Education takes many forms, offering unique opportunities for acquiring knowledge and skills. Recently, educators have begun to embrace methods of holistic learning that deviate from the traditional way of imparting knowledge. One such method that continues to gain recognition among educators is called experiential learning adventures (ELA). ELA emphasizes hands-on experience, active involvement and real-world applications. It allows children to step outside the classroom’s confines and jump into a world of exploration, discovery and growth.
Rothewood Academy Daycare and Preschool provides a well-rounded educational experience encompassing structured education and ELA. Our approach combines the best of both worlds, offering a balanced curriculum that nurtures children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in ways that young children learn best.
Read on as we explore more about this learning method and how it works at Rothewood Academy.
What Are Experiential Learning Adventures?
Experiential learning refers to the acquisition of knowledge through immersion and first-hand experiences. It goes beyond traditional passive learning through reading, listening or doing.
Children learn through active engagement, exploration and reflection on their experiences. These activities may include science projects, visiting a local doctor’s office to see their equipment, or developing problem solving while on a scavenger hunt, all of which fall under the umbrella of ELA.
Experiential learning adventures are not just educational outings; they are transformative journeys that ignite curiosity, inspire creativity and foster a lifelong love of learning.
ELA places learners at the centre of their educational experience, allowing them to actively participate in the learning process. It encourages critical thinking and creativity and enhances problem-solving abilities as learners make connections between theory and practice.
Experiential Learning’s Key Characteristics
ELA encompasses three primary components: hands-on experiences, reflection and application. Together, these components make ELA a comprehensive educational tool that promotes deeper learning and individual development.
Hands-on Experiences
One of ELA’s defining features is its emphasis on hands-on experience. Instead of simply absorbing information, children are motivated to actively engage and participate in hands-on activities that make learning come alive.
This engagement fully immerses children in the learning experience. Whether planting trees in a local park or building a model bridge, these hands-on experiences provide a background for learning and allow children to develop deeper critical thinking skills that apply to real-life situations.
Reflection
Reflection is a critical component of ELA. After each adventure, children are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, identify key insights and consider how they can apply what they’ve learned in the future.
This process of reflection enables children to solidify their understanding, establish links between various encounters and establish objectives for personal and academic development. Additionally, it promotes metacognition – the process of reflecting on one’s own thoughts – crucial for continuous learning and independent investigation.
Application
In this context, application emphasizes the importance of linking theory with practical applications in the real world. Rather than learning in isolation, children see how concepts and ideas play out in real-life situations. For example, understanding the life cycle of a butterfly while on a walk through the botanical gardens at a park.
By experiencing these concepts in person, children gain a deeper appreciation for the subject matter and develop critical thinking skills beyond memorization.
Experiential Learning Adventures at Rothewood Academy
At Rothewood Academy, ELA offers children opportunities for hands-on exploration and immersive learning experiences. Through diverse adventures, from our creative play and drama program to our outdoor nature program, cultural excursions and STEM projects, children discover, create and connect with the world around them.
These adventures deepen their understanding of academic concepts and foster essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving.
Explore, Discover and Create with Us
Give your child the gift of learning beyond the classroom with experiential learning adventures at Rothewood Academy. Our highly trained and experienced educators are ready to unlock the possibilities of hands-on learning experiences with your child today.
Complete our contact form or message us to learn more about our schools or schedule a tour.
