One of my boys was absolutely Lego-Mad. We embraced it and incorporated Lego into as many aspects of our homeschooling life. We even had (still have!) a Lego room kitted out with shelves for displaying creations and workbenches for making them. This was a gift from one of their aunties and we are so glad she blessed them with it because it allowed them hours of freedom to create.
Lego is an amazing toy for neurotypical and neurodiverse people alike. It is a unifier: a uniter of sorts and I love that. You can pop a box of Lego in the middle of a busy room of kids and most of them will be drawn towards it to create something!
Here are some ways we incorporated learning through Lego building over the years.
Creating During Read Alouds
When I read aloud our latest novel, the kids would often bring a small tub of Lego in to build with. After we’d finished the chapter they almost always had to show me what they had built.
Design and Technology Journals
My boys who struggled with writing would happily journal about their Lego creations. Sometimes we did this in a simple journal or on a printable. Sometimes it was as simple as creating a visual inventory for his creation.
Creating Lego Flag Cards
We once created Lego flag cards. This was a very simple but fun activity. Some of the flags were more complex than others. On the backs of the cards the kids wrote the name of the country the flag belonged to, the capital city and the continent too. We’d often quiz each other on these over lunch. The Lego flags added a layer of kinesthetic learning and sense of enjoyment.
Freedom of Thought & Creativity
Whenever my kids are ‘bored’ they know they can head to the Lego room and create something. Their creativity is the limit. We used to travel a 6 hour round trip for our son to participate in the closest Lego Club or LUG (Lego User Group). I wish Outschool had been around then for him!
Connecting with other Lego Learners
I love that there are lots of different classes on Outschool for Lego enthusiasts! Connecting with others who have the same interest as our children can encourage them in friendships, in confidence in themselves and in their ability to make connections over a similar passion. I love that all are welcome to attend and that as always, you can read reviews of each class or group before you join.
Here are 3 Outschool Classes or Groups that your Lego Learner might like to check out:
- Lego Builders Club: Weekly Challenges, Sharing and Socializing Club (ages 7-12)
- Lego Masterminds - Ultimate Challenge Club
- Stop Motion Claymation Movie Studio Course with Lego, Clay and Crafts (Ages 6-12)
- Brick Building Brick Challenges Group
Happy learning and building!
Lusi
Lusi and her husband and five children have been on their homeschooling journey for 13 years. They have three homeschool graduates and two learning at home each day in rural Australia.
Lusi has Systemic Lupus and homeschools with coffee and dark stevia chocolate on hand. Lusi produces printables and other resources to make the homeschool journey easier for others at thathomeschoollife.com.au.
