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| Walking Pokémon robots the children created. |
My son, Cade, has always expressed an interest in LEGOs and can sit quietly for long periods of time building using just his imagination. Cade is very active otherwise so I want to encourage this imaginative (and calm) thinking. I was looking into robotic type classes when Play-Well Teknologies offered for us to experience one of their LEGO Engineering workshops. Through the workshop, the kids would have lots of fun and learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts using LEGO.
These 90 minute workshops can also double as birthday parties and are designed primarily for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. Our party attendees consisted of both boys and girls ranging in ages from 6-12. Because both my children like trading Pokémon cards, we chose a Pokémon themed project. Other popular themes include Minecraft, Ninjago, Star Wars, and more!
Our instructor, Salia, arrived promptly and chatted with Cade while setting up. The children are encouraged to have free play with the LEGO before the party begins. After most of the kids arrived, Salia sat with them and explained some simple, but important rules like respecting each other, the LEGO, the room, and the instructor. Then, she showed them the project: how to build a walker for each of their customized Pokémon.
First, she showed them the finished project and then broke it apart to show them how to build it step by step. The children were eager to start! I liked that the project was quite impressive when finished, yet it was simple enough for our youngest participants to successfully build. Also, Salia was wonderful with the kids; engaging them and ready to help whoever needed some additional guidance.
I made the mistake of underestimating what kids can do because I was very impressed with the Pokémon all of the kids created using LEGO. It's amazing what kids can create when given the opportunity and encouragement.
What made the party even more fun was when Salia brought out battle stages she had created so the kids could battle their Pokémon robots. All of the children had so much fun and this experience gave me the confidence to enroll Cade in a future "Intro to STEM with LEGO" class offered by Play-Well Teknologies! Play-Well host camps, classes, and workshops all over the island at schools and YMCAs. Find a program near you here!
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| Creating during free play. |
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| Very eager to begin. |
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| The children choose their favorite pokemon to build. |
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| Our instructor, Salia, goes over how to build the project step by step. |
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| Cade building his own walker. |
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| The children start building their Pokémon. |
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| Finishing touches on his Pikachu. |
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| Our instructor is ready to help if the kids need it. |
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| The kids loved this project! |
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| Time to battle! |
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| Very fun from start to finish! |
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The kids rate the party TWO THUMBS UP!
Thank you to Play-Well Teknologies for sponsoring this workshop. All opinions are entirely my own. |
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