Relive the moments experienced at the Six Bricks Sondela conference Six Bricks Sondela Conference Play Video Play Video Conference Arrival Play Video Play Video Six Bricks Sondela - Song Lyrics Play Video Play Video Education Africa - Marumba Band Play Video Play Video Six Bricks Sondela Animation OPEN the brouchure to read more about the conference Below are biographies of all the people that attended the conference

What's Trending? Relive the CONFERENCE moments Read all our BLOGS Partners in Play Empowering Teachers, One Classroom at a Time. 🥳 Celebrating Brick Club South Africa: Play That Brings Communities Together Connect with us on all our social media pages to stay connected! Join our growing community of educators and play enthusiasts who are passionate about Learning Through Play and the Six Bricks approach. Be inspired by creative ideas, share your own experiences, and see how others are using playful learning to make a difference in their classrooms. Let's learn, engage, and grow together!

Care for Education is a Non Profit Organisation and a partner of the LEGO Foundation. We distribute charity resources and training to children, schools and organisations in need. We aim to impact early childhood development and the Foundation Phase. Welcome to the home of Playful Learning For easy access, click any button below to tour our site. ABOUT US WORKSHOPS RESOURCES SIX BRICKS PLAY BOX Our Mission is to inspire life-long learning through the engagement of concrete manipulatives which challenge and empower educators and children to make positive changes in their development. Our Philosophy as Care for Education stems from our belief that learning should take place through construction rather than instruction, and that many more concrete, tactile tools or manipulatives should be used, not only to stimulate and encourage the learners, but to greatly accelerate the conceptualisation process and to allow children to become more inventive, curious and creative. Care for Education's Golden Circle To improve the lives of those in marginalized or vulnerable communities, particularly children, by working with partners, providing training and resources to foster skills development and well-being, through play-based approaches that promote exploration and empathy, encourage collaboration and innovation, inspiring the builders of tomorrow to dream big. Listen to 15 years of CFE podcast to learn more about our journey. 15 Years of CFE CFE 00:00 / 06:26 created with NotebookLM Six Bricks International Facilitators Around the World Workshops The invention of Six Bricks A team from Hands on Technologies started working on an idea, that Brent Hutcheson had imagined, around using only Six DUPLO bricks. What is Six Bricks CFE 00:00 / 06:26 created with NotebookLM Interview about Six Bricks - a Beyond the Brick video RESOURCES VIDEOS This basic set of six different coloured DUPLO 2x4-stud bricks is used to encourage children to construct and (more importantly) to deconstruct ideas and concepts whilst working on and developing their perceptual skills. Six Bricks activities help to develop core learning skills – self-regulation; curiosity; creativity & playfulness – the foundation for all later learning, as children solve problems, understand themselves, others and the world around them. The idea of using Six Bricks is based on a belief that children need to be exposed to perceptual (obtaining information from senses)-motor (learning to move with control and efficiency) experiences, which require them to use their brain and body together. This is important for most classroom activities - as in writing, for example, where the child must know the alphabet and how words are formed by combining letters. The child must then transform this knowledge into action – gripping, stabilizing and moving the pencil. The child’s perceptual skill of sight will be used to adjust the movements to create the required pattern or shape. This example illustrates how the mind and body must work together. Performing physical activities also build neural pathways and the more neural pathways the brain has, the easier it is to learn. Perceptual-motor skills are necessary and important in preparing the child’s brain for learning – they build that strong base to support future academic learning. Care for Education's impact extends globally, with collaborations spanning various regions. Partnering with organisations like IRC (Play Matters) , SOS Children Villages and UNICEF , we've conducted training sessions on learning through play using Six Bricks in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey. We have also supported LEGO Foundation teams with training and workshops in Denmark, Mexico, US, New Zealand, India, Italy, Ukraine and Poland. We currently have more than 58 active Six Bricks facilitators located outside South Africa, operating globally in diverse settings such as schools, remedial centres, hospitals, and even old-age homes. Several of these facilitators participated in a week-long Six Bricks seminar hosted at the heart of Six Bricks in South Africa in 2023. Six Bricks Workshop: Join us for a fun workshop and discover playful ways of teaching and learning using Six Bricks. Six Bricks FPI Online Course: This course introduces you to play-based learning & how to integrate it in foundation phase. Suitable for teachers FPI Find a Certified Six Bricks Facilitator Near You! Explore our directory of qualified facilitators from around the world and connect with experts who can bring the Six Bricks learning approach to life. Whether you're looking for workshops, training, or hands-on guidance, our facilitators are ready to support you. View or navigate the map below to find a Certified Six Bricks Facilitator near you! DUPLO Play Box Videos The LEGO Foundation utilizes two types of Play Boxes for global humanitarian efforts. These boxes are filled with DUPLO bricks by retired LEGO group employees, using pieces from damaged and returned boxes. This initiative operates under the name LEGO Charity. Care for Education is deeply involved with Play Boxes in Southern Africa. The DUPLO Play Box contains a variety of DUPLO elements which are valuable as teaching / learning tools in any Early Childhood curriculum as they facilitate development and learning through play. Teacher-guided activities with the DUPLO help children to develop both physically and cognitively. Children are curious about their environment and for learning to take place, they need to be stimulated through their sense of taste, touch, sight, hearing, smell, and they need to move. Children need to be encouraged to explore, create, play and interact with others and their surroundings. The manipulation of concrete material is essential to the young child’s concept development and the large elements in the DUPLO Play Box are the perfect size for young children to handle confidently. They are able to quickly build outside of their field of vision, thereby developing abstract thinking. The child can use his/her own imagination to build creative solutions to problems when playing with the contents of this box. This active learning stimulates the emotional, social, cognitive and physical developmental areas of the child - skills in these areas are needed for critical thinking and learning to take place. Browse our video library showing some excellent L earning through Play practice and meet some inspiring Play Box practitioners across different Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres around South Africa. All Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Six Bricks Sondela Animation 00:07 Play Video Now Playing Six Bricks Sondela - Song Lyrics 02:54 Play Video Now Playing Conference Arrival 00:35 Play Video Now Playing Education Africa - Marumba Band 01:15 Play Video During ECD visits, the researchers at Care for Education support practitioners as they show some of their best playful learning activities. What's Trending? BLOG Partners in Play Empowering Teachers, One Classroom at a Time. 🥳 Celebrating Brick Club South Africa: Play That Brings Communities Together About us PB SB

