While there has been significant focus on developing STEM skills
(science, technology, engineering, mathematics) many people are
increasingly acknowledging the role of arts (going from STEM
to STEAM) that enables the critical complementary
creativity skills that unlock innovation.
LaQ enables both left brain and right brain development in many ways.
Some of the key benefits are:
CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION
- There is no restriction.Children can start easily with simple models, combine models and build open-ended models with their imagination
- Imaginative play doesn't just stop at building - the models are sturdy and can be incorporated into their play
- Colour sense is enhanced through use of the 12 colour palette. They are encouraged to substitute colours when they run out of pieces, and to seek complementary matching patterns
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
- Playing with a shared toy encourages social skills, communication and language skills. Children can work together as a team to design and build intricate and thoughtful structures using their creativity, imagination and logical thinking
- We often find children learning from each other, and problem solving together on how to build new models
LOGICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING
- LaQ encourages problem solving, spatial ability and logical thinking. Children need to solve issues such as what colour to use, where the next piece goes, which one to use and how to make the structure they want to build.
- They learn techniques that build upon each other. From initially building 2D lifesize patterns, they quickly start to use curved shapes, and expand through making geometric shapes
- Their spatial and engineering ability is enhanced by initially following the 3D instructions. Later on, children often extend models by substituting new parts to enable their own creation
CONCENTRATION & PERSEVERANCE
- LaQ pieces make a fun snapping noise when putting the pieces together. A child will know that the pieces are firmly connected with this snapping noise
- The tactile feel, and snapping sound provides a reward for children to keep on going. Many adults also find it similar to popping bubble wrap, and this provides a continual sense of satisfaction in playing
- Children develop persistence and concentration as they build the models, starting with the simple instructions and then mastering more complex models
FINE MOTOR SKILLS & DEXTERITY
- Children, generally from the age of 4, start to have the fine motor skills to connect the parts together. The Snap and Click sound, once parts are successfully connected, encourages younger children to persist with developing their dexterity. We observe rapid development of fine motor skills when kids play with LaQ
- Creating more complex 3D models often requires connection of groups of parts together, and this continues to develop childrens' fine motor skills
