Hands On Fun: Learn new skills by engaging in these DIY activities 

Founding Father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.’ His words emphasise the importance and effectiveness of experiential learning. It simply suggests that being told or taught something may not result in a deep understanding or retention of knowledge. However, when individuals actively participate and engage in experiences, they become fully involved and immersed in the learning process.

Therefore, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) activities are a fun and engaging way for students to explore their creativity and learn new skills. Not only do DIY activities provide an opportunity to learn something new, but they also offer a chance to develop problem-solving skills, build confidence and foster a sense of accomplishment. So what are you waiting for? Try some of these at home and see for yourself! Read on.

Paper Crafts

Paper crafts are fun and easy. All that is needed is some paper, scissors, glue and originality. There are endless possibilities when it comes to paper crafts, from making paper airplanes to creating origami animals. You can even create paper lanterns and add a cozy and festive ambiance to your space. Supplement it with LED lights inside the lanterns for a beautiful glow. Further, try to make paper masks such as animal masks, superhero masks, or even fantasy-inspired masks which can be great for costume parties or imaginative play.

In addition to this, let your imagination run wild and try papier mâché sculptures. Use newspaper strips and a mixture of glue and water to shape your sculpture. Once dried, you can paint and decorate it to create stunning art pieces. Such activities can develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while also promoting concentration and focus.

Ms Harveen Kaur, a TGT Fine Arts educator at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, shared some exciting ideas for the same. (As illustrated). As part of the summer camp held in the school, she motivated students to try new paper craft activities. She upcycled waste caps of bottles, paper and newspaper.  

Gardening

This is a great way to learn about plants and nature. It can also be fun and rewarding. Experiment with some soil, seeds, and some basic gardening tools. With this, learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of sunlight and water and how to care for your own garden. Gardening can help develop patience and responsibility, as one needs to wait for their plants to grow and make sure they are well taken care of.

So, this summer, plant a herb or vegetable garden and choose easy-to-grow plants like basil, mint, tomatoes, or lettuce. Creating a flower bed in your home garden is another exciting idea in which you can choose a variety of colourful flowers, learn about soil preparation, planting techniques, and proper maintenance.

Don’t forget to give back to the environment by building a compost bin. It will help recycle organic waste. You must collect kitchen scraps, yard trimmings, and other biodegradable materials to create nutrient-rich compost. This hands-on activity will teach you about sustainability and the natural process of decomposition.

Cooking

Cooking is an important life skill. You can start with simple recipes such as making a sandwich or baking cookies, and then gradually move on to more complex dishes. This is a great time to learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits too, as well as develop math skills through measuring ingredients and following recipes.

What more? The act of cooking can be a welcome opportunity to bond with family members and friends. Aarushi Khanna, a class 12 Science (Non-Medical) student from Apeejay International School, Greater Noida says, “I am exploring my baking skills this summer. Moreover, I have also enrolled myself in some online courses to perfect my skill.” Cakes and cookies are her go-to dishes to make. 

Sharing that she developed her love for cooking during the Covid-19 imposed lockdowns, the talented student mentions, “I often participate in online baking challenges. It can last up to 21 days and is a great way to enhance one’s knowledge.” In the future, she will pursue a course in culinary arts in India. Besides, Mughlai and Italian are some of her favourite cuisines. To explore one’s abilities, she opines YouTube videos and regular practice is necessary. 

Coding

A valuable skill that is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital world, coding is crucial for all. There are many online resources and tutorials available that can help learn how to code. You can begin with simple coding exercises such as creating a website or a game and then explore more complex projects. Learning to code can help advance critical thinking, logical thinking, and creativity. As per Ms Ekta Gupta, the Information and Communications Technology Facilitator at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, “Students can try platforms like Scratch, Code.org, which are wonderful for those aged 4-16 years. They can go through the different tutorials available, practice the difficulty levels and create their own projects.” The educator remarks that with the advancement in Artificial Intelligence, the demand for those adept at coding will rise too.

By trying new things as well as exploring your interests, you can have an enriching summer break. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your parents and mentors while discovering new horizons. Lastly, remember to foster your love for learning and innovation.

Good luck!