The early years are a whirlwind of discovery for a child.  Preschool provides a nurturing environment to cultivate this natural curiosity and lay the foundation for future learning.  But with various educational approaches, parents and educators might wonder: what’s the difference between experiential vs exploratory learning in preschool, and how can we leverage them effectively?

Understanding the Nuances: Experiential vs. Exploratory Learning in Preschool

Both experiential and exploratory learning emphasize active participation over passive instruction.  They create child-centered environments where play is the driving force for discovery. However, there are key differences in their focus and the role of the teacher (.## Diamond, Katherine Lee. “Promoting Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Directed Learning.” Early Childhood Education Journal 42.2 (2014): 141-148.).

Experiential Learning

This approach has a more structured focus, with specific learning objectives in mind. The teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding children through activities designed to develop particular skills like critical thinking and problem-solving (.## Hung, Daniel W., et al. “Experiential Learning in Early Childhood Education: A Literature Review.” Educational Research Quarterly 42.3 (2018): 48-67.).

Assessment Rubric for Experiential Learning:

Exploratory Learning

This approach is more open-ended, allowing children to explore freely and discover on their own. The teacher takes a more observational role, providing materials and ensuring safety while encouraging independent exploration (.## Moyle, Duncan. The Teaching of Young Children: A Handbook. Routledge, 2017.**).

Assessment Rubric for Exploratory Learning:

The Power of Sensory Learning in Both Approaches

While many people know experiential and exploratory learning involve sensory learning, they are not interchangeable. Both methods utilize sensory experiences, but in different ways:

Experiential Learning: Sensory experiences are often structured and focused. For example, a science experiment might involve children observing the texture of baking soda and vinegar as they erupt (sight and touch).

Exploratory Learning: Sensory experiences are open-ended and child-driven. A sensory bin filled with rice, beans, and cups allows children to explore textures freely using their senses of sight and touch.

Unveiling the Math Playground: Experiential vs. Exploratory Learning in Preschool Action

Let’s delve deeper and see how these approaches can be applied to specific learning objectives, like skip counting and sight words:

Learning Skip Counting: Experiential Approach

Activity:  Jumping on Number Line (Ages 4-5)

Materials: Large floor tape, marker, small toys or objects.

Instructions:

• Create a large number line on the floor using masking tape and a marker. Mark the numbers 1-10 or higher depending on the child’s skill level.
• Place the toys at regular intervals on the number line (e.g., every other number for skip counting by twos).
• Guide the child through a jumping activity, encouraging them to hop on each number with the toys while verbally counting by twos (“1, 3, 5, 7, 9”).
• Repeat the activity with different skip counting intervals (e.g., by fives).

Assessment:

Observe the child’s ability to follow instructions, identify numbers on the number line, and verbally skip count while jumping (refer to the Experiential Learning rubric).

Learning Skip Counting: Exploratory Approach

Activity:  Beanbag Toss (Ages 3-5)

Materials: Beanbags, bucket, chart with skip counting sequence written vertically

Instructions:

• Create a chart with a skip counting sequence written vertically (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8). You can use large numbers and bright colors to make it visually appealing.
• Place the bucket a few feet away from the chart.
• Provide the child with beanbags and explain the goal is to toss the beanbags into the bucket.
• Encourage them to explore throwing the beanbags and verbally counting out loud as they do. Initially, they may not count by twos, but the teacher can gently guide them by saying things like, “Let’s see if you can land two in a row!” or “Can you count by twos as you throw?”

Assessment:

Observe the child’s curiosity and exploration with the beanbags. Do they experiment with different throwing techniques?  Do they show any attempts to count by twos, even if it’s not perfect?  (Refer to the Exploratory Learning rubric).

Literacy Blooms: Experiential vs. Exploratory Learning in Preschool with Sight Words

Learning Sight Words: Experiential Approach

Activity:  Playdough Sight Word Mats (Ages 4-5)

Materials: Playdough in different colors, cookie cutters in the shape of letters, laminated sight word mats with blank spaces corresponding to the letter shapes.

Instructions:

• Prepare sight word mats with blank spaces where the letters of the target sight word should go.
• Provide the child with playdough and letter cookie cutters.
• Guide the child through forming the letters of the sight word using the playdough and cookie cutters, placing them in the corresponding blank spaces on the mat.
• As the child creates the letters, sound them out together and say the complete sight word.

Assessment:

Observe the child’s ability to follow instructions, identify letter sounds, and form the letters to spell the sight word (refer to the Experiential Learning rubric).