Find Me Fast Play Mats Discover FindMeFast Play Mats — a comprehensive learning-through-play resource designed to support cognitive development. The set includes 38 double-sided mats and 15 card packs , offering a wide range of activities that build literacy, numeracy, perceptual skills, memory, and more through engaging, hands-on play. This resource is available for purchase within South Africa only, as international shipping costs are currently too high for overseas customers. EMAIL Price: R1,800 (excludes delivery) For more information Weight= 4kg Width= 44cm Length= 36cm Height= 5cm For those who already have the FindMeFast Mats , explore the sorted mats below for guidance on how to begin and facilitate the different games. Summary Sheet FMF Summary Sheet Mixed Mats Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Colour Mats Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Colour Position Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Find 2 Fast Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Find 3 Fast Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Find 4 Fast Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Colour Stroop Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Recall 3 Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Letters Activities Instructions Cards - Red & Blue Pamphlets Sounds Activities Instructions Cards - Red1 - Red2 - Red2 Cards - Blue1 - Blue2 - Blue3 Pamphlets Words Activities Instructions Cards - Red1 - Blue1 - Red2 - Blue 2 Cards Pic - Red & Blue Pamphlets

What does the research say? Over the last few years, Care for Education has reached and trained many practitioners in Learning through Play (LtP) using LEGO® DUPLO as a tool. Explore some of the research conducted around Play Box & Six Bricks, inside and outside of South Africa. Prefer visuals? Click here to view them Have a look at our research reports below 07 Dec 2023 Supporting Learning through Play with Six Bricks in Gauteng Read More 08 Aug 2023 Creating Opportunities for Playful Learning: Teachers in Mount Frere, Eastern Cape, using Six Bricks to teach the curriculum Read More 20 Jun 2023 Quality Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Phase: A Sample of Schools in the Xhariep District Read More 01 Aug 2022 LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices (Synthesis Report) Read More 25 Jul 2022 LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices (South Africa Case Study Brief) Read More 22 Jul 2022 The Care for Education Story (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief]) Read More 18 Jul 2022 Botshabelo Urban Kids in Midrand and Olievenhoutbosch (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief]) Read More 15 Jul 2022 Living Kids in Mamelodi and Eersterus (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief] Read More 13 Jul 2022 The Play Box Story (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief]) Read More 11 Jul 2022 Thanda Community Centre in Mtwalume (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief]) Read More 08 Jul 2022 Chief Albert Luthuli Network of Early Childhood Centres (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief]) Read More 04 Jul 2022 Zero2Five in the uThukela District (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief]) Read More 01 Jul 2022 Atteridgeville Network of Early Childhood Centres (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief]) Read More 02 Jun 2022 Play Box Postings (Extract from LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices [South Africa Case Study Brief] Read More

