Every child learns differently, but there are some fascinating facts about how young minds absorb and process information that might surprise you. The way children learn isn’t just about textbooks and classroom lessons—it’s about curiosity, engagement, and connection. Here are ten surprising things you might not know about the way kids learn.
- Children learn best through play.
Play isn’t just fun—it’s how children explore, experiment, and make sense of the world. Activities like building with blocks, storytelling, and imaginative role-play all contribute to cognitive and social development. - Movement improves focus and retention.
Physical activity isn’t just important for health—it also boosts brain function. Studies show that children who move more during the school day tend to have better focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. - Mistakes actually help learning.
Struggling through a problem or making mistakes helps kids learn more effectively than getting everything right the first time. That’s because the brain strengthens connections when it corrects errors. - Reading aloud builds lifelong literacy skills.
Even after children can read on their own, reading aloud with them boosts comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. It also strengthens parent-child bonds. - Emotional well-being impacts academic success.
Kids who feel safe, supported, and confident in their school environment are more likely to excel academically. Learning is about more than just facts—it’s about emotional and social development too. - Music and the arts enhance learning in all subjects.
Engagement in music, drama, and visual arts helps develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Arts education is linked to improved performance in math and science. - Curiosity is a stronger motivator than rewards.
Kids learn best when they’re genuinely interested in a topic. Encouraging curiosity—asking open-ended questions and letting kids explore topics they love—leads to deeper learning than external rewards like stickers or prizes. - Hands-on learning leads to deeper understanding.
When kids get to manipulate objects, conduct experiments, or physically engage with a subject, they retain information better than through passive listening alone. - Peer interactions are just as important as teacher instruction.
Kids learn not only from teachers but also from each other. Social learning—such as working in groups or explaining concepts to peers—reinforces understanding and encourages collaboration. - A love of learning starts at home.
School plays a huge role in education, but learning truly begins at home. Simple things like having conversations, exploring nature, or cooking together provide valuable learning opportunities.
At Hanover Academy, we believe that learning is about more than memorizing facts—it’s about fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love for discovery. When children feel engaged, supported, and excited about learning, they develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
