LEGO has long been celebrated not just as a source of entertainment but as a brilliant educational tool that enhances creativity, improves problem-solving skills, and fosters teamwork. However, in today’s digital age, getting kids to engage with physical toys like LEGO can sometimes be challenging. If you’re looking for effective ways to encourage your kids to spend more time building with LEGO, here are some tried-and-tested strategies that can help ignite their passion for these versatile building blocks.
Tap into Their Interests
One of the most successful ways to encourage LEGO play is by connecting LEGO sets to your children’s existing interests. If your child loves space exploration, sets that build rockets and space stations can be thrilling. For those enchanted by movies and epic sagas, LEGO Star Wars sets are a fantastic choice. They combine the excitement of their favourite characters and scenes with the satisfaction of building. By aligning LEGO sets with what your kids already love, you bridge the gap between familiar interests and new activities, making LEGO more appealing.
Set Challenges and Goals
Children love challenges, especially when there’s a sense of achievement at the end. You can encourage LEGO play by setting fun challenges that are appropriately difficult based on your child’s age and skill level. This might include timed challenges, such as who can build the tallest structure in ten minutes, or creative challenges, like who can use a random set of bricks to make the funniest animal. These challenges keep LEGO play exciting and dynamic, and they give children a goal to work towards.
Incorporate LEGO Into Family Time
Making LEGO building a family activity is another great way to get kids more involved. Set aside time for family building sessions where everyone works on a LEGO project together. You could build a large set as a team or have each family member contribute to a part of a LEGO town. This not only makes playing with LEGO more fun but also helps children learn teamwork and the joy of sharing ideas.
Create a Dedicated LEGO Space
Having a specific area in your home where kids can build and display their LEGO creations can make LEGO play more inviting. This doesn’t need to be a large space; even a small table or a corner of a room can work. Equip the area with sorting bins for pieces and ample surface space to work on. A dedicated space not only organises LEGO pieces but also makes it easy for kids to pick up where they left off, encouraging spontaneous play.
Show Interest in Their Creations
Show genuine interest in what your children build with LEGO. Ask them to explain their creation, what inspired it, and what story goes along with it. You might also suggest improvements or new additions, which can motivate them to revisit and revise their designs. This kind of engagement validates their efforts and creativity, boosting their confidence and eagerness to build more.
Leverage LEGO Apps and Games
For tech-savvy children, integrate digital platforms that complement physical LEGO play. LEGO offers various apps and video games that can enhance the traditional building experience. These digital tools provide interactive instructions, building inspirations, and virtual simulations of LEGO sets. They can serve as a bridge between screen time and physical play, making the transition more appealing to children accustomed to digital devices.
Amidst busy schedules and the constant juggle of activities, LEGO can be a wonderful way to keep kids engaged and busy. It offers a creative outlet and a break from the routine of screen-based entertainment. More importantly, it provides a quiet, calming activity that children can return to throughout the day, making it perfect for those moments when parents need a peaceful interlude at home.
