10 Educational Benefits of LEGO Customization

Building custom LEGO creations helps kids learn critical skills while having fun. Here's what kids gain from LEGO customization:

Benefit	What Kids Learn	Real Impact
Problem-Solving	Testing solutions and fixing mistakes	Better critical thinking
3D Understanding	Working with shapes and space	Improved spatial skills
Engineering Basics	Building stable structures	STEM foundations
Hand Control	Fine motor skills	Better writing/drawing
Math Skills	Counting, patterns, fractions	Higher math scores
Planning	Breaking big projects into steps	Project management
Decision Making	Working with limited resources	Better choices
Communication	Explaining ideas to others	Clearer speaking
Persistence	Learning from mistakes	Not giving up
Creativity	Making original designs	New ways of thinking

Who benefits most?

Age	Main Benefits
2-4 years	Basic shapes, colors, motor skills
5-7 years	Following instructions, simple building
8-12 years	Complex designs, problem-solving
Teens	Engineering concepts, custom projects

The proof? Research shows kids who regularly build with LEGO score 25% higher in math and show better spatial awareness. Plus, 90% of brain development happens before age 5 - making LEGO play a powerful learning tool.

Want to start? Mix parts from sets you own or visit a LEGO Store's 'Build a Mini' tower. As skills grow, try adding lights or moving parts to builds.

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How LEGO Customization Helps Learning

When kids move from following LEGO instructions to making their own designs, something amazing happens to their brain. Here's what changes:

Learning Area	With Instructions	With Custom Building
Thinking Skills	Following steps	Problem-solving
Building Process	Fixed path	Many possible paths
Brain Activity	Memory work	Creative thinking
Learning Style	Following rules	Free exploration
Skill Level	Basic builds	Complex designs

Kids who build complex LEGO structures often score higher in math. It makes sense - they're constantly calculating brick counts and figuring out how to keep their creations from falling over.

Take LEGO Education's STEAM Park and Tubes sets. Kids learn:

• How shapes work in 3D
• What makes things stay balanced
• Why things happen when you change them
• Basic laws of physics

"LEGO doesn't just make playtime fun - those little bricks are actually helping kids develop critical skills that stick with them!" - Lightailing

Brain Growth Through Play

Here's something big: 90% of brain development happens before age 5. That's why letting kids play freely with LEGO is so powerful. When they build without rules, they:

• Try out ideas without worrying about mistakes
• Learn from what falls apart
• Find new ways to fix problems

Building Skills Step by Step

Skill Level	What Kids Build	What They Learn
Beginner	Color sorting	Getting organized
Intermediate	Simple builds	Making things stable
Advanced	Working machines	How things work
Expert	Moving creations	Laws of motion

Kids naturally move from simple LEGO sets to harder ones. Each new challenge helps them learn more while having fun.

Every time a child builds something new with LEGO, they're not just playing - they're getting better at skills they'll need later in life. Each brick they place makes them a little bit smarter.

1. Better Problem-Solving Skills

LEGO building pushes kids to solve real problems. Every brick they place teaches them something new.

Here's what happens when kids build with LEGO:

Challenge Type	What Kids Learn	How It Helps
Stability Issues	Testing different bases	They build, fail, and try again
Missing Pieces	Using alternatives	They work with what they have
Design Changes	Adjusting plans	They break problems into steps
Structure Height	Support techniques	They learn what works (and what doesn't)

When kids create their own LEGO builds (called MOCs), they learn to:

• Split big projects into small steps
• Test different ideas when something breaks
• Fix structures that fall apart
• Plan ahead to avoid issues

Building Gets Harder (In a Good Way)

Skill Level	Building Task	What Kids Figure Out
Beginner	Simple towers	How to make things stand up
Intermediate	Vehicles	How to connect moving parts
Advanced	Working machines	How to build complex stuff
Expert	Original designs	How to plan entire projects

Here's the cool part: kids learn it's OK to fail. Each failed attempt teaches them to:

• Look at problems differently
• Find new ways to connect pieces
• Change what isn't working
• Make their builds better

Real-World Example

Take Adrian Drake's LEGO Serenity spaceship from 2013. At 6.5 feet long, it shows what PROBLEM-SOLVING looks like at its best. Every part needed careful planning and lots of testing.

Making It Fun

Activity	What Kids Learn
Drawing first	How to plan ahead
Using few pieces	How to work with limits
Changing built sets	How to make things better
Building together	How to solve problems as a team

Kids start small and work up to bigger builds. Each new project brings fresh problems to solve - from basic stuff like "Will it stand?" to complex questions like "How do I make this move?"

