Play-Based Learning with Lego, Mrs. Crane, Special Education

  PLAY-BASED LEARNING WITH LEGO AND STEM 
                                                           
Wouldn’t you love to have your children learn as they’re playing? Who wouldn’t! Play-based learning is a powerful tool for learning, especially for young children. It helps improve memory, focus, and attention span as children plan, organize and build varied structures (while having fun!!!) LEGO building is a great tool for play-based learning. 

Play-Based Learning is an approach that allows children to use their curiosity to experiment, explore, create and problem-solve, either through direct guidance or independent play. When paired with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) hands-on experiences can become even more meaningful. What a great way for children to learn! Even in the absence of high tech, so much can be learned while children are just having fun!

In our Walt Whitman LEGO Club, we do just that. The children put on their engineering hats and become engineers and architects. They learn coding by guiding a train with plastic coding pieces on self-designed tracks. They build individually or in partnerships with peers. They also create  and build shelters, transportation and communities to make a surrounding city or playground (and so much more!)  
                                                  
The Many Benefits of Play-Based Learning:
1  Promotes Creativity and Innovation
2  Encourages Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
3  Builds Early Math and Science Skills
4  Develops Fine Motor Skills
5  Connects Learning to Real-World Skills
6  Strengthens Social and Communication Skills
7  Fosters Confidence and Independence
   
Play-based learning with LEGO and STEM is not “just play”, it’s skill-building, it’s intentional and helps develop young brains- all hidden in fun! Whether at home or at school, play-based learning  is not only for building structures, it’s for building foundations for the future! 

Pre-made kits with many instructions are not always necessary. All you need is a bin of LEGO bricks and your imagination! If you would like to try building with your children at home, what a great bonding experience it can be!