5 Creative Ways To Include Hands On Learning While Homeschooling

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I have not been influenced in any way and all opinions are my own. We didn’t start homeschooling to continue boring lessons, did we? Having the ability to include hands on learning in our every day homeschooling lessons was definitely one of the reasons my husband and I decided to pull our kids from public school. With homeschooling numbers on the rise, new homeschooling parents all over the United States are on the search for effective (and cost-effective!) homeschool curriculum, homeschooling tips, inspiration and more. Now that my family and I are a few years into our homeschooling experience, I’m happy to share my homeschool experiences and suggestions with others in hopes that they’ll end up enjoying homeschooling just... Take a quick look around my blog and you’ll notice that my kids truly thrive when they have access to hands on learning experiences.

Gone are the days of spending hours sitting behind desks while enduring seemingly repetitive (read: boring) lessons from musty textbooks. You’ll find none of that here! You will, however, find plenty of ways to make learning meaningful, memorable, & fun! Homeschooling offers the flexibility to tailor your child’s education to their unique learning style. One of the most effective techniques for keeping students engaged is through hands-on learning. This approach not only makes lessons more enjoyable but also reinforces concepts in a practical, memorable way.

Incorporating hands-on learning into your homeschool routine offers countless benefits, from making abstract concepts tangible to enhancing engagement and retention. By involving your children in creative, practical activities, you help them connect with the material on a deeper level. This foster a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom. Remember, the goal is to make learning enjoyable and meaningful. Experiment with the ideas shared here, and adapt them to suit your family’s unique needs and interests. Whether it’s a science experiment, a DIY project, or an artistic effort, each hands-on activity can be a valuable opportunity.

These activities allow your children to explore, discover, and grow. Above all, enjoy the journey of learning together. The memories you create through these shared experiences will not only reinforce academic concepts but also strengthen your family bonds. So, dive in, have fun, and watch your homeschool come alive with creativity and curiosity! By submitting your information, you’re giving us permission to email you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

These days, it seems like hands-on homeschool is a buzzword of sorts. What’s all the fuss about? It’s best to define hands-on first because I think its overall meaning might surprise you. You see, hands-on learning can actually mean several things. Most obviously, hands-on means “touching” things during lessons. For instance, rather than reading about simple machines, you actually use simple machines to learn about their characteristics.

Or, when learning about the rock cycle, you make your own rocks by taking them through a rock cycle simulation. Similar to the definition above, hands-on can also mean learning by doing. When you learn about Colonial history and actually do several of the tasks that would have been done during that era, that’s hands-on. As are cooking or baking. Hands-on can also mean connecting somewhat abstract ideas to experiences that build concrete understanding. In other words, real-life experiences become building blocks in the brain, allowing more complex concepts to make sense.

For example, using snap cubes to help a child “see” the formulas for calculating perimeter, area, and volume. Or, using beans to teach how scientists determine a taxonomy. Check out what's new at Knowledge Crates! If you're new to homeschooling, you’ve probably heard the phrase "hands-on learning," but what does that really mean? Think about how kids naturally learn when they play—they touch, build, and explore. Hands-on learning taps into that curiosity by letting kids engage with materials and activities instead of just listening to explanations or filling out worksheets.

Let me give you an example. Imagine you're teaching your child how to count money. The traditional way might be having them memorize coin values from a worksheet, which—let's be honest—can feel a little dull (not to mention, result in some less-than-idea enthusiasm and cooperation from your little learner). Now, imagine setting up a pretend store where they "buy" and "sell" items using real coins. They get to handle the money, count it out, and problem-solve when making change. Suddenly, math feels like a fun game instead of a chore!

Hands-on learning makes concepts stick because kids are experiencing them rather than just reading about them. It works well for all learning styles and helps children develop problem-solving skills through exploration. I know what you might be thinking—sure, hands-on learning sounds great, it's the dream ... but we've got a lot of stuff to get done! Can’t we just stick to the books and get through the lessons? I GET IT.

But let's take a second to talk this out, and believe me, I'm writing this as much as a reminder to myself as advice to you on why this matters. One of the biggest questions homeschooling parents ask is: how can I balance screen-based learning with hands-on activities? While online homeschool curriculum offers convenience, structure, and flexibility, children also need opportunities to explore, create, and engage with the physical world around them. Blending the two approaches helps students stay motivated, deepens understanding, and creates a richer educational experience. Here are five practical ways to combine hands-on learning with your online homeschool program: When your child studies science concepts online, reinforce those lessons with experiments in the kitchen or backyard.

For example, if the curriculum covers states of matter, you can do a simple experiment with ice, water, and steam. If your student is learning about plants, try sprouting seeds in a jar. These hands-on experiments help abstract concepts become concrete. Math doesn’t have to stay on a screen or in a workbook. Cooking together is a perfect way to practice fractions, measurements, and ratios. Building projects with blocks, Legos, or even woodworking can bring geometry and problem-solving to life.

By applying math in everyday situations, students see the purpose behind what they are learning online. Balance time spent in front of a screen with creative outlets such as painting, drawing, music, or crafts. For instance, if your child is studying history online, they could create a diorama, timeline, or artwork representing that era. These projects allow students to engage their creativity while reinforcing the lessons they’ve studied. Welcome, courageous homeschooling parent, to the wonderful world of teaching your children from the comfort of your own home! Homeschooling can be a bit like riding a rollercoaster - thrilling, occasionally stomach-churning, but ultimately rewarding.

Now, before we dive headfirst into the treasure trove of homeschooling tips, let's talk about something that will make your life a whole lot easier and your child's education a whole lot more engaging:... Trust me, they're a game-changer. Think of your homeschooling schedule as a rubber band. It needs to be stretchy enough to accommodate spontaneous learning opportunities but sturdy enough to provide a reliable routine. Kids thrive on consistency, but the beauty of homeschooling is the ability to adapt. Plan your day with regular learning blocks, snack times, and breaks, but don't stress if a nature walk or an impromptu science experiment takes over.

Learning happens everywhere! One practical tip is to create a visual schedule. Use a whiteboard or a large poster board where you can write down the daily plan. Kids love knowing what to expect, and a visual aid can help them transition from one activity to the next. This can also be a great way to introduce the concept of time management to your children, helping them understand the value of allocating time for different activities. You don't need an entire room - a cozy corner will do.

Fill it with educational posters, a comfy reading nook, and shelves stocked with learning materials. Having a specific area for schoolwork helps kids distinguish between 'school time' and 'home time.' Plus, it's a great way to keep all those worksheets and craft supplies from taking over your dining room... Consider including a bulletin board where you can display your child's work and progress. This not only boosts their confidence but also makes the learning space feel personalized and special. Another tip is to use storage solutions like bins and shelves to keep the area organized. An organized space can help reduce distractions and create a more focused learning environment.

Homeschooling can be one of the most rewarding experiences for families, but it comes with challenges—chief among them keeping education engaging and enjoyable. Whether you’re homeschooling a curious preschooler or an independent teenager, finding ways to spark enthusiasm and make learning fun is essential. Here are 10 creative strategies to inspire curiosity and excitement across all age groups. Interactive, tactile activities are great for engaging learners of all ages. For Preschool: Sensory bins, finger painting, and homemade play-dough make concepts like colours and textures come alive. For Primary: Build models, create dioramas, or bake cookies to teach math, history, or science.

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