Applying Classroom Knowledge in Real-Life Situations
“Knowledge comes from learning. Wisdom comes from living…”
It’s no secret that children learn a lot in a school year! They are constantly learning new information, applying skills they have learned, and working on expanding their knowledge. In a typical school year, children will learn about many different topics, including math, science, language arts, and social studies. They will also gain experience in how to think critically and problem-solve, which will help them in all areas of their lives.
Research shows that it is important for children to apply skills learned in school, outside of a classroom setting; the more they apply knowledge in everyday life situations, the more they will remember and understand. It’s often during real-world scenarios that children learn the most!
How to Take Advantage of Teachable Moments
As parents and teachers, we have the opportunity to help children learn even more by taking advantage of teachable moments that occur in and outside of school. For example, if a child comes home from school and says they have been learning about fractions in class, parents can provide real-life situations to help children apply what they’ve been practicing in school. For instance, you can ask them to help you measure ingredients for a recipe or cut up a pizza into equal slices. This helps children to see firsthand how fractions are used in everyday life.
Another great lesson that can be reinforced in the real world is percentages. Whether children are helping to calculate a tip at a restaurant or working out a grocery budget, they can see how percentages are used in everyday life. When students are grocery shopping, have them try to estimate the total purchase cost before getting to the register. This will help them to sharpen their math skills as they calculate in a different context. Having students gain awareness of applying knowledge in various places will help them become more confident in solving real-world problems.
The Importance of Practicing Skills Learned in the Real-World
Similarly, if a child is struggling with a particular concept, providing real-life scenarios for them to practice skills can further develop their understanding. Applying what we learn in school can assist students in becoming more confident problem-solvers and have a deeper level of understanding.
Beth Emet School middle school students have completed an activity in school where they have measured empty classrooms, applied their knowledge of area and circumference, and then used this information to decide how to furnish and install all appropriate classroom materials. The students were able to use their skills to work on a budget after deciding the different furniture needed, determining how much flooring wood planks were needed, and what size boards would fit best, all by applying knowledge learned in school in a real-life situation.
Applying skills and abilities in actual-world circumstances can help children to better comprehend how to utilize them. It also may provide them with a clearer picture of what they want to do in the future. At Beth Emet School, we strive to implement opportunities for students to apply knowledge learned in real life so that they can be successful in pursuing their dreams and achieving their goals.
Learn more about our BES curriculum: https://bethemetschool.org/
