Last year was a busy and eye-opening one for me as both a daycare owner and a business owner selling learning materials for daycare and early childhood education. I attended several conferences and seminars on childcare, and I learned so much that has helped me grow personally and professionally. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many amazing daycare owners, parents, and educators who share one common goal: to inspire young minds. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from listening to these passionate individuals, it’s that hands-on learning is not just a method; it’s a game-changer.
The truth is, kids learn best when they’re actively engaged. Whether it’s exploring textures, solving puzzles, or planting seeds, hands-on learning creates experiences that stick. And the beauty of being in Chattanooga is that our city offers an abundance of inspiration—both indoors and outdoors—to make hands-on learning come alive in your classroom.
So, how do you incorporate hands-on learning effectively? Here are some ideas, sprinkled with a little storytelling and a whole lot of Chattanooga charm.
Start Small: A Simple Activity Can Spark Big Curiosity
In one of the daycare centers here in Chattanooga, the teacher, Miss Elaine, had set up a sensory table filled with sand, shells, and small pebbles from the Tennessee River. She told me the theme was “Exploring Nature,” and the kids were encouraged to dig, feel, and imagine they were at the riverbank.
What struck me was how simple yet impactful this activity was. The children weren’t just playing—they were learning about textures, sorting objects by size, and even discussing where shells come from.
You don’t need elaborate materials to start. Everyday items—like rice, beans, or shaving cream—can become tools for sensory play. Pair these materials with a theme, like “Under the Sea” or “Autumn Adventures,” and let the kids dive in.
Bring Chattanooga’s Outdoors Into Your Classroom
One of the greatest advantages we have as educators in Chattanooga is the natural beauty around us. From the Chattanooga Riverwalk to Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, our city is a treasure trove of outdoor learning opportunities.
Why not bring a bit of that magic into your classroom? Take inspiration from Lookout Mountain or the Tennessee Aquarium to create activities that reflect the natural world.
For example, you can set up a “Chattanooga Wildlife” corner with plastic animal figurines, tree branches, and river rocks. I’ve seen teachers use these materials to teach lessons on ecosystems or habitats, and the kids absolutely light up. Bonus points if you can plan a field trip to one of these iconic Chattanooga spots—it helps solidify those connections even more.
Incorporate Everyday Problem-Solving
At another childcare center, the teacher used local landmarks as inspiration for building challenges. She asked the children to “build their own Walnut Street Bridge” using wooden blocks, popsicle sticks, and glue.
The result? Kids of all ages were engrossed in engineering their masterpieces. Some bridges were simple, while others were intricate, but each child walked away with a sense of accomplishment.
Activities like this encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. Plus, incorporating something familiar makes the project more relatable and exciting for kids in Chattanooga.
Get Creative with Seasonal Themes
Chattanooga is breathtaking in every season, and this can serve as inspiration for classroom activities. In the fall, you can collect colorful leaves from your own backyard and use them for art projects or science lessons.
I’ve heard of one teacher who turned her classroom into a mini fall festival. She set up stations for pumpkin painting, corn kernel sensory bins, and a “weigh and compare” activity with various gourds. The kids not only had fun but also practiced fine motor skills and math concepts like measurement and estimation.
In winter, you might create a “snowstorm in a jar” using water, oil, and glitter, or in spring, plant flowers in small pots while talking about life cycles. Seasonal activities keep the curriculum fresh and engaging while also helping kids connect with the world around them.
Invite Parents to Join the Fun
As a parent and educator myself, I know how powerful it can be to involve families in hands-on learning. Last year, one of my customers, hosted a “Family Science Night” where kids and their parents worked together to create volcanoes using baking soda and vinegar.
It was such a hit that many parents told her they wanted to try more science experiments at home. This not only deepened the kids’ love for learning but also strengthened the bond between the daycare and the families it serves.
Think about hosting similar events at your center or school. It could be a nature walk scavenger hunt, a DIY art night, or even a community garden project. The goal is to show parents how easy and rewarding it is to engage in hands-on learning with their children.
Stock Up on the Right Materials
If you’re wondering where to start, I’ve got you covered. My shop here in Chattanooga is stocked with tools and materials that make hands-on learning a breeze. From craft supplies to STEM kits, we’ve curated items specifically for educators and parents who want to make learning interactive and fun.
For instance, one of our top sellers is a set of wooden number puzzles that double as a math game. Kids can physically manipulate the pieces, which makes abstract concepts like addition and subtraction much easier to grasp.
I’d love for you to stop (2115 East 3rd St. Chattanooga TN) by or browse our website, www.letsgoexpress.org to see how we can support your classroom goals.
Let’s Inspire the Next Generation of Thinkers
As educators in Chattanooga, we have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. Hands-on learning isn’t just a strategy—it’s a way to spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.
So, whether you’re creating a sensory bin inspired by the Tennessee River or building a replica of the Incline Railway, remember that the goal is to engage your students in meaningful, memorable ways.
Let’s keep working together to make our classrooms places where kids can explore, create, and thrive. If you have any favorite hands-on learning ideas or need suggestions for your classroom, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can build a brighter future for the children of Chattanooga.