Why Hands-On Skills Matter More Than Ever

Learning basic skills with scissors, tape, pencils is an entry into project-based learning and a valuable alternative to screen time

by Matt Barinholtz

This is article first appeared on Future Makers at Kid Make Things Better. Matt is the founder and CEO of Future Makers, which energizes learners and educators with powerful, purposeful play. They are located in Baltimore. —DD

Skills are Muscles

Holding a pencil, cutting paper with scissors, tearing tape off a roll—these once-basic childhood skills are declining in many elementary and even middle school classrooms. You're not alone if you’ve noticed older learners struggling with fine motor or practical skills that are typically addressed in PK and K classrooms. Screen time and structured digital learning have replaced critical tangible experiences, leaving students with developmental gaps that affect both their academic performance and physical coordination. If you don't apply hands-on skills early and often, you lose critical skill mass!

Why This Matters to You

A 2023 report from The Guardian found that teachers are increasingly encountering students who struggle with basic physical tasks, such as holding a pencil properly or using scissors, due to fewer real-world, tactile experiences (The Guardian).

The good news? You don’t have to be an expert in PBL to start making a change. Even incorporating one hands-on activity a week can begin to shift student engagement and confidence. A study published by ASCD in 2023 found that learners who engage in project-based learning score significantly higher on standardized science tests—equivalent to an improvement from a C to a B average (ASCD Report).

What’s at Stake?

A decline in hands-on learning doesn’t just affect students—it affects you as an educator. Engaged learners are easier to teach. When students take ownership of their learning, classroom management improves, and the energy in the room shifts.

Employers across industries are increasingly prioritizing adaptability, communication, and critical thinking skills, all of which are deeply embedded in PBL. A report from Learning Forward found that PBL-aligned skills are among the top competencies employers look for in new hires (Learning Forward Report).

If we continue to move away from hands-on, problem-based learning, we risk creating a workforce that struggles with independent thinking and innovation. According to New Tech Network, businesses are already reporting skill gaps in problem-solving and collaboration, skills that PBL fosters (New Tech Network Report).

Project-Based Learning (PBL) Can Reverse the Trend

PBL isn’t just another educational trend—it’s a proven approach that helps learners develop real-world skills. Unlike traditional rote memorization, PBL encourages students to ask questions, explore solutions, and learn from failure.

If you’ve ever wished your students were more engaged, more willing to take risks, and more confident in their problem-solving abilities, PBL can help get you there. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that learners engaged in PBL demonstrated greater long-term knowledge retention and improved problem-solving skills (NIH Study).

And it doesn’t require major changes. The most effective PBL lessons start small—whether it’s a class-wide brainstorming session, a simple hands-on experiment, or a structured problem-solving challenge using familiar classroom materials like straws, motors, and simple circuits.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of implementing PBL, you’re not alone. Between curriculum demands, standardized assessments, and resource limitations, it can feel like yet another thing on your plate. But you don’t have to go all in at once.

Here are three things working in your favor:

PBL is Research-Backed and Gaining Recognition
The body of research supporting PBL’s effectiveness is growing. Studies, like those from Frontiers in Psychology, demonstrate that hands-on, inquiry-based learning strengthens cognitive and emotional development (Frontiers in Psychology). More districts and policymakers are acknowledging this research and shifting toward deeper learning models.‍

Technology is Making PBL More Accessible
The rise of digital resources, AI-driven planning tools, and collaborative platforms is reducing the logistical challenges of implementing PBL. Defined Learning highlights how educators can access project-based resources and frameworks that streamline the process (Defined Learning Blog).‍

Student Outcomes Speak for Themselves
Even in constrained environments, the impact of PBL on learners is clear. Studies from PBLWorks show that learners in PBL classrooms demonstrate higher engagement, deeper understanding, and stronger problem-solving abilities (PBLWorks Report). When educators integrate even small-scale PBL experiences, they see students taking ownership of their learning and thriving in new ways.‍

You Can Start Small—And See Big Results

If you’re hesitant to introduce PBL, consider this: it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Start with one activity. One hands-on experience. One opportunity for students to problem-solve and create. Then observe how they respond.

Try a low-stakes project—like building simple paper or cardboard construction models as a way to practice cutting, connecting and building with everyday materials.

Give students more choice—letting them take small ownership of their work increases engagement.

Reflect on the experience—what worked, what didn’t, and how did students react?

The best part? You can adjust as you go. PBL isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating opportunities for students to think critically, collaborate, and develop confidence in their own abilities.

Final Thought: PBL Makes Our Days More Rewarding

You don’t have to be a PBL expert to start making a difference in your classroom. Even small steps toward hands-on learning can create meaningful change—not just for your students, but for you.

When students are engaged, curious, and excited about learning, teaching becomes more enjoyable. Classroom management improves, discussions become more dynamic, and you get to witness those “aha” moments that make all the effort worthwhile.

We don’t just need more education. We need better education—education that works for students, and for you as an educator. And it starts with trying something new—one step at a time.

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Is it your experience that these basic skills are unfamiliar for more young children today? Please respond in the comments section below.