From SPS - Speech Pathology for Schools
Mala Ferdinando
SPS Speech Box
Lego play - a fun way to build communications skills
Welcome to another SPS Speech Box for 2024. This Speech Box discusses Lego play. Lego can be used to help develop oral language and social skills! Feel free to include it in your next school newsletter.
Lego play - a fun way to build communications skills
Lego Play: A fun way to build communication skills
Lego can be used to help develop oral language and social skills! Lego play can help children:
- Follow instructions
- Give directions and information
- Improve vocabulary (e.g., using describing words and specific names of Lego pieces)
- All of these skills are important for effective communication in everyday life.
How to use Lego to support communication skills
- Choose a Lego kit with instructions and all the pieces inside. Start with a simple kit and gradually move to more complex ones.
- Assign roles to players (based on LEGO®-based Therapy for Social Skills). Roles can be switched each play session, so everyone has a turn at a different job.
- Engineer: Reads the instructions and describes which pieces are needed and where they go.
- Supplier: Finds the correct Lego pieces as described by the Engineer and gives them to the Builder.
- Builder: Puts the Lego pieces together according to the Engineer’s instructions.
More ideas:
- Speech Practice: For example, if a child has difficulty with the "L" sound, encourage them to say words like "Lego" often (e.g., "I need the blue Lego, please," or "This is a long piece").
- Following instructions: Start with simple Lego instructions and gradually increase the number of steps (1, 2, or 3 steps). Use words like "next to," "on top," "before," and "after." For example, say, "Put the green Lego next to the yellow Lego."
- Social: A ‘Lego Club’ can be formed. Children can communicate with others and build friendships. Encourage skills like problem-solving, patience, asking for help, and using kind words. Help them manage emotions by taking breaks and addressing any frustrations or sensory needs.
- Improve vocabulary and sentences: Help your child build their vocabulary and sentence skills by using Lego play. Introduce them to specific names for different Lego pieces and encourage them to use full, descriptive sentences when asking for pieces. For example, they could say, “Can I please have the red 2x4 plate?”
Lego play offers many opportunities to work on communication skills. Be involved in what your child is doing, and most importantly, have fun!
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If you would like further information, please contact the SPS Speech Pathologist at your school.
Kind regards,
Mala Ferdinando
Speech Pathology for Schools