Rediscover Creative Play

By Denise Meyerson

In an era where screens dominate our daily lives, finding meaningful, screen-free activities for children can be a challenge.
Enter the Six Bricks Method from Yay4Play—a playful yet powerful approach to learning that encourages kids to step away from their devices and dive into hands-on, imaginative play.

The Problem with Screen Time for Children

While TV and tablets offer convenience and entertainment, too much screen time can significantly hinder a child’s development. According to a 2021 study by The Australian Institute of Family Studies, excessive screen time negatively impacts:

• Weight
• Motor and cognitive development
• Social and psychological wellbeing

Remember when children spent hours building castles or creating imaginary worlds? The Six Bricks Method rekindles that magic, bringing back the joy of creative play.

Understanding the Six Bricks Method

What is the Six Bricks Method? It’s a hands-on educational tool using six brightly colored DUPLO®-type bricks to facilitate various learning activities. Endorsed by the LEGO Foundation, this method aims to foster cognitive, social, and physical skills through engaging play.

Origins and Development of the Six Bricks Method

Developed in collaboration with education experts, the Six Bricks Method addresses the need for playful learning tools easily integrated into both classrooms and homes. The simplicity of using just six bricks makes it accessible and engaging for young children, while structured activities ensure that learning goals are met.
It’s the perfect blend of fun and education that keeps kids excited about learning.

How the Six Bricks Method Works

The Six Bricks Method is straightforward yet incredibly versatile. Each of the six bricks comes in a different color, allowing for a variety of activities designed to promote different areas of development:

• Sorting and Matching: Enhances color recognition and categorization skills.
• Building and Stacking: Improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Memory Games: Boosts cognitive abilities, observational skills, and memory retention.

These activities are short and impactful, making them perfect for maintaining a child’s attention and interest. The beauty of the Six Bricks Method lies in its simplicity and flexibility—children can play solo or with friends, indoors or outdoors, and the possibilities are endless.

Building a Brighter Future

Next time you worry about your child spending too much time in front of a screen, remember the Six Bricks Method. It’s a fun, engaging, and effective way to bring the joy of play back into their lives while fostering essential developmental skills.
Let’s build a brighter future for our children, one brick at a time!

About the author: Denise Meyerson, Founder and CEO at Yay4Play. This is an opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this publication.