Learning by Doing: Why Hands-On Montessori Education Matters at Forbes Academy

Let’s be real, education isn’t just about sitting at a desk, nodding politely, and memorizing facts. At Forbes Academy, we know children learn best through hands-on Montessori education; where curiosity drives the lesson plan, not just the clock.

Experiential learning (sometimes called “learning by doing”) is all about connecting ideas to real life. It’s when Montessori principles meet active learning, and suddenly, abstract concepts actually make sense. And spoiler alert: it’s way more fun.

Why Experiential Learning in Montessori Classrooms is a Game-Changer

Here’s the thing: when children actively engage with learning, magic happens. They retain more, care more, and actually understand the why behind what they’re learning.

Some of the perks of hands-on learning at Forbes Academy include:

• Better Retention: Children remember what they do, not just what they hear.

• Engaged Learners: Montessori activities that include movement, creation, and collaboration keep attention high.

• Real-World Connection: Lessons come alive when children see how knowledge works outside the classroom.

• Life Skills: Teamwork, communication, adaptability, and empathy grow naturally in our mixed-age Montessori classrooms.

• Confidence Boosts: Completing tasks independently makes children proud and self-reliant.

  
  

For example, our Primary classroom might have a science experiment testing plant growth, or an Elementary lesson simulating an ecosystem. Instead of memorizing “photosynthesis” from a worksheet, children see it, touch it, and ask questions about it. That’s the kind of Montessori learning that sticks.

“Montessori is not a method, it is a philosophy of education that encourages children to be independent, confident, and responsible members of their community.” -Tim Seldin

Hands-On Montessori Learning Builds Brain + Heart

We don’t just want children to be book-smart, we want them to be people-smart, too. When learners actively analyze, create, and problem-solve, their critical thinking skills soar. Add in group projects or peer mentoring, and they’re also building empathy, collaboration, and leadership.

Take our mixed-age Montessori classroom - older children might guide younger ones in a math activity, while everyone benefits from teaching, learning, and supporting each other. That’s how community and inclusion thrive - through shared experiences and meaningful interaction.

How We Bring Experiential Learning to Life at Forbes Academy

Here’s how we make Montessori hands-on learning fun, memorable, and educational:

• Science Labs: Planting seeds, observing growth, and experimenting with phenomena.

• Art Projects: Visual storytelling, self-expression, and creative exploration.

• Coding & Tech: Building simple apps or programs to turn logic into play.

• Gardening & Nature: Learning ecology firsthand while caring for our outdoor classrooms.

• Role-Playing & Simulations: History, culture, and real-life scenarios come alive as children step into different perspectives.

  
  

And yes, learning from mistakes is part of the deal. At Forbes, an “oops” is just a stepping stone to creativity, resilience, and independence.

“Hands-on learning helps children develop not just knowledge, but empathy, collaboration, and a love of discovery.” -Uma Ramani

Tips for Making Montessori Hands-On Education Stick

Here are a few strategies we live by at Forbes Academy:

• Set Clear Goals: Children thrive when they know the why behind what they’re doing.

• Encourage Reflection: Pause to think about what worked, what didn’t, and what they discovered.

• Guide, Don’t Take Over: Support curiosity without removing the challenge.

• Connect to Real Life: Lessons that link to the world outside the classroom stick longer.

• Celebrate Growth: Recognize effort, collaboration, and innovation—not just the final product.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Community, Inclusivity, and Neurodiversity

Hands-on learning at Forbes Academy isn’t just about academics, it’s about building community, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating neurodiversity. Our Montessori classrooms welcome all learners, supporting children with diverse learning styles and strengths. By working together, sharing responsibilities, and helping each other grow, children experience community in action, gaining social-emotional skills that last a lifetime.

Learning by Doing Prepares Children for Lifelong Success

Hands-on Montessori learning equips children with skills that extend beyond the classroom. It nurtures critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and empathy, preparing children for real-world challenges.

At Forbes Academy, Montessori education meets experiential learning in every lesson, project, and exploration. From classroom projects to outdoor adventures and community initiatives, children learn how to think critically, collaborate effectively, and care deeply about the world around them.

Curious to see it in action? Pre-enrollment is now open! Keep an eye out for updates and invitations, your family can be part of the Forbes Academy community, where curiosity becomes confidence, creativity, and connection.