At North Side Primary Center in Herrin, Illinois, building with Legos isn’t just about play—it’s about learning, problem-solving, and fostering friendships. Led by school social worker Mr. Sheldon Stieg and behavior interventionist Mrs. Huntar Lee, the Lego Club is an invitation-only program that offers a unique experience for first graders. With three sessions each year, up to 30 students have the opportunity to explore their creativity and learn teamwork skills in a space designed just for them.

The Lego Club at North Side is special not just for what it offers but for how it selects its members. First graders are invited based on good behavior and academic readiness. “We look for students who demonstrate positive behavior, strong social skills, and respect for others,” says Mrs. Lee, who co-coordinates the club with Mr. Stieg. “It’s a reward for students who consistently make good choices.”

Each session of the Lego Club includes about 10 students, who come together twice a week after school. The club’s meeting days begin with a snack in the library, where students read a story to wind down before diving into the Lego activities. “The kids are always excited,” Mrs. Lee shares. “As soon as snack time is over, they’re ready to get started.”

First graders Novalee Clark and Colt Adams, both current members of the club, describe Lego Club as one of their favorite parts of the week. “I love building houses and cars,” says Novalee, proudly explaining her recent projects. Colt agrees, adding, “Building Legos is fun, and we get to make new things every time.”

While the Lego Club is centered on fun, the program is carefully designed to align with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles. Every session includes challenges that encourage problem-solving and teamwork, with themes that often integrate math and engineering concepts. Recently, the students worked on building their names on a Lego wall that Mr. Stieg built just for the club. They also constructed train cars, connecting each piece to create a unified project by the end of the week.

Some challenges are individual, while others require teamwork. In one activity, students were divided into small groups to see who could build the highest tower. “We emphasize that it’s okay to try different solutions,” says Mrs. Lee. “If their tower falls down, they learn to rebuild it.”

In a future session, students will create and test Lego boats, placing them in water to see how many pennies they can hold before sinking. “This exercise is all about exploration and trial and error,” Mrs. Lee explains. The pennies collected will then be donated to the March of Dimes, linking the activity to a school-wide fundraising effort. “It’s a fun way to incorporate math, science, and community service,” she adds.

The club encourages students to keep their involvement discreet, so as not to make others feel left out. “We remind them that while it’s a privilege, it’s something they should be modest about,” Mrs. Lee explains. This approach fosters humility while reinforcing the importance of being considerate of others.

As each session wraps up, the club members get a small celebration, including a certificate of participation and a small Lego gift. For the last meeting before winter break, Mr. Stieg and Mrs. Lee plan a special activity where students build and erupt volcanoes outside—a highlight for the group. “It’s a way to mark their accomplishment and give them a memorable ending,” says Mrs. Lee.

The program is funded through grants and support from the Herrin school district, which has provided additional Lego sets and supplies for special projects. “The district has been very supportive, and with grants, we were able to build the Lego wall and supply the club with everything it needs,” says Mrs. Lee.

Currently, only 30 first graders participate each year, but the hope is to expand the program in the future. “Ideally, we’d love to serve more students, but we’re limited by space and supplies,” Mrs. Lee explains. “Still, for the ones who join, it’s a fantastic experience.”

The Lego Club at North Side Primary Center is more than just a fun activity—it’s an innovative program that teaches students critical thinking, patience, and collaboration. Through creativity, teamwork, and a lot of Lego bricks, the Lego Club is helping Herrin’s students lay the foundation for a bright future.