How Hands-On Learning Can Help Your Struggling Child

Does your child have a hard time with traditional classroom learning? The maker education movement offers a hands-on approach that helps kids understand science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through real projects. This learning style can be perfect for children who learn better by doing rather than just reading or listening.

We’ve written about STEM education and its growth into STEAM (adding arts to science, technology, engineering, and math). These subjects connect directly to maker-based learning, which focuses on creating and building to understand concepts.

What is the Maker Education Movement?

This educational approach comes from the broader maker movement. You might have seen Make magazine or attended a Maker Faire event in your city. Some people call it “hacking” or modern DIY projects, but it’s much more specific than basic crafts.

Making in education involves creating anything from food projects to sewing and computer programming. In schools, it focuses mainly on STEAM subjects. Kids and adults learn to work with small computers called microprocessors and use 3D printers. They build robots and create wearable technology.

Sometimes these projects solve real problems. Other times, they help students understand how technology works. Teachers see maker-based learning as a way to make STEAM subjects more interesting and practical for students.

Many children learn better when they can touch and experiment with materials. “Tinkering” is an important word in this approach. It means experimenting and learning through hands-on exploration.

Schools that use maker education focus on several key ideas:

• Students drive their own learning
• Projects combine multiple subjects
• Kids teach each other
• Making mistakes is part of learning
• Trying again after failure leads to success

The goal isn’t just the final product. This approach teaches children how to learn on their own and solve problems creatively.

How the Maker Education Movement Helps Today’s Students

Hands-on learning works especially well for children who struggle with traditional classroom methods. When kids can build and create, they often understand concepts better than through textbooks alone.

Here’s what makes this approach effective:

Real-world connections: Projects relate to things kids see and use every day. Building a simple robot helps them understand how their video games work.

Collaboration: Children work together on projects, learning from each other. This peer teaching often works better than adult instruction for some kids.

Problem-solving: Students learn to fix things when they break or don’t work as expected. This builds confidence and persistence.

Multiple learning styles: Maker education combines visual, hands-on, and logical thinking. This helps children who struggle with just one type of learning.

Ownership: When kids choose their own projects, they care more about the results. This motivation can be missing from regular homework assignments.

Where to Find Maker Programs in Canada

Schools, libraries, community centres, and other organizations across Canada now offer Makerspaces (also called Hackerspaces). These rooms have equipment and tools for hands-on learning activities.

Not all schools have Makerspaces yet, but parents can find other ways to get their children involved. Here are current resources to help you start:

National Organizations:

• Maker Ed – A non-profit that helps organizations start maker programs locally
• Make Magazine – Official media source for maker projects and ideas
• Maker Faire – Conventions where families can see and try hands-on learning activities

Canadian Resources:

• Steamlabs – Ontario organization offering maker opportunities for children
• Local libraries – Many Canadian libraries now have maker spaces with 3D printers and other tools
• Community centres – Check your local community centre for maker programs

You can also search online for “Makerspace near me” or “maker programs” plus your city name. Many local organizations offer these programs but might not appear in national directories.

Starting Maker Activities at Home

Parents don’t need expensive equipment to begin hands-on learning projects. Simple activities can help children develop the same problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

Easy starter projects:

• Building with cardboard and tape
• Simple cooking or baking projects
• Basic sewing or fabric crafts
• Growing plants or small gardens
• Taking apart old electronics (safely)

Slightly advanced projects:

• Arduino or Raspberry Pi starter kits
• 3D printing pens
• Simple robotics kits
• Digital art and design programs
• Basic woodworking with supervision

The key is letting children experiment, make mistakes, and try again. This educational approach values the learning process more than perfect results.

Benefits for Children Who Struggle in Traditional Classrooms

The maker education movement can be especially helpful for children who find regular school challenging. Here’s why this approach works:

• Different learning style: Some kids understand better through hands-on work rather than lectures or reading.
• Immediate feedback: When something doesn’t work, children see the problem right away and can fix it.
• Multiple attempts encouraged: Maker-based learning treats mistakes as learning opportunities, not failures.
• Personal interest: Children can choose projects that interest them, making learning feel less like work.
• Confidence building: Successfully completing a project gives children pride and motivation to try more challenging tasks.
• Social skills: Working on projects with others helps children practice communication and teamwork.

How Schools Are Using Maker Education

Many schools are adding hands-on learning programs to help students engage with STEAM subjects. These programs often replace or supplement traditional computer classes.

Teachers report that students who struggle with traditional lessons often excel in maker spaces. The hands-on approach helps children understand abstract concepts by building physical examples.

Some schools integrate maker projects into regular subjects. For example, students might build historical models in social studies or create science experiment tools in physics class.

The Future of Maker Education in Canada

Hands-on learning continues growing in Canadian schools and communities. As technology becomes more accessible, more families can participate in these learning experiences.

Many post-secondary schools now offer maker programs and degrees. Students who start with hands-on learning activities in elementary school often develop strong problem-solving skills that help them throughout their education.

Need More Help With Your Child’s Learning?

The maker education movement offers an alternative approach for children who struggle with traditional teaching methods. Hands-on learning can build confidence and help kids discover their strengths.

If your child needs extra support with STEAM subjects or general learning challenges, School is Easy offers personalized tutoring that adapts to different learning styles. Our experienced tutors understand that every child learns differently and can help your child succeed using methods that work best for them. Connect with us today to see how we can support your child’s unique learning needs.