Making Classrooms Alive with Experiential Learning

In today’s time, just giving lectures or making children copy from blackboard is not enough. If we really want children to learn properly, we must focus more on experiential learning. It means students learn by doing, by exploring with their own hands, and by connecting lessons with real life.

Research says children remember only about 10% of what they read, but up to 90% of what they do. That is why hands-on and activity-based learning is much more effective than only memorisation.

For Teachers – Simple Ideas That Work

One nice method is the Reggio Emilia approach, which started in Italy but now many progressive schools in India also follow. This approach tells teachers to make classrooms creative, full of projects, stories, arts and activities. For example, instead of only explaining photosynthesis, take children in garden, let them observe sunlight on leaves, draw what they see, and then connect it with the concept. The same lesson becomes far more powerful.

Even small tricks help a lot. Like the “thumbs up / thumbs down” technique. After teaching, ask children to quickly show thumbs up if they understood, thumbs down if not. In one second, you know who needs help.

Also, teacher training is key. A single workshop in one year will not change much. But if schools keep one short session every week where teachers share and practice new ideas, slowly it becomes a habit. Keeping a habit tracker (even a simple sheet) can remind teachers of trying at least one new method every week.

And do not forget morning circles. Starting class with 5 minutes where children share how they feel or what they did yesterday builds trust. Teachers can then connect the day’s topic to those small experiences. Children listen better because they feel included.

Classroom discipline is also important. Not punishment, but clear and consistent rules. For example, fixed signals for silence, or small group work rules. Research shows children perform better when they know the routine clearly.

Also try to assess not only marks but also behaviour and engagement. Did a child ask a question? Did they help a friend? Were they participating or distracted? A simple checklist can show this. Education is not only about marks, it is about building character also.

For Parents – Why This Matters to You

Parents often worry – “Will my child score good marks?” But real education is not only about marks. A child who learns by doing understands deeply, remembers longer, and can apply it in life.

For example, when a child learns fractions by cutting an actual apple into pieces, they never forget it. When a child learns teamwork by making a project with friends, they develop confidence and social skills. These are life-long values.

Also, experiential learning makes children enjoy school. Many parents complain, “My child does not want to study.” But when lessons are linked with real life, children become curious on their own. A child who once hated maths may enjoy it if asked to measure their own cricket pitch or design a birthday budget.

Parents can also support at home. Encourage children to ask questions, allow them to help in cooking, shopping, gardening. All these are small learning opportunities. Instead of focusing only on homework marks, notice if your child is becoming more independent, curious, and confident. That is the true sign of learning.

Indian Examples

• A CBSE school in Delhi teaches history through role play. Children act as freedom fighters, write small dialogues, and present. Students remember more than by reading alone.
• An IB school in Bangalore uses maths projects like measuring their own classroom for area and perimeter. Children learn formula while applying in daily life.
• A small school in Punjab does daily morning circles. Teachers shared that shy students have started speaking more, and even discipline issues reduced.

These stories show that experiential learning is not only for big fancy schools. Any school – small or large, rural or city – can try. Even local markets, parks, and homes can be classrooms.

Final Thought

If teachers and parents both work together, our classrooms can become vibrant hubs of energy and creativity. Students will not only pass exams, they will grow into thinkers, problem solvers, and good human beings.

At the end, one thing is clear: education should not only be taught, it should be lived. When children live their learning, they carry it for life.