Lego Challenges

I will present students with a problem that they must work in small groups to solve. They are told the problem, the parameters and a list of resources, often Legos (why not?). These challenges are fun and a great way for students to apply and hone important skills such as problem solving, collaboration and communication. Here are some challenges that your child can do at home:

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:

• Lego Club Activity Ideas
• Team Building Activities with Lego Bricks

I look forward to seeing what they build. Please send photos to: jstevenson@huusd.org.

Problem Solving: Size of Problem

Note: I had planned on posting mini lessons for you to do with your child at home. I am rethinking this idea. The last thing I want to do is add more to your plates, even though it is optional. Instead, I will share information and end with how you could apply it at home. I will also try to limit my posts to <2 per day to avoid overwhelming your inboxes!

Students have learned how to categorize problems into three sizes:

• Small: problems they can fix on their own, without help (i.e., you break your pencil).
• Medium: problems that require some help from an adult or peer and do not require immediate attention (i.e., you spill milk on the floor).
• Large: problems that require immediate help from an adult, usually around issues of safety (i.e., someone threatens to hurt you). 

Figuring out the size of the problem is the first step in being able to match the reaction. The problem size should match the size of the reaction:

• Small: I can fix this problem myself. What are some options?
• Medium: I need some help, but it does not have to happen right away. Who could help me?
• Large: I need help from an adult right away. Where is the closest adult?

How could you use this at home? You could adopt the size of problem language. For example, if your child seems to be overreacting to a small problem, start of by helping her use some calming strategies such as taking deep breaths. Once relatively calm you might ask, "I wonder if this is a small, medium or large problem? It seems like a small problem that I am believe you can solve on your own. Let's see if we can brainstorm some possible solutions." 

You could also talk about how a large reaction to a small problem causes the problem to grow. For example, your child gets frustrated with an assignment and throws their Chromebook on the floor and it breaks. 

Please let me know if you have any questions about these concepts. I am always just a phone call or email away: jstevenson@huusd.org, 583-7876.

For other resources, check out the following:

• How Big is the Problem?
• Size of Problem Poster
• Size of Problem Video (via Facebook Watch)