“We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way.” — John Holt
This profound statement by educator and author John Holt speaks to the core of how we truly learn. While we often think of learning in terms of lectures, textbooks, and exams, Holt’s wisdom reminds us that the real, deep learning happens when we actively engage in the process of doing. Whether it’s through physical experiences or solving real-world problems, the capacity to learn expands when we allow ourselves to get our hands dirty and step into unfamiliar territory.
In our modern, achievement-driven society, we can sometimes become overly focused on preparing our children for the future. We fret about what they will be when they grow up, what careers they will choose, and whether they are meeting academic milestones. But what if we’ve been so focused on preparing them for what lies ahead that we’ve forgotten the most important part: helping them live fully in the present?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the idea that learning is not just about preparing for the future, but about embracing the present. We’ll dive into why it’s so important to let children experience life now, challenge themselves with hands-on learning, and grow through real-life experiences that will equip them for both today and tomorrow.
The Power of Learning Through Doing
John Holt’s assertion that “we learn to do something by doing it” is not just a catchy phrase—it’s a fundamental truth about how human beings grow. Consider how we learn new skills in real life. Whether it’s learning to ride a bike, bake a cake, or troubleshoot a computer, the true learning happens when we actually do the thing. It’s in the process of engaging in an activity, facing challenges, and learning from mistakes that we develop the capacity to succeed.
When it comes to our children, this process is just as crucial. Children learn best when they’re not simply being told what to do, but when they have opportunities to do things themselves. The act of doing—whether it’s hands-on projects, solving problems, or exploring the world around them—triggers their cognitive growth and emotional development in ways that passive learning simply cannot.
Growing Through Challenges and Experiences
Another powerful truth that comes from John Holt’s perspective is the idea that our capacity grows as the need arises. In life, we don’t always know what challenges we’ll face ahead of time. But when those challenges do arise, our brains are wired to adapt, to learn, and to figure out how to accomplish what needs to be done. This adaptability is part of the beauty of learning by doing.
For example, if your child is faced with a difficult problem—whether it’s figuring out how to fix a broken toy or solving a complex math puzzle—they may initially feel frustrated. But as they engage with the problem, their brain is working hard to adapt and find solutions. With each new challenge, their confidence grows, and their ability to tackle future challenges expands.
By placing our children in situations where they have to confront and solve real problems, we give them the opportunity to develop resilience and critical thinking skills. They learn that failure is not something to fear, but something to embrace as part of the learning process. And when they face challenges in the future—whether in school, in relationships, or in their careers—they will have the tools to adapt and succeed.
The Balance Between Preparation and Living in the Present
We all want the best for our children, and in today’s fast-paced world, there is an ever-growing pressure to prepare them for the future. It’s natural to worry about what they will do when they grow up, what career they will pursue, and how they will navigate the complexities of adulthood. But it’s crucial that we don’t get so caught up in preparing them for the future that we neglect the present moment.
Life is happening now. The experiences, relationships, and moments they have today are just as important as any future achievement. In fact, the present moment is where learning and growth take place. If we spend too much time focused on what’s next, we risk missing out on the richness of the current moment—and the valuable learning that can happen when we fully engage with life as it unfolds.
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t spend all day preparing a meal without ever tasting the food, right? You need to experience it to know if it’s good. Similarly, we can’t prepare our children for life by constantly focusing on what’s ahead—we must allow them to experience life as it happens. This includes letting them explore, make mistakes, try new things, and learn from their experiences.
How to Help Your Children Live Fully in the Present
So, how do we balance the need for preparation with the importance of living fully in the present? Here are a few practical tips to help you embrace the learning that happens right now:
- Focus on Process Over Perfection
We live in a society that often values achievement and perfection, but in learning, the process is just as important as the result. Encourage your children to embrace the journey rather than focusing solely on the outcome. Whether it’s a science experiment, a creative project, or solving a tricky problem, let them focus on the steps along the way rather than simply on the end result.
Practical Tip: When your child works on a project or task, praise their efforts, persistence, and creativity rather than just the final product. Ask them questions about how they solved a problem or what they learned through the process, even if the outcome wasn’t perfect.
- Give Them Space for Unstructured Play
One of the best ways children learn is through play—a form of learning that doesn’t always have a set goal or outcome. Unstructured play allows children to explore, experiment, and create in a way that fosters curiosity and imagination. In fact, play has been shown to improve problem-solving skills, social abilities, and emotional resilience.
Practical Tip: Allow your child time each day for free, unstructured play—whether it’s building with blocks, playing outside, or engaging in pretend play. These moments are not just “down time”; they are essential for cognitive and emotional development.
- Encourage Hands-On, Real-World Learning
Rather than solely relying on textbooks and worksheets, give your children opportunities to learn through real-world experiences. Let them engage with the world around them by cooking meals, building things, gardening, visiting museums, or volunteering. These activities allow them to learn by doing—and they provide valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future.
Practical Tip: Incorporate activities like cooking, gardening, or DIY projects into your homeschooling routine. These hands-on experiences teach practical skills while also encouraging children to solve problems and think critically.
- Let Them Experience Failure and Learn From It
In a world that often prizes success, it’s important for children to learn that failure is a natural part of the learning process. Rather than shielding them from failure, give them opportunities to try new things and experience challenges. Teach them that mistakes are part of the journey and that they can always learn and grow from setbacks.
Practical Tip: When your child makes a mistake, take a moment to discuss what went wrong and how they can approach the problem differently next time. Focus on what they learned from the experience and how they can use that knowledge in the future.
- Be Present and Engaged
Finally, the best way to help your child live fully in the present is by modeling it yourself. When you engage with your child in the moment—whether it’s through conversation, shared activities, or just spending time together—you show them the importance of being fully present in their own lives. This helps them cultivate mindfulness, empathy, and an appreciation for the here and now.
Practical Tip: When you’re spending time with your child, put away distractions like phones or computers. Give them your full attention and engage in meaningful activities together, whether it’s reading a book, playing a game, or just having a conversation.
Learning is a Journey, Not Just a Destination
While it’s important to prepare our children for the future, it’s equally important to allow them to fully experience the present. Life is happening right now, and it’s in the moments of curiosity, play, and hands-on engagement that our children develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive in the future.
So, as you guide your children through their learning journey, remember that it’s not just about getting them ready for what’s next. It’s about helping them embrace the present moment, learn through doing, and grow into capable, confident, and compassionate individuals.
Let’s nurture the present and watch them flourish.