I purchased Lego blocks with the ARI grant. The Blocks were used to manage an after school Lego Club for Kindergarteners. I wanted to promote a sense of belonging in students that do not participate in sports and other extra-curricular activities, while developing skills in STEM education. The Lego Club met afterschool once a week for twelve weeks. Students worked in groups or individually using a schematic or free building, creating structures, robots, and vehicles. After creations were completed, they were displayed along with a student created storyboard.
The Lego club was very successful. Students excitement showed from beginning to end. Participation was 55% with 80-90% attendance each week. I saw an improvement in behavior, participation, self esteem, and cooperation among classmates. The most impressive thing I observed was students reading schematics, giving oral directions, and following oral directions. The club was so successful that students, parents, and faculty have joined together to have fund raisers to continue and expand the club to include Kindergarten through fourth grades.