6 Benefits of LEGO ® play

It turns out that LEGO® play has far-reaching developmental benefits for kids, way more impactful than just fine motor coordination. Even better: we go on benefitting from LEGO® play as adults. Here are just a few of the reasons you need to join your kids the next time they get out the LEGO® bricks:
​Kiddiwinks NewsPassionate about LEGO bricks  26th Sep 2016, kids, lego 

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#1 Teamwork and communication.

​Sharing, discussing your building strategy and assigning roles is an important part of the process of a LEGO® build. It can even help to increase language development. According to a 2007 study of children from lower and middle income families in the USA, the parents of kids who played with building blocks generally reported better verbal skills in their children. ​

#2 Patience and organisational skills

​The ability to plan, organise and then execute are all critical skills that can be applied to any goal orientated actions in life. With LEGO® bricks and models, these skills can be tested and exercised using the construction process as a tool. Moreover, when things aren’t going as planned, it’s the positive action of going back to the drawing board and re-thinking the original plan that helps to teach kids perseverance and resilience.

#3 Constructive problem solving and lateral thinking 

Which brings us to thinking creatively in order to solve a problem – such as a teetering LEGO® tower that is going to topple over at any moment. Thinking laterally to save the design is just part of the creative process of playing with LEGO® bricks and yet another essential life skill we could all do with.

#4 Adventure and experimentation 

Playing with LEGO® bricks offers a secure space in which to experiment, try things you’ve never tried – and sometimes fail. From the excitement of the initial idea to the disappointment when it doesn’t work out, creating the space to play around with ideas is exactly the sort of space needed for creative thinking and problem solving.

#5 Fine motor skills development 

Perhaps it goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: the small, precise movements that need to be coordinated together when building with LEGO® bricks is what will help strengthen a child’s fine motor skills.

#6 Increases spatial awareness 

When you’re given a blueprint of a construction you have to build, it’s your ability to think in 3D that is most tested. Why is this so important? Well, it is believed that spatial intelligence is a critical factor in your ability to think as an engineer, artist or architect. It’s the essential skill required to think in physical shapes.