Benefits of Lego Group for childhood development
We've been running Lego Groups in our clinic and partner schools for a number of years now and prior to that, we've always integrated play into our therapy sessions with young people because it's their native language. Before kids learn how to talk, they display their understanding of the world via their toys.
Throughout a Lego Group session, our psychologists are constantly observing the actions and language used by the children. This provides us with clinical insight into what is happening for them and also provides a low pressure environment and opportunity to ask questions.
Lego Group is intentionally designed as a group dynamic so that our psychologists can prioritise building skills such as problem solving, social communication and turn taking with the children.
How is Lego Group different to playing with Lego at home?
While building with Lego at home can be enjoyable and creative, Lego Group is specifically designed to target social and emotional development.
Activities are structured with therapeutic goals in mind, and a psychologist actively supports children to strengthen skills such as communication, collaboration, perspective-taking, emotional awareness, and conflict resolution.
The psychologist is also able to make clinical observations during the session that parents may not recognise such as how they enact scenarios or respond to directions from other group members.
What happens during a Lego Group session?
Sessions revolve around children working together to complete a Lego set while taking on different allocated roles within the group. Throughout the term, the psychologist will rotate children through the various roles enabling them to become equipped in different tasks.
Our psychologist facilitates the activities, helping children develop skills such as listening, sharing ideas, negotiating, problem-solving, and working as part of a team.
Sessions may also include discussions, or reflections that help children apply these skills to everyday situations such as school, friendships, and family life.
Is Lego Group suitable for neurodivergent children?
Lego Group can be particularly beneficial for children who experience challenges with social interaction, communication, emotional regulation, attention, or confidence in group settings.
The structured nature of the sessions provides clear expectations and opportunities to practise social skills in a supportive environment which can assist neurodivergent children.
Children often become more comfortable engaging with peers, sharing ideas, and managing challenges. Our psychologist will provide feedback on your child's participation, strengths, and progress throughout the program.
If you are unsure whether the group dynamic will be suitable for your child, please touch base with our team before booking a session and we can chat about your child’s sensory needs, social skills and accomodations to determine if it’s the right fit.
Does my child need to attend every week?
Children typically gain the most benefit from attending Lego Group consistently each week.
Regular practice & repetition develop a child’s:
Social cue recognition
Communication
Collaboration
Problem solving
Consistent attendance allows children to build relationships with other group members, become familiar with group routines, and progressively develop more advanced social skills over time.
That being said, we do offer the opportunity for families to pay as they go at a rate of $25/ per session as we understand that illness and other events can cause interruptions.
Meet our current Lego Therapy team
Isabella Eikelis
Bella is a registered Provisional Psychologist who has a particular interest in working with children and adolescents on anxiety, neurodevelopment disorders, learning difficulties, school refusal and parent-child attachment difficulties.
She facilitates our Ringwood Lego Group on Fridays from 4-5pm during school terms.
Maria Rae
Maria is a registered Provisional Psychologist with previous experience in play therapy. She is passionate about helping children and adolescents navigate emotional, behavioural, and life challenges.
She facilitates our Narre Warren Lego Group on Wednesdays from 4-5pm during school terms.
Interested in booking your child in for either a single session or term of Lego Group?
Reach out to our Admin Team here to secure the Term price or if you’re looking for the flexibility to pay as you go, you can head directly to our booking portal via the button below.