Bricks 4 Kidz Tri-cities,Mechanicsville

Classroom, Library, or tables and chairs area

There are many educational, developmental, and social benefits to the BRICKS 4 KIDZ approach to learning and play. Here are just a few.

1. Follow step-by-step directions to complete a task. It is important not to rush through and miss a step. This is especially valuable for children with AD/HD and can help them develop the patience to follow step-by-step instructions in a classroom setting.
2. Sequencing is an important skill in many learning processes and the motivational nature of this type of sequencing makes it fun for children while the skill gained can easily translate to other environments.
3. Fine motor skills are developed as children pick up and assemble the many small bricks, axles, gears and bushings.
4. The spatial/relational thinking necessary to follow the project instructions taps into both the visual and kinesthetic learning styles of many children. Kinesthetic or tactile learners learn by doing. Also, playing with LEGO bricks is highly motivating, so children are more likely to retain information that is delivered in the context of something that interests them.
5. Organizational skills are developed by keeping the bricks in their proper place. This is another skill that translates into every area of life. At school, at home, or in the workplace, people are more efficient if they can quickly and easily access the materials they need to complete a task.
6. Completing a model with LEGO® bricks nurtures process-oriented thinking and helps children develop abstract thought to envision the project before it is complete.
7. Social/emotional skills such as patience, communication and teamwork are exercised in the process of completing a build.
8. Working through frustration to complete a project builds self-esteem.
9. Working with a partner fosters teamwork and cooperation.
10. The children learn about simple machines and develop an appreciation of how various structures are put together.

Pre-school programs , After-school programs, Birthday parties, Corporate events, In-school field trips and workshops

DESCRIPTION: • Bricks 4 Kidz Tri-Cities/Mechanicsville is a proud supporter of STEM Education Enrichment. Our programs offer additional outlets beyond the classroom for children to gain exposure to and explore engineering, architecture, physics, robotics, and other science topics • It will cost your school, church, or community center nothing. Instead, our program is a fee-based program for individual families should they choose to participate. A Bricks 4 Kidz program is completely self-sustaining. We can copy and print all the flyers to be sent home with students or posted at the facility. We can accept all registrations via our website and collect all payments directly. • A typical 1-hour class follows an outline of 15-20 minutes of the lesson, 20-30 minutes of building, and the final 10-15 minutes for open play. CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT: • Students will work in a lab-type setting using LEGO® components such as gears, axles and beams. • Instructional content is multi-disciplinary and designed by educators to increase student's general knowledge and introduce S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts related to the day's model. • Lessons are designed around students' interests, with themes like animals, space, transportation and sports. • The material covered each session will vary depending on students' ages, experience, and skill level. • All materials will be provided. GOALS: • For children to play and socialize with friends while learning fundamentals of engineering and architecture in a non-competitive setting. • To build problem-solving skills, provide an opportunity for creative expression and foster an appreciation of how things work. • To help students understand that Architecture and Engineering are viable career choices. BENEFITS: • Kids already know how to build with LEGO® bricks, but with a little coaching they can learn about engineering, architecture, physics and math using specialized components. • When lessons are related to something kids enjoy, like building with LEGO® bricks, kids are more motivated and retain more of what they learn. • Working with a partner fosters teamwork and cooperation. Completing a new challenge each week builds self-esteem. DURATION/FREQUENCY/COST: • The program runs throughout the school year and follows the school calendar. • After school Classes meet 1 hour per week for 4 - 12 weeks or as a 1 hour In-school workshop. • Each session is competitively priced per student.