I recall reading a news story not too long ago about a young student who won a world prize for having built many scenes of major complicated historical moments with Lego blocks. It made me realize that Lego block are not just simple blocks for simple play as traditional building blocks. Some extraordinary ideas must lie behind it.
On Saturday, I found this Lego Education After School Center at Shunyi’s Shine City while touring around there. Things there are tidy and organized with friendly staff members. A group of young kids, accompanied by adults, were in the middle of fun building activity.
Being the only Lego authorized partner in China, the center based their philosophy on the belief of “learning through playing” and aims to provide children the opportunity to learn verbal expression, cooperation, hand-eye coordination, observation, special comprehension, and logical thinking.
Some interesting activities include the “Secret Agent”, “Survival on a Deserted Island”, “Story of a Circus”, as well as those research-oriented games, such as “Structure and Power”, “Mechanics”, “Energy World”, and “Robot Series”. A wide range of problem-solving programs, such as “Police Dog School” and “Robot Olympics” or “Robot Competition” certainly attract children, especially boys!
Although I’m not a fan of building with legos myself, I’m still amazed to see what children can do with these small or big blocks to come up with vivid animal or story scenes. Who knows, maybe one day, another super smart child will think of another amazing project with Lego blocks and win another world prize. But the bottom line is that kids in Shunyi (especially who live close to the Shine City) have this dedicated place to visit for fun and learning.
Lesson prices range from RMB 5,040 for 24 lessons/half a year or RMB 8,640 for 48 lessons/one year. Playing in the activity area is free for members and RMB 50 each time for non-members outside of peak hours. Room 108, Building 13, Shine City South District, 6 An Tai Street, Shunyi District. (8047 8559)
