Experiential Learning
What if the world was your child’s classroom? Children learn through their experiences and their are so many experiences your city has to offer - from its museums to its natural wonders, parks and forests. Some (if not all) of. the best learning happens outside the classroom, so much so that many families choose to do all their learning outside the classroom. When children learn through experience, they have a powerful emotional and physical connection to what they learned and are able to reflect on what they learned, helping them shape critical thinking skills and retain information. Outdoor instruction, where children learn in nature is so important for developing science, math and artistic skills, physical and emotional development as well as learning about sustainability and developing a connection to nature. The resources our city has to offer for learning are endless. A visit to the park, museum, cultural organizations, a trip to the symphony are all fantastic ways to encourage your child’s sponge-like mind to absorb all the learning opportunities around them!
Experiential Learning Theory
“According to David Kolb, experiential learning is a process by which knowledge results from different combinations of grasping and transforming experiences. We can grasp experience two different ways; through concrete experience and abstract conceptualization.” -Very Well Mind . Learn more about Experiential Learning and get inspiration for activities you can do with your child to support learning through direct experience.
Randall Museum
Museums are wonderful resources for learning, especially in a big city like San Francisco - and the Randall is one of our favorites! Take classes, talk to the docents and explore. “The Randall Museum is a natural history museum, science museum and arts center in one, offering hands-on learning through exhibits and classes in science, nature and art to all ages. The museum has many fun things to do with kids and adults alike, including live animal encounters and drop-in activities.”
Volunteer with SF Food bank
Service-Learning is one of the key types of Experiential Education, according to John Dewey’s framework for hands-on learning. Volunteering is a wonderful way to teach your child skills such as Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility - the San Francisco Food Bank is a great place for your family to start helping out as a family! The SF Marin Food Bank states on its website “Your time and dedication are important resources in the fight against hunger. Shifts are offered at our warehouses in San Rafael and San Francisco. Projects typically involve sorting fresh produce, packaging bulk foods, assembling grocery boxes for seniors, and sorting donations from food drives. During weekdays, our minimum age is 11. On Saturdays, our minimum age is 8, and on Sundays, it is 4 years old.” Learn more about different places you can take your child to volunteer here.
SF Jazz
What better way to start appreciating music than take advantage of the matinees and workshops offered by SF Jazz. “The stunning SFJAZZ Center may look all grown up, but the truth is that we love it when little music lovers fill up their seats. And while all ages are welcome to any show at the center, we throw an extra-special monthly matinee aimed right at families…Select Family Matinees are followed by interactive workshops in the Joe Henderson Lab for matinee ticket holders. Capacity is limited to 50 participants and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-ups take place at a table in the lobby on the day of the concert.” Can’t make it? No Worries! All family matinées are live-streamed!”
Nature Nurture
“At the core of the original Nature Nurture class, ROOTS provides children with a Safe, FUN and Respectful opportunity to connect with the Earth and their peers in our signature size class of six children and two teachers. Children meander at their own pace in our all-outdoor three-hour class through hands-on experiences and adventures, while being gently mentored by Nature Nurture trained teachers as they enhance, learn and practice the fine art and ever-important life skill of honoring all living things, including others and themselves. Hikes and adventures for ROOTS children include Presidi-Go bus rides to Presidio beaches, forests, nursery, stables and more!” -