Which activity best supports hands-on learning for young children?

Planting seeds and observing growth is an excellent example of hands-on learning for young children because it actively engages them in the learning process through direct interaction with their environment. This type of activity allows children to participate in scientific exploration and inquiry, encouraging them to ask questions and make observations. As they plant seeds, they can learn about the conditions necessary for growth, such as sunlight, water, and soil, and witness the changes that occur over time, connecting theory to practice.

In contrast, sitting in a circle for story time primarily involves listening and is more of a passive learning experience, while listening to a lecture about plants is even more removed from direct engagement with the subject matter. Drawing pictures about plant life cycles does promote creativity and reinforces knowledge, but it lacks the tangible, experiential aspect of actually planting and caring for seeds. Therefore, planting seeds and observing their growth most effectively supports hands-on learning by providing a practical application of knowledge and fostering curiosity about nature and science.