Minifigure Transport
Problem: Minifigure needs to get across the room. They are afraid of people (after all, compared to them we are HUGE!), so you cannot touch them. Your resources: Legos, rope and a pulley. Note: there are lots of different ways they could solve this problem, such as a zip line pictured above. Instead of a rope and pulley, you could give them rubber bands to create some kind of catapult. The options are endless! Whatever you have on hand will work. Allow your child to come up with the solution on their own. Trial and error, dealing with failed attempts are an important part of the process.
Partner Build
Problem: You must communicate using only your words. Partners sit back to back, each given the same Lego blocks. The first person has one minute to build something using the blocks. Next, he/she must explain to their partner how to build what they created. They will compare their work and switch roles. Note: for single child families YOU can be the partner! Debrief with questions such as: "What made this challenging?" "How did you feel when what you built did not match? What zone were you in?" and "What would make the task easier?"
Building Challenges
Use your supply of Legos to: build the tallest tower, a bridge that crosses a specified distance (i.e., between two tables) or that spans the farthest distance or can hold the most weight. Children can work on their own, with a partner or they could compete against each other.
Legos as Models
Have your child use their Legos to create models of known buildings or scenery: home, school, places they have traveled, amusement park, etc. They could recreate scenes or buildings from a book, show or movie.
For other ideas, check out:
I look forward to seeing what they build. Please send photos to: jstevenson@huusd.org.
