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A Parent’s Guide to FIRST® LEGO® League Explore in Singapore: SPIKE™ Essential
In today’s rapidly changing world, ensuring that our children are equipped with the skills needed for the future is becoming more critical than ever. As parents, we want to provide them with opportunities to grow, learn, and develop essential skills beyond traditional classroom settings. That’s where the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore programme in Singapore comes in—an exciting, educational experience that combines hands-on learning with creativity, teamwork, and fun!
If you’re still wondering whether this programme is right for your child, here’s why you should consider signing them up:
Develop Critical 21st-Century Skills
The FIRST LEGO League Explore is designed to introduce young children (ages 6-8) to the fundamentals of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) engagingly and interactively.
In this programme, children learn how to:
- Solve problems creatively using hands-on LEGO® projects
- Work effectively in teams, sharing ideas and collaborating on solutions
- Think critically by experimenting, testing, and refining their ideas
These skills—creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—are key to thriving in the 21st century. By building models with LEGO® bricks and designing solutions to real-world problems, your child will develop a mindset toward innovation and collaboration.
Hands-On Learning with SPIKE™ Essential
A key highlight of the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore programme is the use of SPIKE™ Essential, an exciting part of the LEGO® Education suite. SPIKE™ Essential combines LEGO® bricks with motors and sensors to help children explore basic programming and robotics concepts in a fun, accessible way. This innovative kit is designed specifically for young learners, making it an excellent entry point into the world of robotics and coding.
Children will:
- Build robots and models using the SPIKE™ Essential kit, developing mechanical skills as they go
- Learn simple coding with the SPIKE™ app, introducing them to programming concepts in a playful, engaging way
- See how technology can be used to solve real-world problems
The combination of physical building and digital programming makes learning more tangible, memorable, and fun for young minds.
Boost Confidence in STEAM Fields
For many children, STEM subjects can feel overwhelming or challenging. The FIRST® LEGO® League Explore breaks down these barriers by making STEM accessible, fun, and approachable.
Through play-based learning, your child will:
- Build confidence in coding, robotics, and engineering with the help of SPIKE™ Essential
- Experience hands-on activities that bring STEAM concepts to life in a real-world context
- Gain a sense of achievement by seeing their ideas come to life
If your child has ever been curious about how things work, this programme is an excellent way to nurture that curiosity and help them gain confidence in these important areas.
Learn in a Positive, Supportive Environment
As a parent, you may be concerned about whether your child will feel pressured or overwhelmed. Fortunately, the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore is designed with inclusivity in mind. Every child’s ideas are valued, and they are encouraged to explore at their own pace, without the pressure of competition. The focus is on learning, exploration, and celebration of effort and progress.
Children are guided by trained mentors and coaches who ensure that the learning process is both enjoyable and supportive. They’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, make mistakes, and try again—all key elements of building resilience and a growth mindset.
Fun and Engaging Learning Through Play
The programme doesn’t just focus on learning STEM concepts—it makes learning fun! By using LEGO® sets and SPIKE™ Essential, children engage in hands-on building activities that are both entertaining and educational. With each challenge, your child will have the chance to create something from their imagination while also learning the science behind it.
The excitement of building, coding, and working with their peers ensures that they are constantly engaged and looking forward to the next session.
Encourage Teamwork and Communication
In the FIRST LEGO League Explore programme, children don’t work alone. They are placed into small teams where they collaborate, share ideas, and learn how to solve problems together.
This process:
- Encourages communication and the sharing of ideas
- Develops important social skills like empathy, respect, and cooperation
- Builds a strong sense of community as children work toward a common goal
These experiences help children become better communicators and team players, preparing them for future group-based environments both in school and in life.
Meet Like-Minded Families and Form Friendships
By joining the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore, you and your child will also have the opportunity to meet other like-minded families who value education and innovation.
It’s a chance to:
- Connect with other parents
- Share experiences, ideas, and strategies to help your children grow
- Foster new friendships for your child as they bond with their teammates
This community aspect adds a social layer to the programme that makes it even more enriching for both children and parents.
Long-Term Benefits and Opportunities
Participation in the FIRST® LEGO® League Explore programme can be a gateway to even greater opportunities in the future. As your child progresses through the LEGO® Education ecosystem, they can participate in the more advanced FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge and other competitive STEAM events such as the National Robotics Competition (NRC) or the Global Robotics Games (GRG), which further develop their skills and foster an even deeper interest in STEAM.
Addressing Common Concerns
Will this programme be too difficult for my child?
The beauty of FIRST® LEGO® League Explore is that it’s designed for young learners. There’s no prior experience needed, and the programme is tailored to each child’s pace and level of understanding. Coaches and mentors are trained to provide guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
How much time will this commitment take?
Sessions are structured to fit within a manageable timeframe for busy families. With regular, but not overwhelming, meet-ups, children can balance schoolwork and play while still enjoying the full benefits of the programme.Training programme is highly customisable according to your needs. Contact steamengine@ducklearning.com for more information.
What if my child isn’t interested in STEAM?
Even if your child hasn’t shown a strong interest in STEAM, this programme can help spark curiosity through play. The hands-on, creative aspect of building and coding with LEGO® bricks and SPIKE™ Essential makes the learning process enjoyable for all children, even those who might not initially see themselves as “STEAM-oriented.”
Want to learn more about FIRST® LEGO® League Explore? We have annual FIRST® LEGO® League Parents Meet-Up Sessions, click this link to sign up now!
Conclusion
The FIRST® LEGO® League Explore programme is a fantastic way to help your child build essential skills while having fun and making friends. With a focus on creativity, teamwork, and exploration, and the added benefit of using SPIKE™ Essential, your child will gain the confidence, knowledge, and curiosity they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
