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However, some hands on projects have a major weakness. Kids will do a hands on project but don’t really understand why or what they’re supposed to learn from it. For example, kids might build a model volcano, but what for? What’s the point? There’s one quick way to fix this. Get the most value out of hands on projects with a follow up activity. This is a critical thinking activity where kids tell you — either in writing, in an oral presentation, or in a discussion — what they’ve learned and how it's important. Many times parents and teachers assume that kids get this key piece, but they usually don't unless they're specifically directed to focus and think on it. The follow up activity is a powerful wrap up to be used with all hands on projects. It can take any form you like, but it should ask these three things: 1) What did kids observe as they did the project? 2) What are their conclusions after finishing? 3) How do their conclusions connect to other things they've learned? The follow up only takes a few minutes to design, but it’s a powerful way to make kids focus their thoughts, communicate them clearly and connect their learning to other subjects or areas of their lives. Try a follow up and let me know how it goes for you. If you’re already doing them regularly, bravo!
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When kids get to play an active role in their learning with hands on projects, they gain a deeper understanding of the concepts taught. 