Sarah Turnbull is an Independent Consultant in Mentoring and Therapeutic play and a Certified LEGO Education Trainer. She runs ‘Outside-the-Box’ in North Somerset. Sarah tells us how she has become involved with LEGO® Education Training and how she uses LEGO® each day in her work in Primary and Secondary Schools inspiring and motivating students, helping to remove barriers to learning.

Having mentored many children and families in my time in education it has always been obvious to me that children’s ability to learn and socialise stems from their emotional well-being. I was inspired by my children (both girls!!) as they grew up with the ability to get lost in their thoughts when absorbed in LEGO® play. I could see how that absorption freed their minds and allowed their thought processes to be channeled into the creation that was evolving. Whilst in this flow, it was always a good time to be alongside them and talk about issues that might otherwise get missed or avoided. It seemed such a natural concept then, to make use of this very captivating tool, familiar and non-threatening, in my work in schools.

The aim of Outside-the-Box is to turn learning on its head by taking creativity out of the box and into the hands of the individual using LEGO Education resources. I deliver my intervention programme Go-peutics either on a 1:1 or small group basis via after school clubs, 8 week Intervention clubs, and Holiday and Community workshops.

Most of my workshops use just basic LEGO bricks - how better to allow complete freedom to the individual’s thought processes and creativity? During the sessions, abundant amounts of bricks are used to tackle various tasks. The children work together on group activities or individual projects, which they then all discuss and share. I have seen withdrawn, disengaged children shine in their own right alongside others, encouraging teamwork, self-belief, imagination and problem solving skills.

After working with LEGO Education for some time my next step was to become a LEGO® Education Trainer. This enhanced the work I was already doing by providing me with extra support and structure using the knowledge that LEGO Education have been developing for over 30 years and to share ideas with other like-minded people. The contacts I made are still very much alongside me following my progress and I might say have been an invaluable source of support and encouragement.

I have recently introduced more workshops using some new LEGO Education resources. Fran Hooper Head of SEN Support base, Castle Batch Primary School, asked for an activity to motivate her Key Stage 1 children to read. 

“Sarah uses LEGO to support a whole range of curricula areas in imaginative and innovative ways. She designs activities to suit any theme, age of children or learning outcomes, including social skills. Recently for our "Book Week" she made a giant using LEGO® Education WeDo™ that she programmed to stand up and talk. It was a real ‘wow’ with the children who were so excited, as it brought our story to life. My class of SEN children were still talking about it several days later and can't wait for her to visit us again. It is so refreshing to present learning to children in a way that cannot fail to both motivate and inspire them!’

Promoting Literacy and writing skills, especially in boys is also key area for many Primaries. I find the use of LEGO® Education resources in Media workshops provides a stimulating way to encompass such skills as recording and reporting, punctuation, use of varied language types and comprehension.

Being involved in the LEGO® Education BuildToExpress™ training and the upcoming launch, has given me the chance to pilot the product as an addition to my existing programmes. BuildToExpress, comprises single kits for every student. Each kit holds identical pieces but each student will interpret the task differently. I am most impressed by the way this product supports and celebrates individual thinking and self-expression. It embeds an appreciation and respect of others opinions.

LEGO® Education resources have a very definite place in enhancing the curriculum from Foundation stage and up. Being involved with LEGO® Education has brought my ideas and visions alive, helping make them a reality. They provide scope for all levels of achievement.  This is the key surely, to unlocking some of these barriers and closing the attainment gap.

For more information on Sarah’s work contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information about becoming involved with LEGO Education contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it