Bricks 4 Kidz: LEGOs are good for more than play!

Kids need activities that help them develop social skills, problem-solving, and logical thinking. In a world overflowing with programs and technology, you might be overwhelmed with all the possibilities. Bricks 4 Kidz is an incredible program with franchise locations all over the country, and they offer amazing programs for kids of all ages. 

Since April is Neurodiversity Awareness Month and we have our own Lego program here at TTS, I decided to partner with Daly Ziadia, owner of the Bricks 4 Kidz location in Franklin, TN. He had wonderful information to share about his values, the mission of Bricks 4 Kidz, and programs they offer. 

Daly is a former Senior TV Program Planner with nearly two decades of experience in the media industry and expertise in event management. He has now transitioned to being a business owner and dedicated father. 

(Please note that the interview has been edited for clarity and length)

Q: First, I’d like to get to know a little more about you! From my understanding, Bricks 4 Kidz is a corporation, and your location is a franchise. What inspired you to

get involved? Feel free to share as much as you want about your story and how you got here.

I am a father, and that has allowed me to connect with kids and their favorite toys, such as LEGO bricks or Duplo. Witnessing the positive impact these bricks had on my own children, combined with my admiration for the exceptional quality of the Williamson County school system, has motivated me to introduce Bricks 4 Kidz to the WC community.

Recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of the students in Williamson County, I saw an opportunity to provide them with additional enrichment opportunities. By offering a hands-on STEM-focused curriculum through Bricks4Kidz, I aim to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in a fun and engaging way using LEGO bricks.

The Bricks4Kidz franchise model allows me the perfect blend of a proven educational framework and the local flexibility to tailor our programs to the specific needs and interests of our high-achieving students, ensuring they have every chance to explore their potential and continue their journey of learning and discovery in a fun and supportive environment. 

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about what your programs look like? What is a typical day at Bricks 4 Kidz?

At Bricks 4 Kidz our programs are designed to be engaging, educational, and fun! We offer a variety of programs, including:  

After-School Classes: These classes integrate LEGO® building with STEM concepts, teaching children’s topics like torque, friction and space exploration while enhancing teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Workshops: Designed to complement school curricula, these workshops focus on science, mathematics, robotics, coding, and video game design. They offer structured learning alongside open-ended exploration.

Camps: Camps feature themes like robotics, amusement parks, and space exploration. Through hands-on projects and team-building activities, children learn engineering and architecture concepts while making friends.

Birthday Parties: Customizable LEGO® parties that include free play, games, and themed activities to ensure a fun-filled celebration for kids.

Kidz Night Out: A high-energy evening program for kids aged 5-13 that combines LEGO® free play with games and projects. It provides parents a break while their children enjoy creative play supervised by experienced staff.

Bricks Therapy Sessions: These workshops are tailored for children with autism or social skill challenges. Using LEGO® bricks in group settings encourages communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while building confidence. The therapy can also benefit individuals with anxiety disorders or ADHD.

Bricks 4 Seniors: Special events designed for older adults to engage in creative LEGO® building activities. These sessions promote cognitive stimulation, relaxation, and social interaction.

Bricks 4 Kidz programs are designed to be inclusive and adaptable for various age groups and needs. Whether it’s a child exploring STEM concepts or seniors enjoying therapeutic benefits, Bricks 4 Kidz provides a unique platform for learning through play. The atmosphere is always buzzing with creativity and excitement! What I love is seeing the kids learn and develop without even realizing they are doing so.

Q: The goal of this program is to help kids have fun while problem-solving and socializing. I’m sure kids have started out shy and maybe a little nervous and then later blossomed. Can you talk a little bit about one of your participants and how much they grew as a result of Bricks 4 Kidz?

It’s truly rewarding to witness the growth in our builders. We’ve seen many kids who initially come in a little shy or hesitant, especially in social situations. A perfect example of this is my own son, Adam. When he first started exploring bricks and models, he was quite reserved and would often cling to me. He had a natural tendency towards nervousness in new environments and around unfamiliar faces. However, the moment he started engaging with the LEGO bricks, something shifted. The focused nature of the building tasks, the clear instructions, and the tangible results seemed to provide him with a sense of comfort and control. He became so engrossed in creating his models that his initial anxieties seemed to melt away. He started interacting with the other children, initially just by admiring their creations, and then gradually by sharing ideas and collaborating on builds. LEGO became his bridge to connect with others, a shared language that transcended his nervousness.

