Student · Department of Psychology & Child Development ·
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
How do children learn outside of school?
It is important to understand that children’s learning is not just limited to the classroom (CDC). Children are naturally curious and interested in learning about the world around them, so we must provide opportunities to extend their learning beyond the four walls of a classroom. What happens before/after school and during school breaks is extremely important to children’s development and well-being. Out-of-school settings also pose a unique opportunity for children to develop their social-emotional-learning skills. Another major benefit of learning during out-of-school time is that it introduces children to new environments and new people outside of who they interact with at school. This gives children the opportunity to build relationships with new people. Since out-of-school settings tend to be less formal and structured, children are given opportunities to build trusting relationships (Harvard School of Education, 2017).
What are some examples of learning during out-of-school-time?
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Some ways children can continue their learning outside of the classroom include playing sports, playing instruments, attending summer camps, joining clubs, becoming Girl/Boy Scouts, participating in religious organizations, performing in theater programs, exploring nature, playing chess, riding bikes/scooters, and picking up various hobbies. All of these activities take place outside of school but provide opportunities for children to further their understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them.
