Do those kits actually teach principles? I know what each of the components do, but I lack a broader conceptual framework... for example, I don't know how to

Do those kits actually teach principles? I know what each of the components do, but I lack a broader conceptual framework... for example, I don't know how to build a circuit that would plug into a headphone jack and switch a light on and off based on the volume level... I also don't know how to build a simple audio amplifier, timer, etc. Do you recommend any specific kit based on the above? I mean, I could read instructions and hook components together but I want to be able to build novel circuits that I dream up.