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Conventional vs Experiential Learning for Toddlers

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There is often a lot of debate on which style of learning is good for children. 

1. Conventional learning
2. Experiential learning
3. Balanced approach to learning

There are different schools who follow different approaches, parents subscribe to different ideologies, children take differently to the different approaches.
Let us first attempt to understand how the three ideologies work.

Conventional Learning

This is the style of learning which most of us have grown up with, and has been the accepted method of learning since long. More academic in nature, the idea has been to introduce concepts theoretically, and learning and executing theoretical problems in the classroom. 
The argument in favour of this approach is that especially in a country like ours, where a better lifestyle is fought for through competitive examinations, a conventional style of learning is crucial to ensure success later on.

Experiential Learning

This form of learning has picked up pace in recent years. It focuses on learning by experiencing, and then reflecting on those experiences. The idea is to reinforce real life concepts by doing them. Here the learner has a more active role in their own learning, as opposed to a passive approach in conventional learning.
The argument which sometimes goes against this mode of learning is that conventional learning outcomes like alphabet, or maths etc, sometimes get sidelined.

Balanced Approach

This approach attempts to blend elements of both the conventional and experiential learning methods. There is focus on both introducing concepts academically as well as focusing on extra curricular activities for holistic development.
In this approach, there may be some schools which are leaning more towards experiential, and some which are leaning more towards the conventional approach.

Where does Morning Glorie Stand?

Every child has a different approach to learning. Some lean more towards a bookish approach by choice, while some are more interested in exploring nature, or being physically active. However, that is something which takes time to discover.

For kids under 4 years of age, we believe that associating a concept with its actual execution is crucial. An alphabet when introduced is more important for a 2 year old because of the associated vocabulary which helps in language development. For a 4 year old, it is the phonic sound associated with the alphabet which helps develop reading as a skill. When circle is introduced as a shape, it gains relevance when the child is able to associate it with real life circular objects. Simple science experiments like capillary action are fun to do, and yet even a 3 year old can learn and actually recall the concept, because it is not just theoretical any more.
For children under 4 years of age, keeping their minds as well as bodies busy together is important. An association of any concept with their immediate surroundings is what we work on. 
That is the foundation of building any concept for them.
We follow this approach not only at our physical preschool in South City 1, Gurgaon but also during our online parent-toddler sessions. 



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Location: Gurugram, Haryana, India

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