The benefits of incursions and excursions in early childhood education

The important lessons a child can learn at school go well beyond the ABCs and 123s. Incursions and excursions open up lessons beyond the classroom setting.

Incursions and excursions expose children to learning outside the classroom

There is a world of learning out there, and incursions and excursions allow children to experience a wider range of experiences and life skills. Many incursions and excursions allow children to be involved in ‘hands-on’ learning – and experiencing something in person can motivate children much more than watching a video about the same topic, for example.

Incursions and excursions can instill an appreciation of different cultures

An incursion or excursion of cultural dancing or singing or even a cooking class are just a few examples a child could be exposed to a different culture that they would otherwise have never experienced. These experiences can encourage an appreciation of diversity.

Incursions and excursions can inspire children

Incursions and excursions allow children to be exposed to experts in various fields. Not only can this be very valuable for children to experience different teaching or learning styles beyond their classroom teacher, but they can be inspired by new positive role models who can demonstrate different opportunities, career paths or ideas.

Incursions and excursions can encourage development of social skills

Incursions and excursions offer a different learning environment to the classroom. The children may be put into groups and need to work together to complete a task. By mixing things up, this can potentially offer some children the opportunity to break out of their shell – encouraging an increase in confidence and self-esteem.

Broadening Horizons

Children’s education charity Ardoch’s Broadening Horizons programs provide educational experiences that promote learning and engagement. The experiences inspire students by exposing them to the world of opportunity around them and pathways beyond school.

Ardoch provides valuable educational support programs and school volunteer programs. For more information about Ardoch’s Broadening Horizons program, go to https://www.ardoch.org.au/broadening-horizons/

To donate to the education charity Ardoch, go to https://give.ardoch.org.au/donate