Lego: SEN Teacher

This post was originally written to celebrate the second birthday of Inclusiveteach.com than with a post about Lego! Lego toys are still popular and with the increasing use of Lego therapy even more widely used in education than when I wrote this blog

Using Lego in the Classroom

Lego is one of the most easily adaptable resources a teacher can have regardless of the needs of their class. Yes, it is pretty expensive, but it is almost indestructible. You can always try and persuade some parents or colleagues to donate a couple of piles. Although it is almost guaranteed to have a pencil or something in it. In case I haven’t sold it enough – no classroom should be without at least one box. There are always the “compatible” brands if your budget doesn’t stretch to buying lego sets for schools.

If you are lucky you may be able to get some sets that link with your topic. For our space topic, I splashed out on a space shuttle. The next topic I taught was “Transport” and as long as you have a few wheels you are ready to start building. Apart from STEM and free play activities Lego is also great to use in structured communication sessions. Especially for PECS or AAC (Augmentative Assistive Communication) users.

Lego Teaching Resources

Our other free teaching resources are here

This is a Lego tasks In Print communication board (AAC) that can be used for requesting or interaction. The inprint3 file is here if you want to adapt it – you could add numbers or sized blocks.

When you are teaching maths or want to link numeracy into a topic there are loads of activities online for using building blocks, from counting to writing letters or numbers using blocks.

I have made a simple set of instruction sheets that can be cut and laminated. You can easily ramp up the complexity. You can use them for Lego therapy as well. Included in the Lego tasks InPrint 3 File or click the image to download the image file.

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Here is an awesome tray from Wilkos for sorting your pieces and building on your lap. My daughter loves using this (You can see her creation below) You can buy a similar tray/table here.

I would love to hear your ideas about how you use building blocks in your classroom, please post in the comments section.