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Sioux Falls is set to welcome a unique sensory gym in March, offering an inclusive space for children of all ages and abilities. The new facility, We Rock the Spectrum, aims to provide a nurturing environment specifically designed for neurodivergent children, including those on the autism spectrum. Owner Tanya Davis envisions this space as a complement to traditional therapy sessions, allowing kids to thrive outside clinical settings. With a variety of sensory-friendly activities and equipment, the gym promises to be a haven where every child can feel accepted and supported.

The concept for We Rock the Spectrum originated from personal experiences. Tanya Davis, a mother of two boys, faced challenges during the winter months when her son struggled with excess energy, leading to sleep disturbances and behavioral issues at home. Recognizing the need for more engaging and supportive environments, she sought to create a place that goes beyond conventional play areas. Her background as an elementary music teacher further fueled her passion for inclusivity, as she witnessed firsthand how overstimulating environments could hinder participation for neurodivergent children.

Davis's vision became a reality with the opening of We Rock the Spectrum, which has grown into a national franchise originating in California. This indoor playground now spans 34 states and eight countries, providing nearly 180 locations where families can find respite and engagement. The Sioux Falls location will feature a spacious venue equipped with therapy rooms, teen zones, calming spaces, swings, slides, trampolines, a toddler area, arts and crafts stations, and a multipurpose room available for private events. Therapists are encouraged to utilize these facilities for both structured sessions and open play, fostering a community-oriented approach.

Beyond physical amenities, We Rock the Spectrum will offer memberships and flexible punch card options. Families can enjoy open play sessions for $14 per child for two hours, with discounts for additional siblings. Through this initiative, Davis hopes to build a welcoming community where parents and caregivers can connect, learn, and celebrate together. As winter days grow long, this new sensory gym stands ready to provide much-needed relief and enrichment for children and families alike.

Encouraging collaboration in children is crucial for their development, and it can have a profound impact on how they interact with others, solve problems, and develop key life skills. Whether in school, at home, or in extracurricular activities, learning to work well with others is an essential part of growing up. But how can we foster a spirit of collaboration in kids? Here are some key insights and strategies to help kids embrace teamwork and learn the value of working together with LEGO.

1. Start Early with Play-Based Learning

Children naturally learn by playing, and play-based learning is an excellent way to foster collaboration. One of the best tools to encourage cooperative play is through games and activities that require teamwork. Interactive toys, like building sets and puzzles, allow kids to work together toward a common goal. For example, when using building blocks or LEGO sets, children are encouraged to communicate, share ideas, and work collaboratively to complete the task. This hands-on approach not only makes learning fun but also helps them develop essential social skills in a low-pressure environment.

2. Model Collaborative Behavior

Kids learn a lot by watching the adults around them. As a parent or educator, it’s important to model collaborative behavior in everyday situations. Whether you're working on a household project, organizing an event, or solving a problem together, demonstrate the value of listening, compromising, and working as a team. When children see adults collaborating, they’ll be more likely to adopt these behaviors themselves.

3. Create Opportunities for Group Work

Encourage activities that require group work. This could be as simple as organizing a team project at home or in school, or as structured as a collaborative art project or science experiment. When working together with LEGO, children learn how to divide tasks, share responsibilities, and support one another. Encouraging them to take on different roles within the group, whether as a leader, coordinator, or contributor, allows them to practice different aspects of collaboration.

4. Focus on Communication Skills

Effective communication is key to successful collaboration. Teach kids how to express their ideas clearly and respectfully, listen to others, and ask for help when needed. Role-playing different scenarios where kids can practice communication skills—such as asking a friend for assistance or explaining their thoughts—can build confidence and improve their ability to work with others. Remind them that collaboration isn’t just about talking; it’s also about listening and being open to others’ ideas.

5. Encourage Problem-Solving Together

Collaboration often involves solving problems as a group. Whether it’s figuring out how to build something with LEGO bricks or working through a challenge in a group game, problem-solving as a team can teach kids important skills like critical thinking, negotiation, and compromise. Help guide kids to think critically and come up with solutions together. Encourage them to discuss their ideas and find a way to work through challenges collectively.

6. Celebrate Team Achievements

When kids accomplish something together, celebrate their collective success. Acknowledge the efforts of each individual, and highlight how teamwork made the achievement possible. Celebrating teamwork fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment, reinforcing the idea that working together is not only effective but also rewarding.

Fostering collaboration in children is a powerful way to set them up for success in life. LEGO provides the perfect platform for encouraging teamwork, as children work together to build and problem-solve. Through play, they learn communication, shared responsibility, and creative problem-solving—all essential skills for school and beyond. LEGO sets encourage kids to collaborate, listen to each other’s ideas, and celebrate their collective achievements. By incorporating LEGO into group activities, we help children embrace teamwork, respect, and shared success—skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.