The Olympic Games celebrate excellence, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness—qualities that we strive to instil in our students every day.
In the spirit of the Olympics, let's explore an innovative educational tool that promises to transform learning: the Six Bricks methodology.
This hands-on, experiential learning approach uses six DUPLO or LEGO® type in bright colours to enhance students' cognitive and motor skills, aligning perfectly with curriculum outcomes. The activities were also used as a type of hand-eye coordination game.
It is the perfect resource to use in in Primary schools, day care centres and Early Childhood Centres.
What is Six Bricks?
Six Bricks is a simple yet powerful educational tool and hands-on resource developed by Brent Hutcheson and his team at Care for Education in conjunction with the LEGO® Foundation.
It includes a large variety of short, structured activities that take 2-5 minutes and are designed to develop a range of skills in children.
From cognitive abilities to fine motor skills, Six Bricks offers a versatile and engaging way to promote learning through play. The method also develops perceptual skills as well as physical skills as part of active learning.
It's playful learning at its best!
Benefits for Schools
Teachers and educators around the world use the method as part of their teaching practice to help develop core learning skills.
If you are a believer in play-based learning, primary teachers and childhood educators see these benefits as you implement this hands-on tool during the school day:
- Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Six Bricks activities are designed to improve various cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving. Schools that have implemented Six Bricks report significant improvements in student engagement and academic performance.
- Versatile Learning Tool: Whether it's literacy, numeracy, or social skills, Six Bricks can be integrated into almost any part of the curriculum. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for schools aiming to provide a holistic education as part of their pedagogical approach.
- Supports Diverse Learning Needs: Six Bricks activities can be easily adapted to meet the needs of different learners. Whether used for individual tasks or group activities, it ensures that every student will see an uplift in their skills development.
Benefits for Teachers
- Easy Integration into Curriculum
Teachers can seamlessly incorporate Six Bricks into their existing lesson plans. Once they know the Six Bricks basics and have access to the bricks material, the activities are straightforward and require minimal preparation.
- Ready-to-Use Resources
The Six Bricks learning modules through the Yay4Play program (link to website online learning) provide a wealth of resources to support teachers in delivering engaging and effective lessons. This in turn ensures the achievement of curriculum learning outcomes.
- Professional Development Opportunities
Workshops and training sessions on Six Bricks offer teachers continuous professional growth and ongoing academic learning, enabling them to stay updated with the latest educational practices and methodologies. These are amazing learning opportunities that provide ways of creating a dynamic learning experience for all students.
Benefits for Students
- Development of Critical Skills
Six Bricks activities are designed to develop essential aspects of child development such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. They form part of explorative learning and ensure full participation among children.
- Improved Memory and Concentration
Regular engagement with Six Bricks activities helps students enhance their memory and concentration, leading to better academic performance and a more focused learning experience. Autistic children also benefit as part of their basic education journey.
- Fun and Engaging Learning
Learning through play is an effective way to keep students motivated and engaged. Six Bricks provides a fun and interactive learning environment. The sky is the limit for any creative education team who puts the growth of children as their central purpose.
Real-World Applications
Schools around the world have witnessed the transformative impact of Six Bricks.
For instance, a case study in Australia revealed that children using Six Bricks showed remarkable improvement in their problem-solving abilities and social interactions.
One teacher used the building activities as a a way of assessing the level of each child even as far as colour awareness is concerned and how well children could execute bilateral & cross-lateral movements.
Teachers also reported a more vibrant and dynamic classroom atmosphere, where students were eager to participate and learn using these educational games.
What's more, it's an affordable resource that is used all year round for a wide range of classroom activities.
Activities for the Olympic Games
Here are some fun and educational games and activities to do in your class or at home -
- Olympic Rings Challenge
Use Six Bricks to form the Olympic rings, promoting teamwork, collaboration and fine motor skills.
- Medal Count Tracking
Use Six Bricks to create graphs and charts that track the medal counts of different countries, integrating math skills with current events.
- Sports-Themed Exercises
Incorporate physical education by having students use Six Bricks to design and build models of various Olympic sports venues, such as a mini athletics track or a swimming pool.
- Language and Literacy Games
Develop spelling and vocabulary games where students use Six Bricks to form words related to the Olympics, enhancing their literacy skills.
- Storytelling and Creativity
Encourage students to use Six Bricks to create scenes and tell stories about their favourite Olympic events or athletes, fostering creativity and narrative skills.
- Problem-Solving Relay
Set up a relay race where teams of students must solve a series of Six Bricks challenges to advance, promoting problem-solving and teamwork.
How to Get Started with Six Bricks
Implementing Six Bricks in your school is simple and straightforward. Here are a few steps to get you started:
- Get the Six Bricks Kit: Purchase the Six Bricks kit from Yay4Play (link).
- Sign up for our online learning: Follow the modules to gain hands-on experience and learn best practices.
- Incorporate into Lessons: Start incorporating Six Bricks activities into your daily lessons.
- Monitor Progress: Keep track of students' progress and adapt activities to meet their needs.
The Six Bricks methodology is a game-changer in the field of education.
It embodies the Olympic spirit by encouraging students to persevere through challenges and achieve greatness in their learning journey.
As we celebrate the Olympics, let's also celebrate the innovative tools and methods that help our students succeed.
Ready to transform your classroom with Six Bricks? Visit our website to learn more and get started today!