Learning Sight Words: Exploratory Approach

Activity:  Treasure Hunt (Ages 3-5)

Materials: Small objects or toys representing sight words (e.g., a toy car for “car”, a plastic cup for “cup”), laminated sight word cards hidden around the room.

Instructions:

• Hide the sight word cards around the room in various locations.
• Provide the child with the small objects/toys representing the sight words.
• Explain that they are on a treasure hunt to find the words that match their objects.
• Encourage them to explore the room, searching for the cards and matching them to the corresponding objects.

Assessment:

Observe the child’s curiosity and engagement in the treasure hunt.  Do they recognize the objects and attempt to match them to the sight words on the cards? (Refer to the Exploratory Learning rubric).

The Art of Blending: When to Use Each Approach

The true magic happens when we combine experiential and exploratory learning! Here’s how, using the skip counting and sight word examples:

1. Start with a Guided Exploration (Experiential): In the skip counting example, create the number line and demonstrate jumping by twos while counting. For sight words, guide the child in forming the letters with playdough.

2. Allow for Free Exploration (Exploratory): In the skip counting example, provide the child with beanbags and encourage them to explore throwing while experimenting with counting. In the sight word example, hide the cards and let the child search for them, matching them to the objects independently.

This approach provides a well-rounded learning experience, combining knowledge acquisition (experiential) with open-ended exploration and creativity (exploratory).

Beyond the Basics: Considerations and Additional Resources

Addressing Common Concerns: While these approaches may seem messy or noisy, research suggests the benefits outweigh these concerns (.## Pelo, Anthony J. “The Role of Play in Early Childhood Education.” Early Childhood Education Journal 38.1 (2011): 3-8.).  The focus is on fostering a love of learning, and a messy classroom can be a sign of engaged exploration!

Assessment in Play-Based Learning:  Traditional testing isn’t ideal for these approaches.  Focus on observation and skill development using the rubrics provided.

The Role of Technology: Technology can complement these approaches responsibly. Educational apps can enhance specific learning objectives (experiential), while digital cameras can document discoveries (exploratory).

Learning Styles:  These approaches cater to different learning styles (kinesthetic, visual, auditory) by providing a variety of materials and activities.

Examples Across Age Groups:

These approaches can be adapted for toddlers and older preschoolers:

Toddlers (18-36 months):

Experiential: Sorting colorful pom poms by size using tongs (fine motor skills, color recognition).

Exploratory: Sensory bin with water beads (exploration of texture, cause-and-effect through squeezing the beads).

Preschoolers (3-5 years old):

Experiential: Building a ramp for toy cars using blocks (planning, spatial reasoning).

Exploratory: Dramatic play with dress-up clothes and props (imagination, social skills).

The Science Behind the Play:  Benefits of Experiential and Exploratory Learning in Preschool

Research highlights the numerous benefits of experiential and exploratory learning in preschool:

1. Enhanced Cognitive Development: Both approaches stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills (.## Diamond, Katherine Lee. “Promoting Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Directed Learning.” Early Childhood Education Journal 42.2 (2014): 141-148.).

2. Stronger Social-Emotional Development: Experiential activities often involve collaboration, promoting communication and teamwork skills. Exploratory play fosters curiosity and independence (.## Moyle, Duncan. The Teaching of Young Children: A Handbook. Routledge, 2017.**).

3. Deeper Understanding and Knowledge Retention: Active participation in learning experiences leads to better comprehension and memory compared to passive instruction (.## Hung, Daniel W., et al. “Experiential Learning in Early Childhood Education: A Literature Review.” Educational Research Quarterly 42.3 (2018): 48-67.).

4. Increased Motivation and Engagement: Children are naturally curious and enjoy exploration. These approaches tap into their intrinsic motivation, leading to a love of learning (.## Pelo, Anthony J. “The Role of Play in Early Childhood Education.” Early Childhood Education Journal 38.1 (2011): 3-8.).

Conclusion:  Unleashing the Power of Play

Experiential and exploratory learning are valuable tools in a preschooler’s educational toolbox. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, parents and educators can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters a love of learning, curiosity, and holistic development in young children.

Remember, the most effective approach is often a blend of both.  Start with some guided exploration to introduce new concepts, then allow for free exploration to encourage independent discovery and creativity.  Through play, children can explore the world around them, develop essential skills, and build a foundation for lifelong learning.

Further Reading:

1. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): https://www.naeyc.org/
2. Zero to Three: https://www.zerotothree.org/