What Is Purposeful Play?
At its core, purposeful play is about engaging in activities that are not only enjoyable but also intentional in their educational value. It's about nurturing curiosity, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and resilience—all essential skills for success in any career path and for day-to-day life. LEGO building epitomizes this concept, offering a platform where imagination meets structured problem-solving and provides a foundation for further STEM education.
What Skills Do LEGOs Build?
Creativity and Imagination
LEGO bricks are a blank canvas, inviting builders to dream, create, and bring their visions to life. With an endless array of possibilities, children are encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with different designs, and explore their imagination to its fullest.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Every LEGO creation presents a series of challenges waiting to be solved. Whether it's figuring out how to stabilize a structure, finding the right pieces for a particular design, or troubleshooting unexpected issues, builders are constantly engaging their critical thinking skills and honing their problem-solving abilities.
Fine Motor Skills and Coordination
The act of assembling small LEGO pieces requires precise movements and coordination, helping to develop your child’s fine motor skills. Whether snapping bricks together or delicately maneuvering tiny components, builders refine their dexterity with each creation.
Collaboration and Communication
LEGO building is often a collaborative endeavor, whether it's working with friends, family members, or teammates. Through cooperation and communication, builders learn to share ideas, delegate tasks, and work towards a common goal—a valuable skill set that will aid them in future academic and professional settings.
How Do LEGOs Lay A Foundation For STEM Topics?
Science
Builders can explore scientific principles such as gravity, balance, and friction as they construct and test their creations. They may also dive into concepts like simple machines or the properties of different materials.
Technology
The integration of motors, sensors, and programmable components in advanced LEGO sets introduces builders to the basics of coding and robotics, fostering an early interest in and understanding of, technology and engineering.
Engineering
From designing and recreating architectural wonders to engineering functional vehicles, LEGO enthusiasts learn the fundamentals of engineering design, structural stability, and mechanical systems through hands-on experimentation.
Mathematics
Whether counting bricks, calculating dimensions, or understanding geometric patterns, LEGO building offers a practical context for exploring mathematical concepts in a way that’s both tangible and engaging.
Where Can I Find LEGO Activities Near Me?
If you’re located in South Jersey, the Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County has two STEM workshops that engage and educate students through the use of LEGOs. LEGO Spike is for students in first through third grade and WeDo 2.0 is for students in second through fifth grade. Both of these workshops are held for eight weeks in the Fall, Winter, and Spring with two one-week-long sessions held in the Summer. You can visit our website to register for the next session! If you have a group of at least eight children special class time slots can be created. You can call the PAL Office at (609) 645-8413 to learn more!