2. Understanding 3D Shapes and Space

LEGO building isn't just play - it's a powerful way for kids to master 3D shapes and spatial skills. Here's what happens when kids build:

Building Stage	What Kids Learn	How It Helps
Basic Building	Bottom-up construction	They learn to build strong foundations first
Shape Testing	Brick connections	They discover how pieces connect differently
Complex Structures	Scale and proportion	They figure out size relationships
Custom Designs	Mental rotation	They learn to picture objects from every angle

The Science Behind Building

UC San Diego put LEGO to the test. They created a challenge where kids build objects like whales or planes using only pictures - no instructions allowed.

"We think the LEGO assembly test is a suitable way to assess spatial visualization ability for elementary school age students." - Lelli Van Den Einde, Teaching Professor at UC San Diego

Building Skills That Stick

Johns Hopkins research shows that frequent LEGO builders become experts. Here's what sets them apart:

Skill	What They Do Better
Planning	Build with clear direction
Movement	Make purposeful choices
Structure	Create stable designs
Problem-Solving	Spot and fix issues fast

"If you want to build future STEM enthusiasts, you need to start with fundamental skills and they need to come early." - Amy Shelton, Cognitive Psychologist at Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Better Building = Better Grades

The numbers don't lie. Kids who master 3D spatial skills:

• Score higher GPAs in college STEM courses
• Complete STEM degrees more often
• Excel in geometry and physics

And here's the best part: kids pick up these skills while having FUN. Every LEGO creation helps them understand how shapes work in the real world - and that's something they'll use for years to come.

3. Learning Basic Engineering

LEGO isn't just for play - it's a hands-on introduction to engineering. Here's how kids learn real engineering through LEGO bricks:

Engineering Concept	How Kids Learn It	Real-World Connection
Load Distribution	Testing bridge weight limits	Building stable structures
Structural Support	Adding trusses to tall builds	Earthquake-resistant design
Motion & Mechanics	Using LEGO Technic parts	Understanding machine parts
Scale & Balance	Building top-heavy structures	Weight distribution in buildings

Building Future Engineers Play-Well Teknologies shows this in action. Their LEGO classes teach engineering through hands-on projects. Take Logan Ingulli, age 9, who built and raced a car in their summer program - he picked up engineering basics while having a blast.

"Our goal is to spark the curiosity in kids to be interested in how things work and allow that curiosity to take them in whatever direction they choose." - Jeffrey Harry, Vice President of Marketing and Fun, Play-Well Teknologies

From Toys to Tools Even CERN scientists put LEGO to work. Michael Deveaux built a radiation-resistant movable table for sensor testing using LEGO bricks.

"Today, the LEGO apparatus sits on a shelf in my office, awaiting use in the future, either by NA61/SHINE or my children!" - Michael Deveaux, Scientist at CERN

Programming with LEGO The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit brings coding and robotics together:

• 17 robot designs you can program
• Sensors and motors included
• Easy-to-use programming interface

School Level	Schools Using Mindstorms
Middle Schools	50%
Elementary/High Schools	25%

"Today a second grader can make her own wall-avoiding triceratops in 20 minutes." - Chris Rogers, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University

Kids who start with LEGO often jump into bigger engineering challenges later. Every project teaches them something new about engineering - from basic structures to moving machines.

4. Better Hand Control

LEGO building makes kids better at the small hand movements they need every day. Let's look at what happens when kids play with these bricks:

Skill Type	How LEGO Helps	Daily Life Application
Pincer Grasp	Picking up 1x1 bricks	Using pencils and utensils
Finger Strength	Pressing bricks together	Writing control and stamina
Hand-Eye Coordination	Following build instructions	Drawing and crafts
Bilateral Skills	Using both hands to build	Cutting with scissors

When kids hunt for small LEGO pieces, they learn to:

• Pick out specific colors and sizes
• Put bricks in exact spots
• Push pieces together with just the right force

"Something as simple as LEGO play shapes how kids use their hands. It's amazing to watch their skills grow just by connecting those little plastic bricks." - Dr. William Lockitt, Author

Here's what kids can do at different ages:

Age (months)	What They Can Do
5	Grab blocks with whole fist
15-16	Stack three blocks
24+	Connect LEGO DUPLO bricks
48+	Work with standard LEGO pieces

Want to boost hand control? Try these LEGO activities:

• Use tweezers to sort bricks by color
• Build tall towers without them falling
• Follow building instructions step by step
• Practice taking apart stuck bricks

These LEGO skills help kids write, type, get dressed, and eat with utensils. The more they play, the better their hands work.

