Sickles School third graders get a hands-on lesson with a Bricks 4 Kidz model building project as Media Specialist June Sustick looks on.

Press release from Fair Haven School District

Kindergarten through third grade students at Viola L. Sickles School in Fair Haven recently enjoyed a unique learning experience thanks to Bricks 4 Kidz, an enrichment program designed to teach children STEM concepts through hands-on learning using LEGO® bricks.

Director Melina Stock visited Sickles School on September 26-30 for an instructional “in-school field trip.” This consisted of active building sessions for individual classes with the goal of creating finished models.

Working with a Bricks 4 Kidz original design and LEGO technic bricks, the students built their mechanical masterpieces – colorful sailboats for first through third graders (with varying levels of challenge based on grade level) and shiny red apples with bright green stems for Kindergarten students.

This was the first of eight Bricks 4 Kidz in-school field trips planned for Sickles students this year, made possible by the Fair Haven PTA and the school district. Bricks 4 Kidz has been offered to Sickles School third graders as a weekly winter lunch time LEGO program for three consecutive years.

“We take children’s interest in building with LEGO bricks and bring it to the next level by providing education concepts to first through third graders using Bricks 4 Kidz technic project kits,” Stock said. “For example, this month I reviewed non-friction and friction tech pins and how and why they move the way they do.”

“This is great for helping students learn how to work together as well as follow step-by-step instructions,” said Sickles School Media Specialist June Sustick as she and Stock supervised and encouraged a third grade class of “master builders.” Working in teams of two, the students created picture-perfect sailboat models complete with a “rolling on the waves” motion thanks to the inclusion of a small motor and battery pack.

“The Bricks 4 Kidz program enhances work already underway in the Sickles School makerspace, Sickles Studios,” said Sickles School Principal Cheryl Cuddihy. “Through play-based learning experiences, Bricks 4 Kidz begins to foster a love for engineering and STEM work in our students.”