The impact of adding the LEGO Educational SPIKE kits into my 4th grade classroom has been endless. With incorporating LEGO educational SPIKE, students have worked on building, coding, and teamwork activities. Additionally, they have also learned problem solving skills and how to be confident learners. I have seen students' creativity shine, self esteem rise, collaboration skills skyrocket, and endless amounts of engagement!
Before the start of each unit, as a class, we go over the reason our LEGO friend(s) need us to build the creation to help set a purpose. Students have to work together to follow step by step directions when building the creation. Students have learned how to take turns and make sure everybody has a part in the creation. With guidance from the app, students are able to lead themselves though each unit with very little instruction by the teacher. This has helped with building students' self esteem and independence. Another skill students demonstrate throughout their hands-on learning is the utilization of coding.
Within each creation students can code by adding music, change the light color, add movements, and add word blocks to personalize their creation. When their creation is completed, we discuss how this invention could help us and our LEGO friends in our lives. Engaging in the activities provides meaningful discussion of real life scenarios and fosters critical thinking skills.
As an added bonus at the end of each unit, I let my students experiment with creating an invention with their group. There is no guide or step by step directions they need to follow. They work together to design what they would like. Students are able to express and showcase their creativity, and their interests within their creation. They love when we add a little competition and vote on the best creation too!
The excitement and joy when I say, "Time to grab your LEGO kits!" is the best part. I have seen students who usually don't jump to the occasion of doing something, be the first one to grab their bin. My students are always excited and up for the challenge every time. These skills aren't only making a difference in the classroom but within our community too.
"I am learning how to be creative with having our own LEGO kit. We get along with others and share the LEGOS and ideas with each other. It is fun to make our own creation."
"They are pretty good. I liked creating robots and other things. I really like how they move! I give it a 9/10."
"I like them because I like to use technology and build things at the same time."
"You have to work together to finish it. They are a lot of fun. My favorite part is building and adding the lights and sound."
Ms. Hannah Thoma
Fourth Grade Teacher
Royalton Elementary