What’s important to you when it comes to your child’s after school or summertime program?
You probably want your child to have some fun – but you want them to learn, too, right?
Most of the parents we meet want to find a program with a good balance of fun and learning. But they worry some of the programs available focus too much on one or the other.
For instance, some programs – like Bricks4Kidz Atlanta – focus on fun, project-based learning activities. Kids enrolled in our program love playing with LEGOS® and blocks.
And most parents recognize these toys as a fun pastime from their own childhood. But they wonder if playing with LEGOS® really has any effect on their child’s learning ability.
We’re happy to alleviate your worries. LEGOS® and other project-based activities are a great way for kids to learn. Let us explain.
How Project-Based Activities Improve a Child’s Brain Development
In recent years, researchers have studied how LEGOS®, blocks, and other construction-type toys affect children’s brains.
These studies have shown they’re not only a great way for kids to learn, but they actually have a pretty big impact on a child’s overall brain development.
In fact, studies have shown these activities improve a child’s spatial reasoning skills. These skills relate to academics and a variety of fields in which your child might one day get a job.
Children who have more experience using LEGOS® and blocks from a young age tend to excel in areas like math, science, tech, and engineering.
Studies have shown playing with LEGOS® can lead to improved development and function in the following areas.
1. Overall Brain Development
Many schools and afterschool programs have been using LEGOS and blocks on an informal basis. But as researchers delve into the benefits of these toys, they’ve found they’re not just toys – they’re important teaching tools.
LEGOS® and blocks can help children develop problem-solving skills. They approach problems differently after having some experience with these tools.
This can aid them during their studies in school, as well as in their jobs later in life, no matter what industry they end up getting into.
2. Improved Social Learning and Interactions
Playing with blocks can teach kids teamwork. They learn they need to share and take turns.
When kids play together in this way, they also learn to work as a team to solve problems. They have to decide – as a couple or group – what to build and how to go about building it.
These skills will definitely serve them throughout their school career and into the workforce.
3. LEGOS® Can Help with Emotional Development, Too
Putting LEGOS® together isn’t an easy task. Persevering through a project will give a child a sense of satisfaction. They’ll feel proud of what they’ve accomplished and will be excited to show it off.
These feelings can lead to healthy self-esteem and confidence.
4. Children Learn to Think Creatively
Creative thinking is important in various aspects of life. Even people who aren’t artists or musicians need to be creative problem solvers.
LEGO® instructions aren’t always easy to follow. But while working through them, children learn lateral thinking skills. When assembling their blocks, the children have to analyze their work and see what needs to be fixed.
This type of thinking is a valuable skill which is necessary in school, the workplace, and in life in general.
Learning and Having Fun Go Hand-In-Hand No Matter Our Age
When it comes to learning, a lot of us were taught the best way to learn is from a book, or from a teacher giving a lecture.
While these are still valuable tools in the educational systems repertoire, they aren’t the only ones.
Over the years, studies have shown doing something fun – like learning a language, dabbling in art, or learning an instrument – can have a huge impact on a person’s brain.
At Bricks4Kidz Atlanta, we want every child in our school programs to have fun, but we want them to learn, too.
Project-based learning activities, like those utilizing LEGOS® and blocks, can have a profound impact on a child’s brain development. They teach a child how to find logical yet creative solutions to certain problems. They can even affect how a child learns other subjects, too.
If you’re concerned about what effect an after school or summer program will have on your child, we’d love to show you what kind of projects we engage in with the kids. You’ll see just how much fun the kids have – and just how much they’re learning!