Hands-On Learning
It’s been said that learning through play takes less than half the amount of time to absorb the same amount of content! Learning through play STICKS in a way that classroom learning does not. When our participants can move their bodies, stimulate their senses and direct their creativity. . . they light up! This blog does not begin to cover any of the hands-on learning done while mounted on a horse. These are just a few of the many ways we engage participants while non-mounted. Here are a few of those ways:
Sensory Play
Whether it’s teaching equine vocabulary, learning names of equipment, or assembling a puzzle, sensory play is our go to strategy! Utilizing a visual directive or PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) instructions is our starting point. Then we display or ‘hide’ objects into a sensory medium. At Justin’s Place we’ve used shaving cream, corn, rice, water beads, sand and water! Most recently, at our vaulting camp we taught the names of positions and tack through letter search and scramble in corn. An additional benefit of this set up is it can engage learners individually or as a group collaboration. Each level of ability learner can participate in some way.
Art
At Justin’s Place we do a lot of art! Our art time is typically child-directed. Whatever their interest is- blank paper or coloring page, crayons or markers, lay in the grass or sit at a table! We provide the supplies and let them direct their art time. We also provide structured learning through art! Art can be a great way to learn equine terminology and understand concepts like coat colors, face markings, etc. Most recently, at vaulting camp, our campers learned the name of 4 pieces of vaulting tack through directed coloring and then used their creativity to decorate their horse!
Velcro Learning Activities
Many of our learning concepts are presented in pick and match activities made specifically just for us! Having pre-made learning activities for all ages and abilities makes for a great opportunity to learn OUTSIDE! Our staff and volunteers can grab an activity of interest to the participant and head out to the bunny house or barnyard to complete the activity in a stimulating outdoor environment! These activities are also fantastic for fine motor skills and provide tactile and auditory input from the velcro!