Lego Therapy
LEGO ® Therapy - Information Sheet
Thank you for your interest in Lego Therapy with Brick Nic, this information sheet aims to provide information around what Lego Therapy is all about and answer some frequently asked questions. Should you have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to contact Miss Nic. We look forward to you and your child becoming part of the Brick Nic family.
What is LEGO® Therapy?
Lego Therapy, also known as Lego -based therapy, is a structured and evidence-based therapeutic intervention that utilizes the popular toy, Lego bricks, as a medium for promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development in children.
It is rooted in the principles of play therapy and is designed to address various challenges that children may face, including difficulties in communication, social interaction, emotional expression, confidence and fine motor skills.
In Lego Therapy, children engage in collaborative play activities using Lego bricks under the guidance of a trained facilitator. The therapy sessions are carefully designed to provide a supportive environment where children can work together, share ideas, and build creations. The focus is not solely on the final product but on the process of collaboration and communication involved in the activity.
Lego Therapy typically involves small groups of children working together or one on one with a trained facilitator on projects, allowing them to practice and enhance their social skills, such as taking turns, sharing responsibilities, and resolving conflicts.
Each child in the group is assigned a specific role, such as the "builder," "supplier," “engineer," and/or “foreman” fostering a sense of teamwork and cooperation.
LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not in any way sponsor, authorise or endorse Brick Nic or Brick Nic Lego Therapy.
Brief History and Evolution:
Lego Therapy finds its roots in the field of autism therapy. It was developed as a specialized intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders, leveraging the inherent appeal and versatility of Lego bricks.
Lego therapy gained recognition for its effectiveness in addressing the unique social and communication challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum.
The concept of using Lego as a therapeutic tool has since evolved and expanded to benefit a broader range of children facing various developmental and emotional issues.
Professionals in psychology, counselling, and education have embraced Lego Therapy as a valuable method for promoting positive outcomes in areas such as self-esteem, anxiety, and interpersonal relationships.
As Lego Therapy has gained popularity, numerous training programs and resources have been developed to equip educators and facilitators with the skills needed to implement this approach effectively.
The evolution of Lego Therapy reflects a growing understanding of the significance of play-based interventions in supporting children's overall well-being.
Importance of Play:
Play is a fundamental and natural aspect of childhood that contributes significantly to a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Lego Therapy recognizes and harnesses the power of play as a means of facilitating growth and healing in children.
Play serves as a universal language through which children can express themselves, explore their emotions, and make sense of their experiences. In the context of Lego Therapy, the act of building with Lego bricks becomes a symbolic representation of a child's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.
Through play, children learn essential life skills, including problem-solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration.
Lego Therapy leverages these developmental benefits by providing a structured yet enjoyable setting where children can engage in purposeful play, fostering positive changes in their behaviour and emotional well-being.
In summary, Lego Therapy combines the therapeutic principles of play with the versatility of Lego bricks to create a unique and effective intervention that supports children in their journey towards enhanced social skills, emotional expression, and overall well-being.
Benefits of LEGO Therapy:
1. Emotional Expression:
Lego Therapy serves as a powerful vehicle for children to express and explore their emotions in a safe and non-threatening manner.
The act of building with LEGO bricks allows children to externalize their internal feelings and thoughts, providing a tangible representation of their emotional experiences. Through creative construction, children can communicate emotions that may be challenging to express verbally.
This aspect of Lego Therapy not only facilitates emotional release but also promotes self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one's own feelings.
2. Cognitive Development: Enhancing Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills:
Engaging in Lego Therapy promotes cognitive development by encouraging children to think critically and solve problems.
As they work on building projects, children encounter challenges that require planning, organization, and strategic thinking.
The process of selecting and connecting Lego bricks fosters spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and the ability to visualize and execute a plan.
These cognitive benefits extend beyond the therapy sessions, contributing to improved problem-solving skills in various aspects of a child's life.
3. Social Skills Improvement: Building Relationships and Understanding Social Cues:
Lego Therapy emphasizes collaborative play, providing a structured platform for children to develop and enhance their social skills.
Working in small groups, children learn to share ideas, negotiate, and communicate effectively with their peers.
Each child is assigned a specific role, promoting teamwork and cooperation. The shared goal of completing a Lego project fosters a sense of community helping children build relationships and understand social cues.
Through this social interaction, Lego Therapy contributes to the development of empathy, cooperation, and positive social behaviours.
