Lego Challenge–Compound Words

Not sure how well this one will work, but was really excited to share it. I think it’s interesting when you have to design a more abstract concept, instead of something more concrete. Anyone can build a castle, but it can definitely take some more thought to make something like this. Not sure how I came up with this one, I think I just came up with a fun idea for “horseradish” and built the challenge around that. Sometimes that’s all it takes. 

So after going over rules, we talked a little bit about compound words. Then I explained the challenge–each kiddo would pick a compound word, I think assigning words might be too limiting for some kiddos. From there they would try to make both parts of their word into a Lego build. Keyword here is both parts–in order to complete the challenge, you wouldn’t just make a doghouse if you picked “doghouse.” You would for example build a dog living in an actual house. CRAZY!!

You can make this extra fun and make it a guessing game if you share at the end of your Lego Club. So for the last 10 minutes, everyone has to guess what the word is based on your design.

Think this will be a fun one. It’s a different form of creative thinking, since you have to take something you know and say “how can I represent both parts and get them across,” and THEN actually build it.

I added a bunch of compound words that I think would work. There are different kinds of compound words–open, closed, and hyphenated, so that’s something to talk about too. Kiddos can definitely come up with their own words, but I feel most kids are going to need help getting the ball rolling on this one. Feel free to add any in the comments:

Babysitter
Ballroom
Butterfly
Catfish
Cowboy
Cowgirl
Dogfish
Dragonfly
Horsefly
Horseshoe
Hot Dog
Lighthouse
Pancake
Rattlesnake
Seahorse
Tablespoon

Let me know how this works out for you if you try it!

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