Lego Club meets twice a week for 30 to 40 minutes. I started with our school's Robotics Club kits, but quickly found these were not engaging to my students and were more complex than we were looking for. I was able to procure two Lego sets that both of my current groups love. They look forward to our Lego Club every Tuesday and Thursday. I cannot walk through the halls without group members asking me when they will see me (they already know, it's a set schedule) and giving me hellos and hugs! It's one of the best feelings. I currently have two groups of third grade males. I would like to extend Lego Club to first and fifth grade girls identified through Wedgwood's problem solving process as needing skills in the areas of communication and team building.
Rest assured I do not dump Legos on a table and let 'em go to town! This would result in mass chaos! During Lego Club (a model I've adapted from Daniel LeGoff's book: Lego Based Therapy) the students change roles throughout our sessions. These include Engineer, Supplier, and Builder. We have set our ground rules-to be kind, to cooperate, and to do your job. Each month I pick a new social skill of focus, such as asking for help/clarification, taking turns, disagreeing politely, staying on task, etc.
The students have roles which change each session: Engineer-describing Lego pieces (building vocabulary and basic concepts) and giving directions (communicating effectively and working with others), Supplier-finding pieces (using listening skills and problem solving), and Builder-putting pieces together (using listening skills and following directions). Other skills are built such as waiting patiently, helping others, and providing feedback. Most importantly, the students are working together to create something!
About my class
Lego Club meets twice a week for 30 to 40 minutes. I started with our school's Robotics Club kits, but quickly found these were not engaging to my students and were more complex than we were looking for. I was able to procure two Lego sets that both of my current groups love. They look forward to our Lego Club every Tuesday and Thursday. I cannot walk through the halls without group members asking me when they will see me (they already know, it's a set schedule) and giving me hellos and hugs! It's one of the best feelings. I currently have two groups of third grade males. I would like to extend Lego Club to first and fifth grade girls identified through Wedgwood's problem solving process as needing skills in the areas of communication and team building.
Rest assured I do not dump Legos on a table and let 'em go to town! This would result in mass chaos! During Lego Club (a model I've adapted from Daniel LeGoff's book: Lego Based Therapy) the students change roles throughout our sessions. These include Engineer, Supplier, and Builder. We have set our ground rules-to be kind, to cooperate, and to do your job. Each month I pick a new social skill of focus, such as asking for help/clarification, taking turns, disagreeing politely, staying on task, etc.
The students have roles which change each session: Engineer-describing Lego pieces (building vocabulary and basic concepts) and giving directions (communicating effectively and working with others), Supplier-finding pieces (using listening skills and problem solving), and Builder-putting pieces together (using listening skills and following directions). Other skills are built such as waiting patiently, helping others, and providing feedback. Most importantly, the students are working together to create something!
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