The LEGO® 4+ and 5+ sets were specifically designed to support children in their transition from toddler to preschool age and from LEGO® DUPLO® to small-size bricks. We invite parents to join their kids on the new journey of creative discovery and more intricate play.
As children’s minds mature and their imagination gets bolder, the way they play naturally evolves as well. Toys that once suited them will no longer offer enough challenge or creative freedom.
The transition from LEGO® DUPLO® bricks to smaller LEGO bricks is an important step in development. Not a sudden leap, but a natural progression. With gentle support from parents, children can begin to explore new amazing experiences of more detailed building and longer narratives.
The 4+ range and the following 5+ sets were created with this exact intention in mind – to make the switch as easy as possible. Let’s take a closer look.
What Are The Key Changes For Children?
Developing fine motor skills and focus – Small LEGO bricks are smaller than LEGO DUPLO bricks, so children need to use a more precise grip and better hand-eye coordination. This serves as excellent training for future skills like writing and visual arts. Sets for children aged 4+ and 5+ also have more pieces and more complex instructions giving them the perseverance and focus needed to complete a project.
From storytelling to logical thinking – LEGO sets of the 4+ range contain standard LEGO pieces and often use larger, pre-built elements as a basis for a quick and motivating start. This helps your kids learn to recognise the functions of the pieces and understand how to build according to a plan more easily. The instructions are also designed to be purely visual, so your little builders can follow along on their own without needing you to guide them through every step. The bricks in 4+ are also print decorated.
Enter a new world of imagination – 4+ and 5+ sets often feature popular characters and themes such as superheroes, animals, or vehicles that children recognise from movies, TV shows and the world around them. These sets immediately inspire more sophisticated role-play, which you can easily engage with.
What does the switch mean for you? – The transition to smaller LEGO bricks doesn’t just apply to children but also brings a new way of spending time together and enjoying the progress made.
Spend some quality time together – even though kids can follow the instructions on their own, the initial stages of building are ideal for spending time together and sharing the joy of progress.
Watch children build confidence and independence – with each completed build, the children will feel more confident. Seeing them transform a pile of bricks into a finished model is a feeling that not many things can really match.
A better quality of life and a break from digital devices – LEGO® Play well study shows that regular shared play has a positive effect on family well-being and overall satisfaction. After all, LEGO bricks are called the antithesis of screens. Try for yourself, you won’t regret it one bit. LEGO sets for children aged 4+ and 5+ help bridge the gap between toddler play and preschool building experiences. Through hands-on play, kids can explore creativity, imagination, and new ways of building and learning together.
Our Goal
At the LEGO Group, play is essential for a child’s growth and development. Children learn, explore, and grow with curiosity and joy through play. Our new LEGO sets and materials are designed to encourage this, helping kids discover the world in the most engaging way possible.
For more information visit: www.lego.com/preschool
This article also appeared in Edition 22 of The Toy Universe Magazine
