Junior Mini-Master Builder 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 1 hr 45 min - 2 hours. 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 for parents to stay on-site during classes.
What is the Mini Master Builders Juniors Purple Class? Mini Master Builders (Juniors) PURPLE is a six week long drop-off Lego Building class for kids ages 7-10 ys old. Each class is one hour and forty five minutes long.
Week 1 - Intro to the Language of Lego & The Classroom Rules Our instructor will introduce themselves to the students, explaining the classroom set up, rules, etc. Students MUST be available to attend WEEK 1 or they will be rescheduled to the next available class. During the first class, we'll build brick nametags with step-by-step instructions and then students will be able to write their names on them. We'll also work on a basic building project in which students create letter blocks and build 3-D name plates for their builds. We will take student photos (which will be sent to parents). We'll also hold three mini-build contests and do some Lego trivia during the remainder of the first class.
Week 2 - Fidget Toys Students will build two separate fidget toys during class. They will select the color of all of the parts, and then they'll build a working fidget cube and and fidget spinner. Students will be working with step-by-step instructions, while also learning how to substitute parts and how to create 3-D patterns and assemble working, moving parts like the fidget cube.
Week 3 - Lego Art Students will choose characters and learn how to build 3D visual art to represent their characters. We'll play a fun in class character guessing game based only on 1x1 builds of recognizable characters and we'll play a Lego communication relay game where partnered teams will attempt to rebuild a structure that one of them can't see! Week 4 - Stunt Bikes! Students will be working with the Lego Stuntz sets to build variations on the stunts and ramps available in the sets. Students will get to use the specialized motorbikes that can be revved and follow forward motion - and we'll create custom courses and have the students try out each other's obstacles to see who has built the most awesome Stuntz course!
Week 5 - Custom Buildings! During week 3 - students will choose from one of three Lego buildings that they can construct. We'll then make changes to the set's design and structure and customize each set to the interests of the student - so while we might originally build an ice cream shop - a student might choose to turn it into a motorcycle shop. We'll show students how to use parts they have at home to modify and make changes to a set that can make their build more interesting and useful to their style and interests. We'll be using cool elements this week to make our sets unique and interesting. We'll take photos of the student's builds and share them with parents!
Week 6 - ROUND things that are SQUARE.... Builders will learn how to make ROUND things out of SQUARE lego. From building waves, to vases, to learning how to BEND Lego (without stressing the plastic!) - you'll see our builders making new shapes and things you didn't think were possible out of a bunch of rectangular bricks! This is a REALLY awesome one and we can't wait to share pictures with parents!
What is included with the cost of registration for the Mini Master Builders Juniors PURPLE Class?
Each student's registration covers the following: - Six weeks of 1 hour and 45 minute classes (Classes missed due to a planned absence (such as a family vacation) or illness may be made up within 3 months if there is another class of the same age/type available on a different date). - A brick-built name-tag which students can decorate with stickers or Lego pieces during class OR at home. Students will take home their name-tags on the final day of class. - A Mini Master Builders T-shirt (Shirt color will be based on the class students register for.) - A Lego Minifigure which students will choose on the final day 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 Mini Master Builders PURPLE 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. 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
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 Mini Master Builders PURPLE more than once?
This 6-week class will always have the same curriculum. While it may change in minor ways (such as the specific sets 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 class!