with materials that spark curiosity.
Whether it's loose parts for math investigations, sensory bins for scientific exploration, or art supplies for creative box constructions, having the right resources available ensures children learn through their hands-on play.
One of the best ways to facilitate hands-on learning is by setting up learning invitations or provocations. When set up correctly, these carefully designed hands-on learning setups prompt exploration and encourage students to dive into meaningful learning experiences.
If you’re looking for ready-made provocations and resources to ensure you set up engaging and purposeful learning environments, check out my Purposeful and Educational Resources HERE. There's a variety of hands-on learning resources to support you in your classroom so you can find success with hands-on learning.
Why Hands-on Learning is Essential for Early Childhood Education
Hands-on learning is the most effective method for engaging young learners, fostering critical thinking, and boosting retention.
When children actively participate in their learning through hands-on exploration, discovery, and play, they gain a deeper understanding of concepts, build essential skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Ready to make hands-on learning a priority in your classroom?
Download my free guide to play-based learning and start making a difference in your early childhood classroom today!
You’ll find practical strategies, teaching tips and ideas that make incorporating hands-on activities easy and fun.
And before you go - explore all my tried and tested hands-on learning resources
These printable materials are the best resources for early childhood teachers because they promote active learning and engagement. Check them out now to reap all the benefits of hands-on learning and put an end to constant student distractions or disruptions.