Junior Master Builder Academy Art Classes (Ages 7-10) - The Class Structure
Classes consist of 14-20 students and one or two instructors.
Our Junior Mini-Master Builders classes are designed as drop-off classes. Parents are expected to leave students at our classroom where they will attend class for for 1 hr 30 min. Parents can then arrive to pick students back up after the class time has ended (or during the build portion of class if a student needs to leave early that day). We do not have sufficient space/parking for parents to stay on-site during classes.
What is the Junior Master Builder Academy Art Class? Mini Master Builders (Juniors) Art Class is a six week long drop-off Lego Building class for kids ages 11-14 ys old. Each class is one hour and thirty minutes long and will consist of five separate Lego art projects (some projects WILL be worked on during more than one class period).
Week 1 - Intro to Lego & The Classroom Rules Students will start by learning to name plates to sit on their desks during class and will design a 3D build that spells their name. Later, we will complete simple bracelets and discuss pattern designs, planning builds and Lego color theory. (Photos and more details will be updated as classes progress) Students will be able to take tonight's completed bracelet build home with them.
Week 2 - Starting 3D Textured Quilt Project Students will learn about the concept of designing 3D patterns and each student will plan and choose the colors and design for their upcoming project that will take place in Week 3. (Photos and more details will be updated as classes progress)
Week 3 - Completion of 3D Textured Quilt Builds Students will complete their 3D Textured Quilt builds which will be added to our 2023 class Quilt wall and will be displayed at upcoming events and Lego shows. (Photos and more details will be updated as classes progress)
Week 4 - Designing 2D Art Builds Class participants will choose a character and learn to design basic elements to create character features. We'll do sample builds following step-by-step instructions that help the students understand the concept. Additionally, the class will discuss possibilities and make suggestions for their final group class project(s).
Week 5 - Building 2D Art Builds Class participants will each build their own totally unique design build based on the character they choose and the build they planned in Week 4. The class will vote on their class project. Some of the projects from this class will be
Week 6 - Class Group Project Based on the themes that the class decided in Weeks 4/5 - one or more larger scale projects will be built by all the students. These projects will be displayed at upcoming Lego shows and events!
What is included with the cost of registration for the Junior Master Builder Academy Art Class?
Each student's registration covers the following: - Six weeks of 1 hour and 30 minute classes. - A brick-built name plate to be used during class, which students can decorate with Minifigs or Lego pieces during class OR at home. Students will take home their name plates on the final day of class. - A Mini Master Builders T-shirt (Shirts for Art classes will be green.) - A Lego bracelet build that they'll take home the first week of class. - The opportunity to win small prizes during several classes each session - such as Polybags, small lego sets, Lego keychains, Minifigures, or Lego Gift Cards (which can be used at the Lego store or Lego.com). Not every student will win a prize, but all students will have equal opportunities to win if they are present during classes when the events/activities are held. - A "free shipping" Lego order coupon and/or a free child's ticket to Legoland with the purchase of an adult ticket whenever available. - We are USUALLY offered a number of free tickets as well as DISCOUNT CODES for tickets to Philly Brickfest and/or other local Lego shows / Lego events. While we can not promise these, as it is up the discretion of the events staff, in the past, we have been able to provide both free tickets (for our students) and discount codes for their families, to attend shows at which we've displayed the student's work.
Who is the Junior Master Builder Academy Art Class appropriate for? Mini Master Builders JUNIORS classes are appropriate for students ages 7-10 who have a basic knowledge and understanding of building with Lego and who enjoy ART and artistic builds - these might be mosaics, 2-D character art builds and projects similar to Lego DOTS. It is expected that prior to class, they will have constructed at least one Lego set with or without parent assistance so they have an understanding of how Lego instruction manuals work and can follow basic verbal instructions.
Students should be able understand and follow the rules of a classroom, as well as instructions given in English (We do not currently have the ability to accept ESL students unless they have a working knowledge of English at or above the student's current grade level). Students should be able to read prior to starting class, however, there is not a great deal of reading or writing that will take place in class. We do not currently have an ASL interpreter available, but if you have a student who is deaf/hard of hearing, we ask that you speak with us prior to registration, so we can attempt to accommodate your student.
What kind of behavior is expected and how is it handled in the classroom?
It is expected that students will behave as they would in any other FUN activity classroom - while it is absolutely our goal to have fun in class, our #1 rule is student safety and peace of mind - which means that students must be able to keep their hands to themselves, and behave appropriately as to not disrupt or upset other students (for example - it's fine to talk and socialize during activities - but student's shouldn't be shouting over each other, pushing and shoving, etc). Some activities involve waiting to take your turn, and often more students need or want assistance than there are instructors - at which time they may have to wait patiently for a few moments.
We will go over the rules at the start of the session and will remind students as necessary during the course, especially and as our classroom activities and student expectations change. (For example - it's fine if students chat while they build, but it's expected that they will remain quiet during brief periods of instruction/explanation.) If students choose not follow the classroom rules, there will be consequences such as verbal warnings, a temporary time-out from the current activity where they will be reminded of appropriate behavior expectations. Behavior will be discussed with parents after class, or if a disruption occurs, parents may be notified if a behavior continues past the point of multiple reminders or if an infraction is more serious. If a student is actively disrupting class, or compromising the safety of other students (such as failing to keep him or her hands to themselves, using inappropriate language, refusing to participate or follow the class activities, a parent will be contacted and a discussion will be had about the student's future participation in class.).
Regarding Students with physical limitations, learning disabilities, mental health diagnosis or intellectual disabilities - please contact us to discuss your child's specific situation BEFORE registering for class. We will be able to more specifically answer your questions, and to discuss if your child will be able to benefit from, and actively enjoy all (or at least most) of the activities we have planned for that specific upcoming class, and we can discuss any necessary accommodations. We have STUDENT/PARENT participation classes that are a much better fit for many students who need extra guidance / attention / assistance and supervision.
While we have had many students on the Autism spectrum and with conditions such as dyslexia or ADHD - our ability to serve these students varies greatly on the student's individual needs. For students who are currently unmedicated during summer breaks or weekends - we do ask that you continue their ADHD medication during our classes as we've found that all students are much happier and able to fully participate when they, and others, are not frustrated by impulsive or disruptive behavior. While we respect a parent's right to choose - it has been the experience of parents in previous classes that their children have done much better and found more enjoyment in our class when they remained on the same course of treatment that they would be taking during the school year - so if your child is taking a summer or weekend session when they would normally not take their medication - it is recommended that you adjust their schedule to accommodate for our classes - Lego building can require focus and concentration and as a fellow sufferer of ADHD myself (the lead instructor / curriculum developer) - I can attest that it's MUCH easier to build when you're able to concentrate more fully!
Can a student take Junior Master Builder Academy Art Class more than once?
This 6-week class will always have the same curriculum. While it may change in minor ways (such as the specific projects being worked on) changing - the curriculum and structure, as well as the planned activities will remain the same. While students are WELCOME to take any class of this type again - it should be noted that many activities will be the same each time. Students can of course, build on their previous progress, but if you wish for your student to have a DIFFERENT class experience entirely - we suggest you select a DIFFERENT COLOR course in their age range, as each color class has a different curriculum. Students may register for as many classes as you'd like, but they may only ATTEND one class at a time (for example, a student couldn't simultaneously take the Orange class on Tuesdays and the Purple class on Thursdays, during the same month).
We welcome and encourage students to attend multiple different classes back-to-back OR spread throughout the year!
At the end of the course, Junior Builders get a certificate recognizing the completion of this class!