As we are all heading back to the classroom for another wonderful school year or maybe you have been back, I wanted to share this activity my wife and I created for her to use in her classroom. She teaches 8th grade algebra and last year she had an idea where she would create a selfie booth for them to take a selfie that would then be displayed in the classroom. The students were not too fond of this concept so we went back to the drawing board and created this project and it has turned out to be a wonderful activity that allows students to

Understand that this math class differs from the rest. They will explore, have freedom of expression, and is not a drill and kill approach ot learning.

Freely express themselves how they seem fit. They can build and design the models how they want. Many times there are items created that only mean something to them and that is okay.

Realize that this learning space is safe. Nothing is forced and you may share as much or as little as you choose.

Experience hands on learning and play with a focus on the importance of relationships and building a positive culture over curriculum.

My wife does some pre activities leading up to the minifig build where they talk about

• metaphors – we have a slide where they brainstorm all the things they see in three pieces on the screen
• LEGO Builders Unite rules I share in my workshops and presentations
• a warmup up build of trying to build a duck or some other object

These are not required, but they do help in setting the stage and getting the kids comfortable with the pieces.

The challenge is simple in premise: Build a LEGO selfie of yourself using the LEGO pieces that you have!

We have organized LEGO parts different ways.

Option 1: Every student uses the same kit of pieces. We created 40 kits of the same parts.

Option 2: There is a container that sits in the middle of the desks(she has pods) and they build their own models while working with others in their group.

Option 3: You could have a huge heap of LEGO in the middle of the room for them to use freely.

LEGO Selfie in Action

8th Grade Algebra Classroom

Photo album of images:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/N1AJSchhanykYgTq7

Classroom Display of Selfies

Conversation with Amanda Maurer about her project

Tips and Reminders

• If kids are not sure where to start, then have them begin by creating a minifig of themselves first. Have them look at pieces available and determine which ones best represent themselves. Obviously, you have the head, torso, and legs, but there are options for head gear and items to hold as well.
• Do not force kids to share if they don’t want to. Give them the option. Perhaps it is just a conversation between them and the teacher.
• My wife takes two base plates for the floor and backdrop. Students place their build on the plates and she takes a picture of the build on her phone. During this time is when the kids talk to her about what they have created.
• Let them build. Don’t go overboard with rules and steps.

Share!

If you do this activity, I would love to hear about it. Let me know how it goes. What worked? What did not work? What did you tweak?