Learn more about our impact in the work we have done through collaboration and partnerships. Foundation Phase Initiative Total Reach Robotics The Foundation Phase Initiative (FPI) stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts with key partners; the Department of Basic Education (DBE), UNICEF, CFE and the LEGO Foundation. At the core of FPI implementation is a dedicated focus on enriching the South African CAPS curriculum and transforming pedagogies to seamlessly integrate play-based approaches into teaching and learning. The key instrument for this nationwide initiative is the Six Bricks tool. 2019-2024 Reach Three provinces completed by start of 2024 (including 20-30% of the other 6 provinces). 2 557 119 Children Reached 61 699 Teachers Trained 7 144 Schools Supported Having successfully completed rollouts in three provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Free State) the FPI project consistently promotes and nurtures a learning through play (LtP) mindset. Over the past five years, on-site visits and data collection have revealed concrete evidence of a transformative shift in teachers' perspectives. This shift indicates positive growth towards enhancing the overall quality of teaching. Teachers have commented on LtP using Six Bricks, highlighting benefits such as hands-on learning and increased learner engagement and showcasing creativity by integrating tailored activities into their teaching methodologies. FPI Completion Status Number of schools reached Gauteng - 1589 Free State - 1183 Eastern Cape - 4332 Limpopo - 40 Number of teachers trained Gauteng - 20 548 Free State - 5703 Eastern Cape - 20 328 Limpopo - 1368 UNICEF are using Class Act to assist them with training and are hoping to complete at least 20-30% of the other 6 provinces by the end of 2024. Outreach Robotics Care for Education’s robotics outreach began with the launch of the first afterschool robotics centres in Atteridgeville. Additional centres were established in other townships as interest grew. Thanks to support from the Association of STEMI Olympiads and Competitions (ASTEMI), the LEGO Foundation, Trim Tab Foundation and other sponsors, underserved children across South Africa have had the chance to experience the transformative power of robotics. The programme extends to a number of areas around South Africa, many in very remote areas: Graaff Reinet, Grahamstown, Knysna, Hermanus, and Caledon, Cofimvaba and Vredendal, to name a few. Township Robotics In 2012, Care for Education started Township Robotics in the Atteridgeville township, training and mentoring over 200 Grade 6 & 7 learners for weekly 2-hour sessions. There was a focus on empowering young girls from the community. Starting with just 5 centres, the initiative quickly gained momentum, culminating in the inaugural Township Robotics competition in 2013, at the Atteridgeville Community Hall. This competition, held ahead of the national World Robot Olympiad (WRO), serves as a qualifier for learners to advance to the national event. Since then, we've hosted 9 Township Robotics competitions, with only 2020 and 2021 being affected by COVID-19. Teams compete for the chance to represent South Africa at the international finals, with aspirations of making it big on the global stage. World Robot Olympiad CFE serves as the custodian of the World Robot Olympiad™ in South Africa. WRO is a truly global robotics competition dedicated to science, technology and education. Their mission is to help young people develop creativity and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. They do this by organizing robotics competitions in four different categories for students aged 8-19 years. We have team members who act as judges at both national and provincial events. Moreover, South Africa boasts a considerable count of International WRO Judges. 2008 - 2023 Reach The number of boxes and sets received from the LEGO Foundation : 49 656 DUPLO Play Boxes 9 532 LEGO Play Boxes 2 384 510 Sets of Six Bricks The number of children and teachers reached : 116 494 Teachers trained 4 452 945 Children impacted

