Contextual learning is a fancy way of saying that the kids own their learning, slotting it effortlessly into their individual world view. Clear as mud. Here's another nutshell attempt : learning happens in a meaningful way linked to real world experience.
Wave goodbye to 6 + 6 = 12. Say hello to "You ate 6 biscuits. Your brother ate 6 biscuits. How cross is Mummy on a scale of 1 to 12?"
It's a big hunky theory to explain something that is regular common sense once you shine a light on it. If you're told something or discover something that relates to your own experiences or hopes or interests then you're more likely to retain and assimilate the information.
Children however are far too lazy to have gone out there and done all the great stuff we adults have done like travel to Antigua, get a mortgage, cook a paella, celebrate their 30th birthday, shop at Argos and dance the tango. The more new experiences I expose the boys to the more reference points we have for their learning. Field trip freedom is one of my favourite aspects of EHE.
It works in a classroom setting too and I am starting small.
When we were doing time this week, W was struggling and getting increasingly frustrated. W is a tactile learner so if cutting, throwing a die or sticking can be integral to what we're doing then he'll pick it up faster. We ditched the worksheets and got out the card, scissors and split pins.
When it all goes wrong and you're faced with a mutiny you can salvage the day by reverting to an activity they love and sneaking the learning in.
Like mashing up broccoli in their yoghurts.
Like mashing up broccoli in their yoghurts.
