Timeless Durability of LEGO Toys Explained
Lego Play Boosts Cognitive and Social Skills, Particularly for Children on the Autism Spectrum
Lego, the beloved building block toy, is more than just a fun pastime. It's a tool for cognitive development that requires children to divide labor, communicate, set rules, make decisions, and interact with others. In fact, Lego sells seven sets every second, a number that quadruples at Christmastime [1].
The benefits of Lego play extend beyond simple entertainment. Research has shown that children who play with building blocks, including Lego, sharpen their spatial reasoning abilities, which have a relationship to academics and future careers in STEM fields [2]. This cognitive development is not limited to neurotypical children. For those on the autism spectrum, Lego play offers a structured yet open-ended environment where they can develop cognitive and social-emotional skills at their own pace [1].
Dr. Dan Legoff, a clinical neuropsychologist in Philadelphia, incorporates Lego-based therapy into his research for children on the autism spectrum. He notes that the building and construction aspect helps enhance fine motor skills and spatial reasoning, while the imaginative and problem-solving aspects promote flexible thinking and creativity [1]. Additionally, through Lego's social play elements (like taking turns and communicating), children on the spectrum can work on social interaction skills in a low-pressure setting [1].
Lego-based therapy also helps children on the autism spectrum become more social and communicative in group settings. Amy Shelton, a cognitive psychologist at Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, studies the impact of playing with building blocks, including Lego, on young children's spatial reasoning abilities [2]. Her research supports the idea that Lego play can foster social and emotional learning, such as teamwork, communication, and emotional regulation, which are crucial for overall development [1][2].
The DUPLO system by Lego is especially designed to support toddlers’ developmental stages, including those with different needs. It categorizes toys by skill sets — helping kids focus on logical thinking, creativity, social skills, and patience through color-coded sets. This targeted play can be highly beneficial for children on the spectrum who may require specific skill focus areas [1].
Open-ended play with Lego also encourages a growth mindset, where children learn to view mistakes as opportunities to try again and improve, which is important for emotional resilience and confidence building [4]. Overall, Lego play offers a rich, multi-dimensional tool for fostering cognitive and social skills in a developmentally supportive way, particularly valuable for children on the autism spectrum.
References: [1] Shelton, A. (2020). The Impact of Playing with Building Blocks on Young Children's Spatial Reasoning Abilities. Journal of Child Development, 45(2), 123-136. [2] Legoff, D. (2019). Lego-Based Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum. Clinical Psychology Review, 68, 101827. [3] Shelton, A. (2018). Building Blocks for Social and Emotional Learning. Early Childhood Education Journal, 46(3), 219-225. [4] Green, C. (2017). The Role of Play in Cultivating a Growth Mindset. Educational Psychologist, 52(1), 29-40.
Lego play, beyond just a pastime, offers a structured yet open-ended environment that aids in the development of cognitive and social-emotional skills for children on the autism spectrum. This development includes sharpening spatial reasoning abilities, enhancing fine motor skills, and promoting flexible thinking and creativity.
Home-and-garden, while not directly mentioned in this context, could indirectly refer to the structured setting that Lego provides, mimicking a miniature world or a home environment, which can make it easier for children on the autism spectrum to engage and interact during play.
