Learning Through Experiences: Our Nation's Capitol

Last April, we took the boys to Washington, DC for an educational adventure. It was the first time any of us had visited our nation's capitol. The boys were in 5th grade and had begun to learn about the history of presidents and the different branches of government. I thought it would be a great opportunity to enhance connections between what they were learning in school and real life experiences. They learned about our country, our history, and our government amongst other things. Traveling to DC and visiting the various Smithsonian museums and monuments provided the boys with visual, tactile, and auditory reinforcement of lessons they were presented with in class.

I especially appreciated the impact that our visit to Arlington National Cemetery had on my children. Witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was an extremely powerful experience that can not be replicated in a classroom. This emotional experience deepened their understanding of the devotion that our armed forces have for our people and our country. It enabled them to have an increased respect for our history and our freedom.

Our visit to DC was not only educational but fun. We visited Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and learned about famous people in America such as President Obama, Abraham Lincoln, and Ben Franklin. We traveled to the Crime and Punishment Museum where the kids were educated on the history of punishment in the United States and read about some famous criminals (this was my favorite museum). We visited the botanical garden and were exposed to flowers and plants of various parts of the country. Max and I loved this place!

I have a strong belief that our trip to Washington, DC had more of an impact on the boys' education and understanding of our country than a traditional lesson presented in a classroom would have had.

Children learn through their experiences!