10 Experiential Learning Activities for Non-reading Kids

Gardening is a fun and rewarding activity for kids and adults alike.

Experiential learning is, quite simply, learning through experience. These hands-on learning experiences are a great way to engage the minds and bodies of children and adults, alike.

As psychologist David Kolb, one of the people who proposed the theory of experiential learning said, it is the “…process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.”

For kids who have not yet started reading, those who struggle to read, and readers alike, experiential learning offers a way to learn, teach and transform our experiences by further engaging in them.

Some of these experiential learning activities and projects can be found in the children’s section of most libraries. Here are 10 of our favorites to get started:

1. Paint Sample Strips

Paint sample strips, or paint chips, which are found in home improvement stores, can be used for a number of experiential learning activities. Two fun and easy ones to try are:

• Create a matching game where your child finds the matching colors on another card.
• Take the strips outside and color match them with things you find in the natural world.

2. Nature Scavenger Hunt

A nature scavenger hunt could include looking for objects such as rocks, leaves, pine cones, bark, sticks, or feathers. You can look for items classified by shape (circle, triangle, square), color, or texture (smooth, soft, rough). Photos of items can be glued or drawn on a piece of paper, then glued to a bag for gathering.

3. Locate Local Landmarks

Print a photo sheet of places or objects around your neighborhood to be “found” when out and about. Places may include libraries, parks, government buildings, community spaces and historical buildings. Objects may include statues, points of interest, fountains, park features, a specific tree, or animal, etc.

4. Grow a Small Flower or Herb Garden

Whether you have an outdoor plot of land dedicated to a garden, a small space on a kitchen counter, or even just a window sill, you can garden with kids…