Lego Introduces "Smart Bricks" With Sound and Light
Vocabulary
involving two or more people or things influencing each other
The museum's latest interactive display shows how Earth has changed over millions of years.
to depend on someone or something for help, money, support, etc.
Some experienced designers still prefer to begin with hand drawings rather than relying on computers.
a group of things that belong together or are similar
I got my first chess set when I was 9.
to make or become larger, more important, etc.
Starbucks started as a single coffee shop in Seattle and has since expanded into a global chain.
the ability or action of forming new ideas, images, concepts, etc. in one's mind
Playing with Lego is a great way to boost kids' imagination.
to shine or appear suddenly for a short time
A warning message flashed on the screen before the movie started and then disappeared.
Article
Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.
Lego Introduces "Smart Bricks" With Sound and Light Lego is experimenting with a new way to make its toys more interactive. The company has introduced "smart bricks" that can make sounds and light up when children play with them.
The new bricks look the same as normal Lego pieces, but they contain a small chip, sensors, lights, and a tiny speaker. This allows the brick to react when it is moved, connected, or placed on certain parts of a model.
For example, when a smart brick is added to a spaceship, it can play engine sounds or flashing light effects. Lego says this is meant to make play feel more active, without using screens or phones.
According to Lego, the goal is not to replace imagination, but to support it. "We want children to stay focused on building and creating stories with their hands," said Tom Donaldson from the Lego Group.
The first sets with smart bricks will appear in Lego’s Star Wars collection. Lego chose Star Wars because many of its vehicles and scenes already involve movement, sound, and action.
Some people welcome the idea, saying it makes building more exciting and modern. Others feel that simple toys are valuable because they do not rely on technology at all.
Lego says the smart bricks are optional and will not replace traditional sets. Children will still be able to play in the usual way if they prefer.
The company plans to watch how children and families use the new bricks before deciding whether to expand the idea to other themes.
Discussion
Have a discussion based on the following questions.
-
What are your thoughts on Lego Smart Play?
-
Do you think smart bricks would make playing with Lego more fun or more distracting?
-
If you had kids, would you consider buying them smart Lego sets?
-
Do you think these new features will make Lego sets a lot more expensive?
-
Why do you think Lego has stayed popular for so many years?
Further Discussion
Have a discussion based on the following questions.
-
Did you play with Lego when you were a child? What did you build most often?
-
What was the most difficult Lego set you've ever tried to put together?
-
Do you prefer following the instructions or building something freely with Lego?
-
Besides Lego, what other toys do you think help children learn useful skills?
-
"We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." — George Bernard Shaw. What do you make of this quote?