Using hands-on learning to engage students - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

A survey finds that more and more teachers are using hands-on activities to help their students learn.

Sunday at Discovery Playhouse there was certainly a lot of learning going on, and kids probably didn't even know it.

According to the Resource Area for Teachers, 99-percent of teachers report that their students are more engaged in learning and retain knowledge longer because of hands on learning.

A child development specialist at the Playhouse supports interactive learning and says any time kids can learn by doing, parents can't go wrong.

"I think the best way for kids to learn is to experience it for themselves," said Suzie Delacruz. "Whether it's really in the grocery store and they're picking out two boxes of something or doing it in our play grocery story."

A Heartland teacher tells Heartland News that learning doesn't stop when children leave the classroom.

They say parents can help their kids learn by letting them help around the house.

That can be simple things like letting kids help make their own lunches.

Teachers say anything that will engage children's minds will help strengthen their learning skills.

Delacruz says hands on learning teaches kids by doing, rather than by seeing. Parents agree.

"When they can touch stuff and learn from what they're doing, it's better than reading it in a book and trying to figure out on their own what they're supposed to be doing," said Tina Bell, a mother of two.

At this rate, with kids like these, the future is in good hands.

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