Explore some of the visual research conducted around Six Bricks & Play Box, inside and outside of South Africa. Six Bricks - Foundation Phase Initiative Play Box - Practioners' Tales Browse the Care for Education video library showing some excellent Learning through Play practice and meet some inspiring Play Box practitioners across different ECD centres around South Africa. All Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing 03 - Tower Build Activity 02:58 Play Video Now Playing 04 - Looky & Feely Bags Activity 02:33 Play Video Now Playing 01 - Intro to Play Box 03:17 Play Video Now Playing 06 - Play Box Tips 01:01 Play Video Listen to teachers in South African primary schools sharing their experience using Six Bricks as a playful tool in their lessons. Foundation Phase Initiative Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Foundation Phase Initiative - Free State & Eastern Cape (School Visit) 02:45 Play Video Now Playing Foundation Phase Initiative - Gauteng (School Visit) 04:05 Play Video Now Playing Foundation Phase Initiative - Teacher Training 04:07 Play Video

Explore some of the research conducted around Play Box in South Africa. Practioners' Tales Browse the Care for Education video library showing some excellent Learning through Play practice and meet some inspiring Play Box practitioners across different ECD centres around South Africa. During ECD visits, the researchers at Care for Education support practitioners as they show some of their best playful learning activities. All Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing 03 - Tower Build Activity 02:58 Play Video Now Playing 04 - Looky & Feely Bags Activity 02:33 Play Video Now Playing 01 - Intro to Play Box 03:17 Play Video Now Playing 06 - Play Box Tips 01:01 Play Video

Six bricks Golf shirt R400.00 Six bricks t-shirt R220.00 Six bricks socks R75.00 sondela t-shirt top secret: shirt design will be released at the sondela R400.00 sets of six bricks R60.00 get the Tools for your toolbox find me fast sets R1500.00 the latest from care for education in six bricks learning Pre-order your six bricks Sondela conference merchandise now using the link below: ORDER HERE Pre orders are open until Monday 9 february Care for Education will not arrange to have your merchandise couriered outside of south Africa. once you have completed the pre-order form and your order has been captured you will recieve an invoice.

Play Box Series This is where the magic begins! We’re supporting teachers to explore creative, hands-on ways of using their Play Boxes, introducing activities they can facilitate with children to strengthen foundational skills through play. Teachers adapt these ideas to suit their unique contexts, the needs of their children, and their weekly themes. Go through the 6 videos below to start preparing yourself on how to use your Play Box. Play Box - Starter Pack Play Video Play Video 03:17 01 - Intro to Play Box Play Video Play Video 02:40 02 - Copy Cat Activity Play Video Play Video 02:58 03 - Tower Build Activity Play Video Play Video 02:33 04 - Looky & Feely Bags Activity Play Video Play Video 03:12 05 - Copy & Memory Build Activity Play Video Play Video 01:01 06 - Play Box Tips Listen to teachers in South African primary schools sharing their experience using Six Bricks as a playful tool in their lessons. Foundation Phase Initiative Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Foundation Phase Initiative - Free State & Eastern Cape (School Visit) 02:45 Play Video Now Playing Foundation Phase Initiative - Gauteng (School Visit) 04:05 Play Video Now Playing Foundation Phase Initiative - Teacher Training 04:07 Play Video

Get know more about our team We’re a passionate group of thinkers, creators, and doers; committed to making a difference. With diverse backgrounds and shared values, we collaborate to drive innovation, deliver results, and build meaningful connections. Get to know the people behind the work. Kelly Hutcheson Renegade educator, play evangelist, and champion of the neurodivergent. Read More Evah Nkosi Learning through Play Trainer at Care for Education Read More Brent Hutcheson Director at Care for Education and inventor of Six Bricks. Read More

< Back LEGO Foundation Play Box Study: A Retrospective Assessment of Practices (Synthesis Report) 01 Aug 2022 The case study identifies and shares good Play Box practices across South Africa, Ukraine, Cambodia, Mexico, and the MENA region. The report examines practitioners’ experiences and perceptions, various models, partnerships, and strategies, as well as the implementation and use of Play Box across different contexts. The report synthesises the findings identified across the case studies. Read the full report by Gareth Rossiter, Ignacio Torrano, Danielle Freed submitted by Itad. Play Box Synthesis Report - August .pdf Download PDF • 1.43MB Previous Next