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Learning for Life Book

K I D S
P A G E

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Building foundations for learning… brick by brick.

“For brick must be upon brick, row upon row; here a little, and there a little.”

ABOUT US

HOMESCHOOLING with LEGO®

We are a homeschooling family with three sons who have been enthusiasts of construction toys ever since they were old enough to sit up and play. It reminds me of the saying, “If you build it they will come” – only in our case it’s “If you buy it they will build it.”

This would include: classic wooden alphabet and geometric shape blocks, Lincoln Logs and Kapla planks, model trains and marble runs, Erector Sets and K’Nex, 3-D puzzles and snap cubes, MEGA Bloks and LEGO® bricks. Yes, they’ve even built stuff out of ordinary cardboard boxes, toothpicks and Popsicle sticks.

Of course, LEGO® has always been their favorite! I'm estimating that our house is filled with about 20,000 LEGO® pieces of all shapes, sizes, and colors. LEGO® models are displayed on shelves, LEGO® bins are stacked in closets, LEGO® boxes are stored beneath beds, and the floor is usually covered with creations in progress.

We give LEGO® sets as Christmas gifts, we’ve had LEGO®-themed birthday parties, and the kids have a second collection of LEGO® toys at Grandma’s house. Our oldest son recently built a Lego model of Orthanc from The Lord of the Rings. It stands 4 ½ feet tall, weighs 20 pounds, and contains over 4,000 black LEGO® bricks!

Lego Orthanc

(Click here for larger size)

The boys have learned everything from colors, to math concepts, to architectural concepts through LEGO® bricks. Not to mention all of the imaginary adventures they've undertaken. Hey, how about that! LEGO® toys are educational and children spend hours playing with them. What more can a mom ask for?

Sure, it's a constant challenge trying to keep the place picked up. I don’t know of too many parents who, at one time or another, haven’t had the painful experience of accidentally stepping on LEGO® bricks in bare feet. And my husband often laments at how much money we’ve spent on those little bits of plastic.

I must admit, the prices on some LEGO® sets make you wish there was more you can do with them than just putting them together and letting them sit there gathering dust. Well, don’t despair – this website will give you lots of great ideas for activities and projects!

Hmm… now if only someone would invent a LEGO® bulldozer that could scoop up the stray pieces scattered all over the floor.


LEGOLAND California

Our family has been going to LEGOLAND California every year since the theme park first opened in 1999. My husband is getting tired of it, but our three boys and I still enjoy it - what can I say, we're LEGOmaniacs! LEGOLAND is unique in that they have a lot of interactive stuff that demands a refreshing level of actual participation from visitors.

While the park is geared toward younger children, many rides do have a height requirement. Thrill-seeking teenagers may find most of the rides a little ho-hum, but a few rides have been added for them, too, like the robotic arm - in which you can select the intensity of your ride experience - and the Technicoaster.

LEGOLAND is not as large as other theme parks but it's sized just right so that if you're waiting at the door when they open you will have time to see everything and can make it around the whole park without getting too tired out. The little kids rides start on the left when you go in, and the more exciting rides for the older kids are on the right.

Just beware of the Hideaway playground near the Knight's Kingdom because once the kids get in there you won't be able to get them back out! And don't let the kids linger too long in the water play area at Pirate Shores unless they have a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. They will get completely soaked!

Whatever you do, don't miss the Adventurer's Club which is hidden away in a corner of Fun Town. It's a really cool (and a little bit scary) walk through a rainforest (with realistic sounds and lighting), ancient Egypt (with an earthquake) and the Arctic. All the while you will be in search for some lost keys to a treasure.

Be sure to allow enough time to explore Miniland thoroughly, as kids and adults of all ages will find it fascinating. The intricate lifelike detail of the LEGO® models is awesome, even though they're starting to get a little weather-worn from sitting out in the Southern California sunshine.

Please see http://www.Lego.com/Legoland/california for a map and additional details.


Did you know that LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, CA offers Homeschool Days on Mondays throughout the school year? It's a tremendous savings if you have one or more LEGOmaniacs in your family. My kids are in the LEGO® Club and even the coupons they get with their membership couldn’t beat the homeschool price. The only catch is that to get the discount, you must sign up for their e-mail list at least two weeks in advance of when you want to go. They will send you an e-mail coupon specially coded for your family, so it is non-transferable. Print it out to redeem at the ticket window (you will have to show your valid photo ID). You can sign up, get complete details, and download their Home School Days Resource guide at www.LEGOLAND.com/eduinfo . Just so you know, LEGOLAND parking costs extra. And if you need any additional tickets for some reason, the Costco just around the corner on Palomar Airport Road sells LEGOLAND tickets for a few dollars off the regular retail price.

LEGOLAND also offers Preschool Days, School Field Trips, Teacher Appreciation Days, Robotics Workshops, Educator Resource Guides, Youth Group Discounts, Birthday Parties, and more. For additional information, go to http://www.legoland.com/groups/education/fieldtrips.htm .

Disclaimer
The Little Brick Schoolhouse is not affiliated with The LEGO® Group of companies and LEGO® does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or its content. Visit the official LEGO® website: www.LEGO.com

Important Note
LEGO® is a registered trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies. This means that the word LEGO® is a brand name and should technically be used as an adjective. In other words, please refer to their products as LEGO® bricks, LEGO® toys, LEGO® models, LEGO® sets, etc. – not “Legos” as is so common in everyday speech. Also, LEGO® is officially written in all uppercase letters. As LEGO® fans, let’s help protect and preserve this special brand by not diluting their trademark. Thanks!

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