What sets a private school education at St. Barnabas apart? A lot of things – one of which is hands-on learning. You’ve probably noticed that you have an easier time understanding and remembering how to do something if you get to actually do it yourself. This is especially true for students.

Surely, there is value in more traditional learning through lecturing, graded work, and tests. However, students learn best when these traditional classroom experiences are paired with opportunities to engage with and apply the information they’re learning. Not only do hands-on activities help hold their interest, but students who participate in hands-on activities are better able to remember new concepts and integrate them as they continue through their education and career.

The Benefits of Hands-On Learning

Students often say they prefer hands-on learning because it’s more fun. And we’re okay with that! There is nothing wrong with having fun at school. In fact, we want our students to have fun in the classroom. That means we’re engaging their interests and finding effective ways to connect them to the material.

Of course, “fun” is not the only reason we’re so focused on hands-on or active learning. Here are a few other top benefits of this approach:

• It engages different learning styles: Some students learn best by reading, others by listening, and others by “doing.” Active learning gives those who learn by doing (which is a lot of students) an opportunity to thrive.
• It shows how the material is used: By applying what they’ve learned, students come to understand why the material is important. Kids are more driven to learn when they understand the “why.”
• It teaches soft skills: Hands-on activities often teach teamwork, fine motor skills, and critical thinking – which are just as important as the class material itself.
• It engages other interests: Through hands-on work, students often get to engage their interest in art, music, or communication while also learning class material.

How We Prioritize Hands-On Learning

At our private school, we incorporate active learning throughout our entire academic program, from K4 to 8th Grade. Here are some of the key ways we achieve this goal:

Thoughtful Lesson Plans

We can’t say enough good things about our incredible faculty. They create such thoughtful lesson plans that include plenty of games, experiments, and group activities to not only hold students’ interest but also give students opportunities to apply the information they’ve learned in lectures.

For example, our kindergartners recently participated in Detective Day. They used math, writing, and art skills to solve a mystery as a team. And our older students routinely apply the scientific method through laboratory experiments that help them better understand how scientists learn and think.

Intentional Field Trips

Who doesn’t love a field trip? These trips build memories that last a lifetime, but they also give students a chance to learn and apply themselves in a new environment.

At St. Barnabas School, we intentionally plan field trips where students can learn and engage with material that complements the material they’ve been learning in the classroom. Our Pre-K4 class already took a trip to the Central Florida Zoo, an amazing opportunity to meet exotic animals and learn about their native habitats!

Unique Extracurricular Experiences

We prioritize extracurriculars at St. Barnabas Episcopal School. Sports, Advanced Math Challenges, Chess Clubs, Theater Performances – they’re about more than having fun. They’re also opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom.

Students in Chess Club use reasoning skills to improve their game and gain an edge over their opponent. Those in basketball or soccer have opportunities to practice teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. And you’d better believe our young actors and screenwriters incorporate material from their classes into their performances and scripts!

Alumni Visits

“When am I ever going to use this?”

Has your child asked you this question? It’s a common one – and it’s a fair question. Students are more interested in learning something once they’re able to integrate it with the knowledge and skills they already have and once they understand why it’s important.

One way we promote this active learning and understanding is through alumni visits. We have our alumni return to speak to current students about their careers and how their education at St. Barnabas helped them achieve their goals.

Hands-on and active learning make for a more enjoyable, effective, and well-rounded education. To learn more about the curriculum and extracurricular activities at our private school in DeLand, Florida, schedule a tour of our campus. We’d be happy to welcome you and your child into the thriving family at St. Barnabas Episcopal School.