Looking for a Dussehra themed activity for your child? Check out this Lego workshop

A child uses Lego bricks to create an idol at the Ganesh Chaturthi worksop conducted a few weeks back. Pic courtesy/Dhara Mehta

Dussehra, a festival that is celebrated with a lot of gusto across the city in various ways, will also see an interesting way of celebration, this Sunday. The Kids Company has planned an interesting workshop called the Creative Lego Dussehra Workshop, for children between the age group of four and eight years.

The workshop, conducted by Dhara Mehta (right), founder and the chief creative builder of the Juhu-based company, will start the 90-minute workshop that will include a brief talk where she will explain different aspects of Dussehra, like Lord Ram, Ravana, Lanka, the bridge that was built, the army, the war and more, to participating kids. "After which I plan to ask them about what their ideas are about this festival, their favourite elements and which aspects would they like to build using the hundreds of Lego bricks from the kit we provide," shares Mehta, who is a qualified Early Childhood Care and Education provider and a Certified Lego Educator.

Though Mehta has conducted similar Lego workshops near festivals, it is the first edition for Dussehra. The two batches of eight builders will have students create Lord Ram, his bow and arrow, the Lanka bridge and other key elements of the story using Lego bricks. "While I will guide the children on how to create the structures, they will be given enough space to build on their own. There is no rigid structure that they have to build in a certain way. The idea is to provide a space to the kids where they can express their creativity independently," she shares.

Towards the end of the workshop, after the children have created the entire Lego structures, they will be encouraged to explain what they have built and weave a story around the character or the element of the festival. Mehta adds that creating Lego structures is a great way to teach children pre-math skills, symmetry, encourage critical thinking, application of logic; and it can become an opportunity to show creativity, and inculcate confidence that they can create something.

Another advantage, she points out, is that it calms the young minds. "The post-pandemic time has seen a lot of children struggling with anxieties, especially the younger lot; and I have observed that Lego-building has helped them calm down. It's an exercise that requires the child to focus completely, inadvertently, soothing their nerves," she signs off.

On: October 22; 10 am
At: The Kids Company, Creative Lego & Board Game Classes, second floor, CP Goenka International School, plot no 44, 1, Gulmohar Cross Road Number 6, Juhu, Vile Parle West.
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 1,500 onwards

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>> A cultural experience: Learn all about Dussehra through storytelling, puja thali making, rangoli creation, aarti, enactment of good over evil and art and crafts.
on October 21; 10.30 am to 12.30 pm age group 4 and above at Magic Beans: Kemps Corner, Sonal Building, Magic Beans, Kathryns, ground floor, shop No 2, Tardeo. log on to @natashasmagicbeans
cost R999

>> Create Ravan: Here's an online Lego workshop, that teaches creating Ravan, the antagonist of the Ramayana.
on October 22; 12.30 pm
age group Up to 11 years
log on to sundaybricks.com cost Rs 450