Think of a time when you watched a child light up because they finally got it. That magical moment rarely comes from finishing a worksheet — it usually happens through hands-on exploration.

Whether it’s building number bonds with blocks or spotting patterns in dot games, tactile learning has a unique power to make abstract ideas click. In this post, we’ll explore why activities that engage the senses are so effective for learning, and how you can bring this approach into your home.

This is the second post in my Back to Basics maths series, where we’re looking at key concepts that build on each other — plus fun, hands-on activities you can try at home.

In this post

• Why Hands-On Learning Works
• Who Benefits from Hands-On Learning?
• The Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Approach
• Examples of Hands-On Learning & 3 Activities to Try at Home

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Why Hands-On Learning Works

Hands-on learning — also called multisensory or whole-brain learning — involves engaging more than one sense at a time. Activities may combine touch, sight, sound, movement, or even smell and taste to explore ideas.

This approach activates different areas of the brain where information is received, processed, and stored. Neurons (our brain’s messenger cells) connect through pathways called synapses, and the more parts of the brain we activate, the stronger those connections become. Stronger connections mean better understanding and improved memory and recall.

Compared with passive learning — like listening to a teacher talk at the front of the class — hands-on learning invites children to participate actively. This makes learning more meaningful and far more memorable.

The Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract Approach

Hands-on learning is the foundation of a teaching method known as the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach.

Here’s how it works:

• Concrete: Children begin by exploring new concepts using physical objects they can move, sort, group or count. For example, using counters to model addition.
• Pictorial: Next, they move on to drawings, diagrams or visual models that represent the concept.
• Abstract: Finally, they use symbols and numbers (like 4 + 3 = 7) without needing the physical or visual support.
  

Starting with the concrete stage helps children build a strong mental image of the concept. This makes it easier to understand visual models and abstract representations later on.

Sadly, many schools use fewer concrete resources as children move into Key Stage 2. This can leave some children with gaps in understanding and knock their confidence. In my tutoring cabin, I use familiar resources like Numicon, Base 10, place value counters, and counting frames — not just with younger learners, but also with children in Years 4 to 6. More often than not, they’ll tell me they haven’t seen them in years — or ever. I really wish that wasn’t the case, because they do help.

Hands-On Learning with Core Maths Concepts Examples

In my recent post, The Importance of Number Sense: What It Is and How to Develop It, I talked about how number sense is the foundation of confident maths learning.

Hands-on activities are perfect for building number sense — particularly subitising (instantly recognising the number of items without counting) and number bonds (understanding how numbers combine or split).

For example, when a child uses blocks to show that 3 and 2 make 5, they’re seeing and feeling the relationship between the numbers. That kind of active exploration sticks.

🛠️ Try This at Home: 3 Simple Activities

These quick, low-prep activities use simple materials and engage multiple senses:

1. Domino Addition

Use dominoes or two dice to practise addition. Children count the dots on each half and find the total — a great way to reinforce number bonds and subitising.

2. Subitising Spinner

Write numbers 1–5 on wooden clothes pegs. Divide a paper plate into 5 sections with different dot patterns (not arranged like dice). Poke a pencil through the middle to make a spinner. Children spin, then match the dot pattern to the correct peg. Quick and visual!

3. Number Bonds to 10 ‘Rock, Scissors, Paper’

Place both hands behind your back and count down, “3, 2, 1.” Reveal a number of fingers on each hand. Your child quickly shows the number of fingers needed to make 10. This one is energetic and fun — perfect for active learners!

In Summary

Hands-on learning isn’t just fun — it’s essential. By involving the senses, children build stronger neural connections and deepen their understanding of key concepts. Starting with concrete experiences lays the groundwork for success at the pictorial and abstract stages.

📅 Coming next in the Back to Basics series:
In the third post in the Back to Basics series, we’ll be exploring number sense and counting strategies — including engaging ideas for older children.