· By Aphisith Saykanya
Why do hands-on creative workshops beat screen time every time?
In today's digital world, it is almost difficult to escape screens. From educational applications to entertainment, screens have become an integral part of our children's everyday lives. While technology has numerous advantages, excessive screen time may have negative consequences, especially when it substitutes for more active, hands-on types of learning.
As parents, educators, and carers, we must create a balance between digital exposure and in-person interactions. In this piece, we'll look at why hands-on learning is so important for children's cognitive and emotional development, and how it outperforms the advantages of passive screen time.
- Improve children’s cognitive functioning through craft activities
Participating in interactive learning experiences can activate multiple senses including the brain, resulting in improved cognitive growth when compared to activities that rely on screens. Playing with hands-on activities such as painting, sculpting or even assembling pieces can be great for young children as it helps them develop critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Physical engagement also fosters a deeper understanding of the activities they engage in and improves their memory retention.
- Emotional expression
Expressing oneself creatively goes beyond mere entertainment; it serves as an important means of conveying emotions especially amongst children. Engaging in hands-on activities like the ones we provide is a valuable outlet for children to introspectively learn about themselves and freely express themselves in a positive and secure way. Interactive activities can be beneficial for children in managing their emotions, reducing stress, and enhancing their self-confidence.
- Smoothly integrating in social settings
Engaging in interactive learning often includes group activities, which can be beneficial for fostering social skills. Participating in group art projects and workshops can help children develop important social skills such as teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving. These are not only going to benefit them in the short term but are essential tools for their future endeavours. For example, children in a workshop have the opportunity to collaborate and create beautiful jewellery pieces. Every child contributes to the group, developing important skills in communication, collaboration, and empathy. While screen-based interactions, such as video games or online conversations, can help build social connections, they still fall short of the depth and complexity that comes with collaborating in person in a creative environment.
- Enhancement of physical mobility
Hands-on learning substantially improves physical mobility, which is sometimes lacking in activities that depend only on displays. Cutting, painting, and assembling are all tasks that can assist young children improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Imagine a little child skilfully threading beads onto a string to make a stunning necklace. Getting the hang of this fundamental exercise requires precision, focus, and agility, all of which are necessary for strengthening motor abilities. Fine motor skills are essential for daily activities like writing, tying shoes, and using tools. Participating in hands-on activities allows young children to enhance their abilities and provide a firm foundation for increasingly difficult physical tasks as they grow older.
- Encourage Curiosity and Exploration
Engaging in practical learning allows children to actively discover, test, and ask questions. There is a deeper aspect to this than simply following instructions; it involves a sense of exploration and inquisitiveness. Nurturing this innate curiosity is crucial for fostering a lifelong passion for knowledge. Of course the internet feels like an ocean of information, yet they often fail to stimulate the same level of curiosity and critical thinking as hands-on activities.
Our workshops are designed to create engaging and inspiring learning opportunities for children. Take a moment to explore our range of workshops and see how we can help your child's development with interactive and immersive activities that go beyond the digital world.