If you (during your childhood time or even now) and your child like playing LEGO sets but have never knew anything about this particular popular toy brand… here’s a simple write-up on the origins and how it became so well-liked by kids all over the world!
LEGOs debuted in 1932, founded by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansen. With humble beginnings in a simple workshop, the still popular toy whose name means “play well” in Dutch is currently the world’s third most produced toy.
Named by Fortune magazine as the Toy of the Century in 1999, what began as a mere building block has grown into hundreds of LEGO playsets, appearances in multiple cartoons and feature-length movies, and several LEGOLAND Park locations around the world. Still based on the LEGO brick, the toy’s interlocking capabilities, coupled with multiple shapes and sizes, deliver truly unlimited and creative building possibilities.
What makes the simple toy so popular is its extremely low cost and affordability, combined with the versatile building block creative process which appears in children at a very young age.
Interconnectivity among thousands of compatible LEGO pieces and toys means that children, teens and even adults can follow simple instructions to build certain preset characters, environments, buildings and creatures. But they can also use their own imagination and creativity to modify basic LEGO models and sets, giving birth to their own unique creations.
Another characteristic of LEGO toys is its universal appeal to both boys and girls. Children across differing cultures and socioeconomic demographics find this educational, fun and creative toy very engrossing and addictive. Hours turn to months and months into years as LEGO toys continue to harness new creative uses and imaginative creations in the minds of the children that play with them.
In recent years the release of the first official LEGO Movie meant that the physical toy has now been cross-branded as a Hollywood star, developing global popularity in a whole new way.
The benefits of playing with LEGO building blocks, toys and accessories for children are many. Whether playing alone or with others, motor skill development and important eye-hand coordination are boosted. The animals, vehicles and countless creations which spring forth from the minds of LEGO lovers are only limited by their imagination.
Social skills such as team-building and working together for a common goal are promoted when children play with LEGO toys. Self-esteem is boosted dramatically, as your child learns that he or she can manipulate and combine simple objects to create something that is both complex and functional.
Multiple studies have shown that playing with LEGO building blocks promotes self-confidence, and that belief in self in turn leads to the promotion and growth of healthy problem-solving skills.
And since there are no standards of performance when playing with building blocks and bricks, children become proud of even their simplest LEGO creations. This self-pride gives them the confidence to approach problems, relationships and circumstances with an “I can do this” attitude, even when these situations do not concern or involve LEGO toys.
Though basic and simple, LEGOs are universally popular for a number of reasons. And this inexpensive but wonderful toy for children of all ages can benefit your child socially, physically and mentally.