[content_protector password=”running”]The world’s largest construction firm is struggling to cope with demand. It seems that building is popular once again.
Lego, who are also the world’s biggest manufacturer of rubber tyres, say that they might not be able to fulfil orders for Christmas. Although factories in Denmark (the home of Lego), Mexico, Hungary and the Czech Republic are running at full capacity, they still don’t think that everyone who wants Lego for Christmas will get some.
In order to increase brick-making capacity, a new super factory is being built in China, but it won’t be ready until 2017.
But why is Lego suddenly so popular? Not so long ago, parents and teachers were moaning that children were abandoning ‘traditional’ toys in favour of computers, electronics, mobile phones and the internet. This seems to be no longer the case.
Lego were very clever some years back to make models that tied in with movies. You can buy Lego sets to do with Star Wars, Pirates of Caribbean – not to mention the Lego movie itself. And, with the new Star Wars film just around the corner, demand for Lego is, once again, high.
In addition, the ‘normal’ Lego is still in production. Lego have product lines that appeal to pre-schoolers right through to adults. Last year’s best-selling sets were the police station and shopping mall kits.
Lego, along with all sorts of construction toys, has the edge over computer games. When you’ve completed a computer game, that’s it. Game over. So you buy a new one. And do the same. With construction toys, it’s different: you buy and build the model, but not long after you deconstruct, combine sets, and then create something new. The process is endless. And you don’t need wi-fi.
Whilst it’s disappointing that Lego can’t get all it’s products to customers in time for Christmas, you should see that as a good sign. Lego – and other traditional toys – are making a come back. Play is all about exploration and creativity – something that Lego has done brilliantly for many, many decades. And now for many more to come.
[colored_box color=”green”]This is an opinion-based article designed to provoke debate, discussion and further inquiry amongst your students: [/colored_box] [colored_box color=”yellow”]Critical Thinking Challenges:
- Why do you think construction toys are making a comeback?
- “Play is all about creativity and exploration.” Do you agree? Are there forms of play where this isn’t the case?
[/colored_box] [colored_box color=”green”]Practical Tasks:
- Play with Lego!
- Create a set of instructions for a new model and share these with your classmates.
- Lego was invented in 1932. Find out about your favourite toys. You might be surprised about their history.
[/colored_box] [colored_box color=”red”]Have Your Say: [socialpoll id=”[socialpoll id=”2304166″] [/colored_box]
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