Children undergo Lego therapy (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Darlington children undergo Lego therapy

4:31pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Joanna Morris

STUDENTS are building their futures with a time-honoured favourite toy – Lego.

Darlington School of Mathematics and Science has introduced Lego therapy to help children develop their social and communications skills.

Working in teams of three, pupils are given the task of building an intricate Lego model using the instructions.

One is designated ‘engineer’ and using the instructions has to describe and ask the ‘parts supplier’ for a particular brick. The ‘engineer’ then has to explain to the builder where the brick fits.

Teaching assistant Sharon Lynn said: “It is all about improving communications and the Lego is proven to help children with social difficulties and conditions such as autism.

“It is play-initiated so the students talk more than they normally would in lessons and they have fun which helps them engage with the task. It also encourages teamwork and co-operation which help develop the building of positive social skills.”

Students take part in the Lego therapy sessions from 1pm to 1.30pm on a Tuesday and Wednesday and there is also a Lego club every Tuesday night, at which they have free reign to build anything they like. There are also plans to introduce an element of competition to see who can build the best model.

Student Kane Tervit said: “It is really good fun but you use a lot of skills from a simple toy.”

Head teacher Calvin Kipling added: ““Everyone can relate to Lego as a toy but it also helps develop a variety of skills which is probably why it has stood the test of time.”