I think it’s safe to say that all kids (and adults…) love building-bricks! With vibrant colors and endless creative possibilities, what’s not to love?
Here are five ways I use building bricks in therapy!
1. Giving and Following Directions
Did you ever notice that LEGO instruction manuals do not have words in them? Each step, no matter how complex, is depicted visually. This is language therapy gold. Ask your students to provide the words and then reinforce language concepts further as they construct their masterpiece!
If I have more than one student, I sometimes like to make a barrier activity in which one student can see a brick structure I previously created and the other students cannot. This student must provide accurate verbal directions so that his or her peers can create a replica.
2. Sequencing
Simple, yet powerful, building-brick construction offers excellent repetitive practice for giving sequential directions or retelling a sequence using the transition words “first,” “next,” “then” and “last.” Incidentally, it also tends to incorporate attributes and prepositions as well as students say “first put the dark yellow block on the bottom and then add the light yellow block with the window on top.”
3. Prepositions
As your students construct their items, prepositions will automatically play an important role. Take the below train for instance. The wheels are under/below the numbers, the cat is on top of/above the blue block and the orange-covered train is between the green and the blue ones.
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The preposition fun doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve created everything, then it’s time to enjoy it through play! This Fairy Princess is traveling all over this playground!
4. Articulation
Articulation during conversation? Yes please! We all know how tough it can be to generalize articulation skills but, as you can see below, you’ll find a lot of R and L sounds in your colorful building-bricks!
5. Vocabulary Attributes
As your students give directions, they will need to specify the colors, shapes, sizes and even functions of their bricks. Once their creation is complete, they can also describe it in a fun way. Perhaps they’re trying to sell the house below and need to describe it effectively in a real estate ad!
Do you use building-bricks in therapy? Did I miss anything?
