Build a LEGO Glyph STEM

Try this LEGO glyph STEM idea as a get to know you activity in the first week of school. I like to pair the activity with Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. It’s a great way to learn more about everyone. I am using the LEGO glyphs in my first grade science class, but you could use them in other elementary grades as well.

Build a LEGO Glyph STEM Activity

Read Your Name Is a Song

Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is a must read. Names are important. On the first day of school, I greet each of my students and ask them their names. I never want to presume what a student should be called based on what my roster says. I want them to know I value who they are and learning their names is important. 

Your Name Is a Song shows us just how beautifully important names are. On her first day of school, the teacher can’t pronounce a girl’s name and her classmates make fun of her. Her mother tells her that names are songs and she should sing her name for the teacher. After much convincing, the little girl decides to do just that. 

The book showcases a variety of names and provides the pronunciations for each. After reading, discuss with students why names are important. I like to have each student say their names and introduce something about themselves.

How to Build a LEGO Glyph

I start by talking about what a glyph is. A glyph is an image or symbol that stand for something else. It’s kind of like a secret code.

In this case, we’re using LEGO DUPLO bricks. Each part of the build means something about the builder. For example, yellow legs represent first grade. The body color (green, red, or yellow) represents the builder’s favorite season. 

Check out the Build a LEGO Glyph instruction sheet I created. If you’d like an editable version, let me know and I’ll share it.

I created the LEGO glyph STEM based on DUPLO bricks I had in my classroom. You can modify the pieces to match what you have in your classroom. Don’t have enough of the yellow pieces we used for legs? You can build legs your own legs by stacking bricks. If you don’t have gears, what pieces could you used for arms?

I created a buffet of LEGO pieces for my students to choose from.

I showed them my example builds. I asked them to look at their instruction page. “What does yellow legs mean?” They answered, “First grade!”

Before selecting any bricks, we read the instruction page together and students circled their choices.

Then, they went through the buffet and chose the pieces they needed.

They also had washable markers to draw on mouths to represent how they were feeling today. Some students gave their creations expressive eyebrows as well.

When students completed their builds, I took a photo.

If you have time, you can have students talk about their choices.

More Glyph Activities for Kids

Name Glyphs
Where the Wild Things Are Monster Glyphs
Christmas Ornament Glyphs
Valentine Hearth Glyphs

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