Engaging Math with LEGO® – Curriculum Map (Grades 1-2)

Welcome!

This unit is designed to help children understand mathematics through hands-on building, exploration, and reasoning.

Every mathematical idea in this curriculum begins with a concrete model that students build themselves.

This ensures that numbers, groups, comparisons, and stories are grounded in real, observable actions — not in abstract memorisation.

1. Lesson Structure (always the same)

All lessons follow one predictable sequence:

1. Sort — students organise bricks by an attribute (colour, shape, size).
2. Scan — scan with the Brickit App to recognise shapes and receive model suggestions.
3. Choose — each team selects a model appropriate for the lesson goal.
4. Build — students construct the model collaboratively, using substitutions when needed.
5. Explore Math — counting, grouping, comparing, composing numbers, or creating stories based on their own model.
6. Reflect — students record and discuss what they discovered.

This routine gives structure while allowing freedom, creativity, and deep engagement.

2. What You Need for Each Lesson

• 200–400 mixed LEGO® bricks per group
• 1 device with the Brickit App for Schools
• Printed Student Recording Sheet (included inside each lesson)
• Optional: mini whiteboards, pencils, sorting trays

All printable materials are attached to each lesson page.

3. What Students Do

Students will:

• build their own LEGO® model from the bricks available
• observe and describe attributes (colour, shape, size, layers)
• use their model as evidence for mathematical reasoning
• explore one math idea per lesson (comparing, grouping, stories, compositions, operations)
• create multiple representations of numbers
• record thinking using the student sheet
• reflect and share their reasoning with partners

Hands-on work leads naturally to conceptual understanding.

4. Your Role as the Teacher

You support learning by:

• encouraging hands-on exploration
• asking precise math questions
• guiding students to use attribute-based vocabulary
• reinforcing clear mathematical language
• supporting problem-solving when substitutions are needed
• observing and documenting student understanding (checklists included)

You do not need to prepare models — students build everything themselves.

5. How to Start This Unit

Simply begin with Lesson 1.1.

Each lesson:

• is fully self-contained
• includes clear step-by-step guidance
• provides a printable student sheet
• uses the same familiar lesson pattern
• takes 40–50 minutes
• works for whole-class, small group, or enrichment settings

You can teach one lesson per week or adjust to your schedule.

6. Learning Outcomes of Unit 1

By the end of Unit 1, students will:

• count accurately and confidently
• compare models by attributes (height, width, number of bricks)
• identify and create equal groups
• compose numbers in multiple representations
• understand addition and subtraction as actions
• create and interpret math stories
• use mathematical vocabulary correctly
• collaborate effectively
• reflect on their thinking using concrete models

This foundation prepares students for fractions, measurement, operations, and place value.

7. Why Brickit Works in the Classroom

• transforms everyday LEGO® bricks into structured math tools
• promotes deep conceptual understanding
• reduces teacher prep time
• supports diverse learners through visual and tactile methods
• encourages creativity, agency, and problem-solving
• aligns with Common Core, Cambridge Primary, and IB PYP
• provides natural opportunities for assessment
• builds confidence and joy in math