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[title]Moms aren't afraid to go the extra mile to make their kids happy...even if that means starting a business in the process.
Take, for example, Eleanor Rodgers. Back in 2014, the Brooklynite began hosting informal Saturday-morning LEGO classes for her son in her living room. But it wasn't long before these tiny get-togethers evolved into one of the coolest after-school programs for NYC kids, proving that everyone's favorite blocks never fail to build something unique.
Now in conjunction with Wingspan Afterschool program at PS 130, Rodgers' Kensington LEGO Class offers a STEM experience for little builders who want to tinker with the blocks. Youngsters in kindergarten through third grade have a chance to create projects and enjoy free play. Older children in grades three through five can take their imagination a step further and make a LEGO movie of their own (coincidentally, The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part promises to be one of the best kids' movies 2019 has to offer).
"We create our own scenes using a mixture of pre-designed kits and free building and then we make up stories inspired by the setting and film the action using iPads," Rogers says.
Photograph: Courtesy Eleanor Rodgers
But the Kensington native admits she cannot take credit for the stop motion course coming to fruition.
"Every expansion of my business has been in response to requests from kids and parents," she says. "The stop motion class, which is one of my newest things, was something that students had been suggesting for several years."
Fortunately for budding Brooklyn engineers, this mom—who fell in love with LEGOs during playdates of her own—is always up for suggestions. Thanks to children and parents' input, Kensington LEGO Class has expanded to camps as well, giving kiddos a way to keep busy when school's not in session. This year's upcoming offerings will get a local twist, too!
"I'm planning a two-day camp April 25 and 26 that will be themed around the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at Brooklyn Botanical Garden," she says. "We'll visit and see the Cherry Blossom esplanade, the Japanese Garden and the Bonsai trees. Then we'll build our own LEGO esplanade and Japanese garden."
Photograph: Courtesy Eleanor Rodgers
For those who have booked trips or planned other spring break ideas that keep you from participating, fear not—there are still ways to get involved with Rodgers' group. If you're trying to find the best birthday parties for kids, let the entertainment come to you. She offers three party themes—ninjas, animal centers and pirates—that incorporates structured and free-play building sessions for your star of the show and his or her friends. Customizable themes are also available, but require a month's notice.
As far as the future, there's no particular blueprint for Kensington LEGO class.
"I have no idea what's next, no business plan—anything that involves LEGOs and kids is possible," Rodgers says.
We're standing by!
To learn more about the group and its offerings, click here.