What is Discovery Learning?

By: Lanette Judy

Imagine your child is an explorer—not sitting at a desk just memorizing facts, but out there digging for treasure, solving mysteries, and making exciting connections all on their own. That’s the heart of discovery learning!

Instead of just being told the answer, your child is gently guided to ask questions, investigate, experiment, and figure things out in a hands-on way. It’s learning that feels a bit like play….but with a whole lot of brainpower behind it.

Let’s say you’re studying science. Instead of saying, “Plants need sunlight to grow,” you plant two little seedlings, (one in the sun and one in a closet) and see what happens. Your child doesn’t just hear the answer—they discover it themselves. And because it’s their “aha!” moment, it sticks. It’s real. It’s exciting!

Discovery learning is:

Curious: fueled by questions and wonder.
Active: using minds and hands to figure things out.
Joyful: because kids love learning when they’re part of the process.

And don’t worry; you are still the guide on this adventure. You’re just letting them steer the ship a bit more while you cheer them on, ask great questions, and maybe even get a little messy with them along the way.

Think of it this way: instead of giving them a map, you hand them a compass and say, “Let’s explore this together!” Discover your next adventure with a novel study.