5. Math Skills Through Building

LEGO bricks turn math into a hands-on playground. Let me show you how:

Math Concept	LEGO Activity	Learning Outcome
Counting	Sort bricks by color	One-to-one correspondence
Addition	Stack bricks together	Visual number combinations
Fractions	Use different brick sizes	Understanding parts of whole
Measurement	Compare brick heights	Spatial relationships
Patterns	Create brick sequences	Pattern recognition

Here's what kids can do with LEGO to boost their math skills:

Race to 20 Roll dice and stack numbered bricks in order. Kids learn number sequences, counting, and quick number recognition - all while having fun.

Number Line Fun Build a line with bricks and move mini-figures along it. It's like turning addition and subtraction into a mini-adventure.

Brick Size	Math Application
2x2	Count by 4s
2x3	Count by 6s
2x4	Count by 8s
2x5	Count by 10s

For Beginners Start simple:

• Count the studs on each brick
• Make color-based brick groups
• Build towers and compare their heights

Fractions Made Simple Think of it this way:

• 8-stud brick = one whole
• 4-stud brick = one-half
• 2-stud brick = one-quarter

Build Your Own Graphs Stack bricks to show data and compare heights. It's stats you can touch!

Here's the best part: Kids learn WAY more with LEGO than they do with regular worksheets. They get to move stuff around, test ideas, and figure things out on their own. That's how REAL learning happens.

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6. Planning and Design Skills

LEGO customization teaches kids how to plan and build like pros. Here's what happens:

Design Phase	LEGO Activity	Skills Learned
Planning	Sketching builds	Breaking big ideas into steps
Prototyping	Quick test builds	Finding what works
Iteration	Rebuilding and fixing	Making it better
Final Design	Completing the build	Putting it together

Kids can use digital tools to plan their builds:

• LEGO Digital Designer (LDD)
• LDraw
• CAD systems for parts lists

These tools let kids map everything BEFORE touching a single brick.

Building Style	Works Best For	What Kids Learn
Just Build	Small projects	Quick fixes
Sketch First	Big builds	Planning ahead
Digital Design	Huge projects	Getting organized
Mix Methods	Team builds	Working together

"LEGO builds move fast. No waiting for glue, no ordering parts, no welding needed." - Wayne Pau, Author

Here's what makes a build work:

• Split big builds into chunks
• Sort your bricks first
• Check connections while building
• Count your pieces

Kids work with limits - LEGO has 6,800 different pieces. This teaches them to:

• Use what they have
• Get creative with pieces
• Think through problems
• Plan their steps

Building tricks they'll learn:

• SNOT (Studs Not on Top)
• Building layer by layer
• Making sub-sections
• Testing as they go

These LEGO skills help kids tackle other projects too. They learn to break down work, plan ahead, and solve problems one step at a time.

7. Making Better Choices

LEGO building teaches kids decision-making through hands-on experience. Here's what happens when kids build:

Decision Type	What Kids Learn	Building Example
Resource Management	Working with what they have	Building a tower vs. base with limited pieces
Design Choices	Comparing options	Selecting specific colors and shapes
Problem Solutions	Finding what works	Making structures more stable
Time Management	Setting build order	Choosing which parts to build first

When kids build, they face questions like:

• Which pieces fit their plan?
• How to use their bricks?
• Should they follow instructions or create?
• What to do when something doesn't work?

"LEGOS help children use their critical thinking skills and creativity." - Joell Anders, first grade teacher, Fall Creek Schools, Wisconsin

Age Group	What They Learn	What They Build
18+ months	Sorting basics	DUPLO® color matching
4-6 years	Simple planning	Small guided projects
7-9 years	Step-by-step thinking	Following instructions
10+ years	Problem-solving	Custom designs

Ways to boost decision skills:

• Let kids pick their projects
• Have them explain their choices
• Give them a budget (like £8) to spend
• Help compare different build options
• Break big projects into steps

Here's what works in classrooms:

Project	What Kids Did
Bridge Build	Made 20-foot bridge strong enough for principal
Animal Home	Built ecosystems based on research
Free Build	Fixed design problems by themselves

Through building, kids learn to:

• Plan before they start
• Fix their own mistakes
• Pick the right tools
• Work with limits
• Test and improve

These skills stay with them, ready for bigger challenges ahead.

