We’re back this week with another Chinese character learning activity and it capitalizes on the love many children have for Legos. As it always is with our character “writing” activities, this will be much easier for older children. For your younger kids, you will either have to provide an example or simple characters for them to copy.
HOW TO PLAY
Creating Characters Activity (age 3+, single person)
1. Have your child form a character using Lego blocks. You can choose (or alternate) between having your child build the character flat on the building plate or creating a 3D model of the character.
2. Once the character is formed, you can move on to other characters.
Just like our other character creating activities, you can try the following ways to play with multiple kids. (Although, if your children tend to be ultra-competitive, you might not want to go down that route.)
a. See who can form a character first.
b. See who can create the most characters within a time limit.
c. See who can read the most characters someone else makes.
Note: You can either provide written or completed examples for your younger children to copy.
My 8.5 year old child was much better at this activity than my 5 year old (for obvious reasons). I figured my children would prefer to do the flat lays, but I was surprised at how reluctant my oldest was to do anything at all. But eventually, he joined in. None of them wanted to do the 3D models and mostly, they chose to do easier characters. However, I am confident that if I proffered an appropriate bribe, they would be more willing to do harder characters.
See if you can guess what characters my kids chose to make.
Do you like our tips for Sagebooks? Ever wish there were other people going through Sagebooks with you? Join us in our Facebook Group and meet other parents who are teaching their kids Basic Chinese 500 at all different ages and levels.