Q: Can you talk about why a program like this is so beneficial for neurodiverse children and how it impacts them?

The Bricks 4 Kidz program can be incredibly beneficial for neurodivergent children in a variety of ways that we see play out regularly in our sessions. The multi-sensory experience engages different learning styles through visual instructions, tactile bricks, and spatial reasoning—providing learning pathways that resonate with children who might find traditional methods challenging.

Our structured yet creative environment offers a predictable framework, particularly helpful for children who thrive on routine and clear expectations. We often observe that the focused activity of building can aid concentration and reduce sensory overload for some children. Completing models provides concrete evidence of success, offering immediate positive feedback that builds self-esteem and confidence. 

B4K programs naturally enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through manipulating small pieces and detailed construction tasks. Beyond the individual benefits, our group activities naturally encourage social interaction in a low-pressure environment. Sometimes children can play different roles (known as Engineer, Builder and Supplier). Or they can opt for ‘freestyle’ building in pairs or small groups.

More advanced builders can have a go at stop-motion animation, coding and programming. Whatever the activity (and there are lots), they can take charge and start making decisions together.  It's a different dynamic than unstructured playtime, offering a specific focus that can make social interaction feel less daunting. While we are not therapists and don't provide specific interventions, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space where all children can learn, create, and interact at their own pace and in a way that feels comfortable for them. The beauty of bricks is its universal appeal and its ability to provide a common language and a tangible focus for a diverse group of learners.

Q: There are so many myths and trends on social media that misinform parents when it comes to neurodiversity. What is your least favorite myth you hear from parents, and why is it your least favorite?

There are many myths and trends surrounding neurodiversity on social media, and one of the most frustrating I hear from parents is the idea that certain interests, like a deep focus on a particular subject (which could very well be LEGO!), are inherently negative or need to be discouraged. As a father, I understand that children develop unique passions, and often these intense interests can be a source of great learning and even future success. Dismissing or trying to suppress these interests can be detrimental to a child's self-esteem and development. We believe in celebrating individual strengths and fostering those passions within a supportive framework.

Q: How do you educate parents new to raising neurodiverse children?

Educating parents is a key part of what we do. We often share information about the benefits of play-based learning and how LEGO bricks specifically can support various developmental areas. We emphasize the importance of creating a supportive and understanding environment for all children, regardless of their neurotype. We also encourage parents to observe their children during our programs and see firsthand how they engage, learn, and socialize. Sharing success stories from other parents can also be very impactful. 

Q: What is your favorite part about this program?

My favorite part of this program is undoubtedly witnessing the "aha!" moments. It's seeing the spark of understanding in a child's eyes when they figure out a challenging build or when they creatively solve a problem using the bricks. Knowing that we're providing a space where kids can learn, grow, and discover their potential – all while having fun – is incredibly rewarding. As a father, there's nothing better than seeing a child's face light up with accomplishment.

Q: Finally, is there something you often repeat about this program, raising neurodivergent children, or neurodiversity in general?

Absolutely! Something I often find myself saying, and it resonates deeply with my experience is, "Building is a tool, just like a hammer, a saw, or a drill. You aren't born knowing how to use these tools, so you aren't born knowing how to build complex creations. It just takes practice, practice, practice."

This applies to so many things, especially when it comes to raising neurodivergent children or understanding neurodiversity in general. Just like learning any skill, understanding different ways of thinking and learning requires patience, empathy, and consistent effort. 

We encourage the children in Bricks 4 Kidz programs to keep trying, to learn from their mistakes, and to celebrate their progress, no matter how small.

As a father, I've learned that growth often happens incrementally, and the key is to provide consistent support and encouragement along the way.

(End of Interview)

Thank you again to Daly and Bricks 4 Kidz for answering my questions and providing such thoughtful answers. TTS also offers a LEGO group, and you can inquire about availability through our group therapy form.

We love to reach out to the local businesses around us that build up our children and give them a wide range of activities, therapy, and fun! If you have a business in Franklin, TN, or Nashville, TN, designed for kids of all neurotypes and ages, I would love to talk to you! Please feel free to contact me, and I would love to collaborate with you, learn more about you, and spread awareness about all the wonderful resources in Franklin, TN, for our clients and yours. 

Happy Neurodiversity Awareness Month!