How did you run the program? The theme of this program was castles, so kids were challenged to build something castle related, but were free to build whatever they chose. I had a display of castle and lego books for kids to look through for inspiration and/or to check out. I purchased 25, 6 qt. plastic storage bins that I used to distribute Legos to the kids. I divided the Legos in these bins prior to the program so they were ready to hand out to the kids right away. The kids came and got their bin of Legos and a carpet square, chose a place on the floor and got right to building. They were great about keeping stray legos in the bins, so there wasn't any concern about Legos lying all over the floor. The participants could build alone or combine their Legos and build together.The last 20 minutes of the program we went around the room and the kids explained the details of their creation. Before the program ended I asked the kids to take their Legos apart and put them back in their bins so they were ready for the next Lego Club and to put their carpet squares in a pile, so cleanup was practically nothing.
What else? I had a 7th grade Lego enthusiast who came as a volunteer to help with the program. He went around the room talking with the kids and he helped take the younger kids Legos apart at the end of the program. He also built an elaborate Lego castle at home to bring as a display and the kids absolutely loved it and they had a chance to ask him questions about how he built it, etc.
Labels: book-related programs, donations, Eau Claire, elementary age, Legos, volunteers