Where Learning Meets Play: LaQ

LaQ is a creative, open ended, construction product unlike any other. With 7 part types and 12 colours, it is incredible that these simple pieces have such a variety of uses. Age appropriateness for a wide span of ages is something that is important to me when I'm considering learning through play resources. The fact that children as young as 4 years can use this building material, alongside older children, teens and even adults, is excellent. As I work as a teacher in a school, and have 6 children of my own, I have had the opportunity to witness the versatility of LaQ first hand. It is amazing to see 11 year olds just as excited and engaged with something, as a prep class of 4 year olds. This is unusual - but wonderful!

The basics

These pieces are very simple to use. Push them together to connect the pieces. Bend them at an angle to disconnect. Even without any assistance, most 4 year olds can figure out how they work in seconds. Henry and Daisy at ages 6 and 9 never required any help with how to make the pieces connect.

LaQ For Play Based Learning

Using LaQ simply as a freely available learning resource has huge benefits. Fine motor muscle development and fine motor control are built considerably using this resource. Children naturally want to engage with it, and so receive this benefit immediately. LaQ can be kept available in a tub, or wooden bowl, or can be set out on a shared table in individual cups/small bowls, as an invitation to create using a set number of pieces. Each of these options provides different opportunities to think creatively.

One benefit I noticed very quickly was the level of concentration that children apply when using LaQ. They are completely engaged and choose to stay with building even when things that normally distract them come along. In prep, students stay at the LaQ table longer than many other table options. With older students, I have witness the unusual sight of seeing students choosing to forgo laptop use, to play with LaQ! With my own child, I have observed an overall increase in the length of the time he can concentrate on tasks since his obsession with LaQ began.

Making thinking visible is something teachers often ask of students. Thinking can be made visible in many ways, such as using drawings, writing collectively as a class discussion is happening, and through so many structured visible thinking routines. Thinking can also be made visible through the use of concrete materials, using anything from play dough to pipe cleaners, and LaQ as it so happens. Students can use this resource in a very literal way, building their thinking as an actual 3D object, OR the resource gives students the freedom to represent their thinking in a more abstract way, using the pieces unconnected, or building them in a way that may be very different. For students, both children and adults, having the freedom to create with their hands while thinking can very much help to extend, refine and develop ideas, aiding the thought process. There is just something really special that happens when concrete materials such as these are available to support the thought process.

Using LaQ in the Primary Classroom

There are a large variety of more specific applications for this resource in the primary classroom. Listed below are a few of these ideas:

Patterning. Creating patterns using LaQ is fantastic. In this instance it would be perfect for certain children with special needs. Some students become frustrated when creating patterns with loose parts because the pieces move and their pattern doesn't stay as they would like it to. Meltdowns can result at times due to this frustration. As LaQ are held together and have 12 colour choices, students have all the patterning options, without the frustration of pieces 'moving.'

Numeracy. The development of numeracy skills can be challenging for many students. As a former numeracy support teacher I can tell you that one of the hardest parts of my job was getting past a wall of "I can't," or "I'm not good at this so I won't try." It was heart breaking! The way I would make progress with the students who struggled so very much with numeracy, was to make it fun, and provide them with concrete materials and resources that were completely engaging. Making numeracy irresistible is certainly a challenge at times, but resources such as LaQ really do help. Below is one example of a child finding the answer to a multiplication question. Some children will prefer to use the resource loose, where as others may prefer to click the pieces together. The same can be done with subtraction, addition, division and even fractions and decimals. Some students may find a fine whiteboard marker helpful to write straight on the pieces (this wipes off).

Position. Position grids are a great way to use LaQ. They can be made to any size, to suit student needs, which is helpful when students are working at very different levels within the classroom. Adding an X on the starting piece, then giving verbal or written directions to each other, students can work together on both giving and carrying out directions, all the while developing verbal skills as well.

2D and 3D shapes. Creating 3D shapes using LaQ can be a great way to explore the nets of solids. 2D shapes can also be created. Below Lucy turned her 3D shape into a cake!

Drama. Students can create puppets or objects to support dramatic play or for more formal drama lessons. Below, a child had created a bird then proceeded to use it as a puppet in story telling.

Writing. This resource can be a great way to develop writing ideas for narratives. Often at the starting point, when considering ideas, it can be difficult to refine and make decisions. Using a concrete material such as this can help students to work their way through this challenging step. It takes the pressure off, helps with creativity and allows students who struggle with writing to develop their ideas in a non-written format before putting pen to paper.

STEM. There are a wide variety of STEM applications for this educational resource. Building towers, transport, bridges etc, are just the start. Students could be asked to use LAQ with other resources as well. The possibilities are endless!

Where can I Buy LaQ?

LaQ is available to purchase online at Smarty Pants Toys. The sets I recommend for school use are this one and this one, as these are what I use at school very successfully. At home either of these sets would be amazing too, or any of the sets aimed at specific interests (for example, dinosaurs) but Henry made me promise to mention the crystal set as he and Daisy love it the best.

As a bonus for being a follower of mine, you can use the code LAQLEARNING to receive 10% off! Perfect timing for Christmas gifts!!!