Lego Teaching Activities and Resources

Lego Resources in Class

This post was originally written to celebrate the second birthday of Inclusiveteach.com 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

Lego Resources in the Classroom

Playing with blocks and specifically 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.

Incorporating LEGO Activities in the Classroom

LEGO bricks are not just a popular toy, but also a powerful learning tool. They offer a hands-on, engaging, and flexible resource that can enhance learning across a range of subjects. Here are some innovative ways you can incorporate LEGO activities into your classroom.

1. Math Concepts

LEGO bricks can be used to teach and reinforce a variety of math concepts:

• Counting and Basic Operations: Younger students can use LEGO bricks for counting, addition, and subtraction. The bricks can also be grouped in different ways to introduce concepts of multiplication, division, and fractions.
• Geometry: The various shapes and sizes of LEGO bricks lend themselves well to lessons on area, perimeter, volume, and spatial reasoning. Students can build 2D or 3D shapes and calculate their dimensions.
• Patterns and Sequences: Use different coloured bricks to create and extend patterns, or to explore sequences and series visually.

2. Science and Engineering

LEGO bricks can bring science and engineering concepts to life:

• Structures and Stability: Challenge students to build the tallest tower, the strongest bridge, or an earthquake-proof building. These activities can lead to discussions about structural integrity and the forces acting on structures.
• Simple Machines: Use LEGO Technic sets to explore simple machines like levers, pulleys, and gears.
• Robotics and Coding: LEGO Mindstorms or LEGO Boost sets provide an introduction to robotics and coding, allowing students to design, build, and program their robots.

3. Literacy Skills

You can also use LEGO bricks to support literacy development:

• Storytelling: Students can create scenes from a story using LEGO bricks and mini-figures. This can help with comprehension and retelling skills. They can also create their own stories in LEGO form and write about them.
• Building Vocabulary: Assign a theme (e.g., city, park, farm) and have students build a related scene. They can then label their creations, building both their vocabulary and their spelling skills.

4. Social Skills

LEGO activities can be done in pairs or groups to develop teamwork and communication. LEGO also offers a structured program called LEGO Therapy that uses collaborative LEGO-building tasks to build social skills in children who struggle with social communication.

5. Art and Creativity

Allow students to use LEGO bricks as a medium for creative expression. They could recreate famous artworks, design their own creations, or even use LEGO to create stop-motion animations.

Lego Education AAC 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 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.

Lego Therapy Resources: Building Social Skills Brick by Brick

Lego Therapy, a play-based intervention developed by Dr. Daniel LeGoff, has gained significant traction in special education settings, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and social communication difficulties. This innovative approach harnesses the universal appeal of Lego to foster social interaction, communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Here’s an in-depth look at essential Lego Therapy resources and how to implement them effectively.

Core Components of Lego Therapy:

1. Role Assignment:
– Engineer: Reads the instructions
– Supplier: Finds the correct pieces
– Builder: Assembles the model

These roles rotate throughout the session, allowing each participant to practice different skills.

Essential Resources:

• Lego Sets:
  Choose sets appropriate for the group’s age and skill level. Themed sets can cater to specific interests, enhancing engagement.
• Visual Supports:
  – Role cards: Clear, visual representations of each role
  – Turn-taking cards: To structure the rotation of roles
  – Emotion cards: To help participants identify and express feelings during the session
• Timer:
  Use to manage role transitions and overall session duration.
• Social Rules Poster:
  Display clear, concise rules for interaction during the session.
• Reward System:
  Sticker charts or token systems to reinforce positive behaviours.

Implementing Lego Therapy:

1. Assessment Tools:
– Social skills checklists
– Communication observation forms
– Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires for participants and caregivers

2. Session Planning Resources:
– Structured session outlines
– Goal-setting templates for individual participants
– Progress tracking sheets

3. Adaptations for Different Needs:
– Simplified instructions for participants with learning difficulties
– Sensory supports (e.g., fidget toys, weighted lap pads) for those with sensory sensitivities
– Alternative communication tools (e.g., picture exchange systems) for non-verbal participants

4. Environmental Considerations:
– Quiet, distraction-free space
– Adequate table space and seating
– Storage solutions for organising Lego pieces

Training and Support for Lego Therapy:

1. Facilitator Guides:
Comprehensive manuals detailing session structure, troubleshooting tips, and strategies for promoting social interaction.

2. Professional Development:
– Online courses on Lego Therapy implementation
– Workshops for educators and therapists
– Peer support networks for sharing best practices

3. Parent/Carer Resources:
– Information sheets explaining Lego Therapy principles
– Home activity ideas to reinforce skills learned in sessions

Evidence-Based Practice:

To ensure the effectiveness of Lego Therapy, it’s crucial to incorporate:
– Data collection tools for measuring progress
– Standardised assessments for evaluating social skills development
– Case study templates for documenting individual successes

Technology Integration:

While traditional Lego remains the core resource, consider incorporating:
– Digital Lego design software for extended learning
– Video modelling resources demonstrating social skills in Lego play
– Apps for tracking progress and sharing achievements with families

Conclusion:

Lego Therapy offers a structured, engaging approach to developing social skills in children who might otherwise struggle with traditional interventions. By utilising these comprehensive resources, educators and therapists can create an effective, evidence-based programme that supports social development through the joy of collaborative play. As with any intervention, regular evaluation and adaptation of resources ensure that Lego Therapy continues to meet the evolving needs of its participants, building stronger social foundations brick by brick.