It may seem simple, stacking LEGO pieces on top of each other to build things, but this practice packs a lot of different benefits for young (and older) people. The physical effects of children creating with LEGO bricks help them develop hand-eye coordination, finger strength and dexterity; and recognize shapes, sizes, and colors.
As for the intangible benefits, the list is longer. First and foremost, building with LEGO bricks helps children “learn how to learn,” as the Children’s Museum team explains in their article on the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County website. The open-ended nature of these building blocks allows young minds and hands the room to develop hand-eye coordination, as well as which bricks work together and how.
The dynamic nature of LEGO encourages trial and error practice, allowing people to build up, break down, and rebuild until the bricks satisfy the image in their mind. In addition, planning out creations helps develop children’s imagination, creativity, spatial reasoning, focus, and decision-making.
Best of all, with appropriately sized LEGO bricks, children can be left to their own devices for unstructured, independent playtime. This is essential to building children’s independence and confidence since it allows adults to step back. Children make things of their own design without someone telling them what to do, how to do it, or otherwise dictate play sessions.
For these reasons, and more, we at the Concord Public Library are dedicated to maintaining our LEGO Club for elementary school age children. We have seen all of these benefits play out in the years we’ve been hosting this monthly meeting. For many of our club members these meetings are a great way to encourage socialization without overwhelming the shy members. Some children will even build together. Seeing them learn how to cooperate and compromise with each other is the greatest joy to come from these meetings.
We largely give club members time for free build, but will throw out challenges, like “Build a hybrid animal of your imagination,” to provide some structure for those that need it. Challenges are also great for inspiring imagination. They’re a starting point for children to build off of, or alter, as their minds develop a plan. LEGO Club ends with our members writing placards that will be displayed with their creations until the next month’s meeting. Then, throughout the next month, they can come by the Children’s Room and see it on display! Other patrons see these and like to talk about them. So, even after the meeting is over, LEGO Club still impacts our community, by fostering conversations and interest!
For more information about the benefits of building with LEGO, please check out these resources:
· John Hopkins Hub
· Children’s Museum of Sonoma County |