8. Speaking and Sharing Ideas

LEGO building helps kids explain their thoughts through hands-on projects. Here's what happens when kids build together:

Communication Type	What Kids Practice	Building Activity
One-on-One	Giving clear instructions	Partner build games
Group Speaking	Presenting to others	Class show-and-tell
Problem Discussion	Explaining challenges	Build troubleshooting
Team Planning	Sharing design ideas	Group projects

Want to see communication in action? Try the "Builder-Listener Game":

1. Get Set Up: Two players receive identical LEGO pieces
2. Build in Secret: First player builds without showing their work
3. Give Instructions: Builder explains each step
4. Follow Along: Second player builds from instructions
5. Check Results: Compare builds and switch roles

"The Brick-by-Brick® programme helps children develop their speech, language, communication, and social skills through LEGO® play", - Lisa, Speech and Language Therapist, Kenya

Here's how to boost speaking skills with LEGO:

• Break down building steps
• Present projects (keep it short!)
• Talk about design choices
• Ask and answer questions

Age Group	Speaking Activity	Time Length
4-6 years	Show and tell	1-2 minutes
7-9 years	Build instructions	2-3 minutes
10+ years	Project presentations	3+ minutes

The Brick-by-Brick® program gets results:

• 800+ trained professionals
• Kids tackle building challenges
• Better social skills
• More speaking confidence

LEGO therapy builds these skills:

Skill Area	How It Helps
Turn-taking	Speaking and listening practice
Teamwork	Group building activities
Instructions	Step-by-step directions
Feedback	Project discussions

These skills carry over to school, group work, and daily life.

9. Learning to Keep Trying

LEGO building teaches kids a simple truth: mistakes are part of learning. Let me show you what happens during a typical build:

Building Stage	What Kids Learn	Result
First Try	Nothing works perfectly	Test different approaches
Making Mistakes	Spot the problems	Fix one step at a time
Getting Stuck	It's OK to ask for help	Build self-trust
Finishing Projects	Small steps add up	Take on bigger projects

Here's how the LEGO® DUPLO® maze shows this in action:

1. Start Basic

Kids build a simple maze and roll a ball through it. When the ball stops moving, they learn to change the walls.

2. Make It Harder

They add turns and blocks to the maze. Each time the ball gets stuck, they learn something new.

3. Team Up

Kids work together, asking "What happens if..." and learning from each try.

Age Group	Challenge Level	Time to Complete
4-6 years	Simple mazes	15-20 minutes
7-9 years	Split-path mazes	30-45 minutes
10+ years	Tricky obstacles	60+ minutes

"Persistence: From the founder right through to his grandson the business was persistent in maintaining the original integrity of the product and its mission statement." - Matthew Tukaki, Co Founder of EntreHub

How to build stick-to-it power:

• Let kids solve problems themselves
• Split big builds into tiny steps
• Notice small wins
• Make mistakes normal

Problem	Solution
Quick to quit	Break into smaller tasks
Scared of mistakes	Show how you fix yours
Getting mad	Step away briefly
Must be perfect	Look at progress made

Take Michael's LEGO® ship project. It took weeks to finish, but he learned that big goals need small, steady steps.

Kids who stick with LEGO builds:

• Handle homework better
• Keep going on tough tasks
• Jump into new challenges
• Know first tries often fail

10. Coming Up With New Ideas

When kids build with LEGO without instructions, magic happens. Here's what free building does:

Building Stage	What Kids Learn	Skills Gained
Free Building	Mix different bricks and parts	Pattern recognition
Story Creation	Build scenes from their dreams	Original thinking
Problem-Solving	Find new ways to connect pieces	Out-of-box solutions
Design Testing	Try different approaches	Building confidence

LEGO's research backs this up. They studied 30,000 kids for 3.5 years and found something cool: 2 out of 3 kids say dreams help them come up with new ideas. That's why their DREAMZzz theme lets kids tackle building missions in different ways.

Here's how different age groups build and learn:

Age Group	Building Activity	Learning Outcome
4-6 years	Mix colors and shapes	Basic design skills
7-9 years	Build without instructions	Independent thinking
10+ years	Create complex models	Advanced planning

Some builders take this to the NEXT LEVEL. In 2013, Adrian Drake built a 6.5-foot Firefly spaceship Serenity. And check this out: one builder made their Tardis model even cooler by adding a sound box from an old LEGO UFO set.

Want to boost your kid's building skills? Here's what works:

Do This	Not This
Let them build freely	Always follow instructions
Mix different LEGO sets	Keep sets separate
Ask "what if" questions	Give ready solutions
Display their builds	Put builds away right after

When kids build without limits, they:

• Find new uses for pieces
• Create things no one's seen before
• Figure out tricky building problems
• Tell stories with their builds

Here's the thing: Those weird-looking builds? They're stepping stones to bigger ideas. It's not about making perfect models - it's about letting kids' minds grow through play.

