Early childhood education lasts a lifetime

More than 1 million neural connections per second

That’s how quickly young children’s brains develop. Every experience in their early years – from the bonds they form with their parents and caregivers, to the food they eat, the air they breathe and the way they play and learn - builds children’s brains, shapes their personalities, and develops their immune and metabolic systems. In turn, it shapes the lives they’ll grow up to live.

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We can shape a better blueprint for childhood

Research from organisations like the Harvard Centre on the Developing Child reinforces that if we want children to have the best possible start in life, we need to act early. When a baby babbles happily at their parent and gets a smile back it might seem like a simple moment of affection. But inside the baby’s mind, there’s lots more going on. The brain is busy making vital connections. If children don’t get plenty of positive early interaction, their brain won’t develop as it’s supposed to.

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90 years of insight have taught us play is a powerful tool

Play is how children naturally learn and develop. It’s what they use to make sense of the world – in turn, creating new structures and patterns in their brains. And it’s how they relate to others, making play a vital part of their long-term health and wellbeing.

For the LEGO ® brand’s 90th anniversary we want to make sure that more children grow up in safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments – a world of play, where they have everything they need to thrive.

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Explore the research

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Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills
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Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
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We asked children around the world what they thought about play. Here’s what they had to say
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Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
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