Hands-On Experimentation

"Children learn best by physical, hands-on experimentation. Active learning is needed to discover and solidify knowledge. It is said that we remember 10 percent of what we hear, 50 percent of what we see, 75 percent of what we say, and 90 percent of what we do. This is true of everyone, but particularly of young children who actually need physical, hands-on experimentation. Passive learning such as educational television seldom produces creative scholars."

Raymond Moore, Home Style Teaching
page 64

Children Learn Through Senses

"Children learn through their senses --- hearing, vision, touch, taste and smell. These channels can be sharpened by the proper stimulation but dulled by too much or too little. For example, ears trained to hear bird songs will recognize a particular call even in the midst of city noise. Or when one has studied trees, the eyes are quick to notice the variety of foliage, color, shape and beauty which untrained eyes fail to appreciate."

Raymond Moore, Home Style Teaching
page 63

Conversation Valuable Tool in Learning

"Conversation is a valuable tool in the learning process. Asking questions and participating in family discussions are natural ways to learn self-expression. Not only are word concepts made, but the ability to put words and thoughts into sentences is established. This is the first basic skill essential to reading readiness. Parents should spend some time with the little ones enjoying pleasant and constructive conversation."

Thema Beem, The Dignity of a Child
page 81