Getting Started with LEGO Customization

Here's what you'll need to start customizing LEGO builds:

Must-Have Tools	What They Do	Where to Get
BrickLink Studio	Design software for planning	BrickLink website
Sorting bins	Organize pieces by type	LEGO store, craft shops
Basic brick set	Core building pieces	LEGO Pick A Brick
Lighting kit	Makes builds glow	Briksmax, Lightailing

Let's talk storage (it's more important than you think):

Storage Type	What Goes In	Why It Matters
Color bins	Same-colored pieces	Find pieces fast
Type boxes	Similar pieces	Build faster
Special container	Wheels, windows, etc.	Keep rare pieces safe
Project box	Current build pieces	Stay organized

These building techniques will level up your builds:

Technique	What It Does	When to Use
SNOT building	Places bricks sideways	Add depth
Stud/tile mix	Controls texture	Surface details
Color contrast	Creates focus points	Key features
Brick overlap	Makes new shapes	Complex builds

Want pieces? Here's where to look:

• BrickLink: HUGE marketplace, lots of sellers
• LEGO Pick A Brick: 1,500+ pieces
• Local LEGO stores: Get pieces NOW
• LEGO User Groups: Trade and share

Smart building tips:

Do This	Instead of This
Buy in bulk	Single pieces
Join LEGO groups	Solo building
Plan with software	Random buying
Mix set pieces	Keeping sets apart

Before your first big build:

• Test your skills
• Plan in software
• Start small
• Keep sorting

These digital tools make planning easier:

Tool	Best For	Who Should Use
BrickLink Studio	Part selection	Everyone
MecaBricks	Online building	Some experience needed
LEGO Digital Designer	Easy interface	New builders

Here's the thing about LEGO customization: You'll get better with each build. Start simple, then go big.

Wrap-Up

LEGO customization isn't just fun - it's a learning powerhouse. Here's what the data shows:

Skill Area	How LEGO Helps	Real Impact
Math Skills	Building with patterns and quantities	Higher math scores in high school
Engineering	Testing designs and structures	Early grasp of physics concepts
Motor Skills	Handling small pieces	Better handwriting and drawing
Social Growth	Group building projects	Improved teamwork abilities

Different age groups get different benefits:

Age Group	Key Benefits	Learning Outcomes
Ages 2-4	Basic shapes, colors	First building skills
Ages 5-7	Following instructions	Reading improvement
Ages 8-12	Complex designs	Advanced problem-solving
Teens	Custom projects	Engineering concepts

The LEGO Foundation puts it perfectly:

"Play unlocks learning and development benefits that last a lifetime, and childhood presents a critical window of opportunity."

Want to jump in? Here's your path:

Start Here	Then Try	Next Level
Basic brick sets	STEAM Park	Custom designs
Color sorting	Simple builds	Complex structures
Building cards	Online tutorials	Group projects

Check out what dedicated builders have created:

Builder	Project	Time Spent
Adrian Drake	6.5ft Serenity Ship	475 hours
ChocoBricks	Custom Star Wars MOCs	200+ hours
JasBrick	Painted Minifigures	50+ hours

The impact? Kids who build with LEGO show:

Area	Improvement Seen
Math	25% better scores
Reading	Faster instruction processing
Building	Better spatial awareness
Focus	Longer attention span

Bottom line: Start with simple builds, keep going, and let the learning happen through play.

FAQs

What are the educational benefits of Legos?

LEGO blocks do more than just keep kids busy - they're learning tools in disguise. Here's what the research shows:

Skill Area	Learning Outcome	Age Group Impact
Problem-Solving	Kids test solutions and fix mistakes	Ages 4+
Spatial Skills	Better grasp of shapes and space	Ages 2+
Math Skills	Pattern and number understanding	Ages 5+
STEM Learning	Basic engineering concepts	Ages 8+

"When kids build with blocks and Legos, they're using spatial reasoning skills." - Amy Shelton, Cognitive Psychologist, Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Let's break down how LEGO helps kids grow:

Brain Development	Physical Skills	Social Growth
Memory power	Fine motor control	Team building
Better focus	Hand coordination	Communication
Pattern skills	Building accuracy	Sharing ideas

The impact goes beyond playtime:

Short-Term Benefits	Long-Term Impact
Sharper focus	STEM readiness
Better planning	Engineering thinking
Stronger memory	Math skills

"Building with LEGO Toys works like a gym for young minds." - Children's Museum Team

Want the best results? Match the LEGO sets to your child's age and skills. Start with basic builds, then level up as they improve.