From Tiny Bricks to Big Skills: The Learning Power of LEGO

Over the past few months, I’ve had the joy of watching my 2.5-year-old niece fall in love with LEGO DUPLO. Initially, she was fascinated with the people and cars, often asking for help to put them back together. But as her motor skills improved, she started connecting pieces herself, and recently, she built a tower nearly as tall as she is! This experience made me realize the multitude of skills that Lego toys can teach children.

Why LEGO?

LEGO is not just a toy; it’s a tool for learning and development. Here are some incredible benefits of playing with the tiny little bricks that hurt terribly when you step on them.

  • Creativity: While LEGO sets come with instructions, the bricks can be used to build anything a child imagines, promoting creativity and imaginative play.

  • Motor Skills: Building with LEGO bricks helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

  • Problem Solving: Children learn to plan, strategize, and problem-solve as they build and adapt their creations.

  • STEM Skills: LEGO is often used in classrooms to teach science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts like gears, structural integrity, robotics, programming, and geometry.

  • All Ages: From Duplo for the youngest builders to sets designed for adults, LEGO offers something for every age group, making it a great way for families to play together.

  • Representation: LEGO has introduced diverse minifigures, including those with physical disabilities, various skin tones, and even Braille bricks, helping children see themselves and others in their play.

Activity: Create Your Own LEGO Video

Preparation

  • Get inspired for what you can create by watching LEGO videos. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you could even create a stop-motion video. Check out our curated playlist of favorites on TikTok.

  • Work with your child to create a simple story narrative using LEGO bricks. Decide on the setting, characters, and plot structure. Start simple as making a video can require a lot of time! Be open to revising and changing parts as you go along.

Filming

  • Use a phone or tablet to film or take photos to tell your story. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.

Editing

  • Use a video editing app (like CapCut) to piece together your creation. Discuss the order of clips and explore adding text, transitions, and music to enhance the video.

Share it

  • Discuss who to share the video with. Are you going to text it to your family privately? Or share it on a social platform? What motivates the decision?