Kahoot! and the LEGO Foundation join forces to revolutionize education

Kahoot! and the LEGO Foundation team up to launch new initiative to raise awareness about neurodiversity and inclusion

Inclusive Learning for All

Kahoot!, the global learning and engagement platform company, has partnered with the LEGO Foundation to launch the “Uniting Minds” collection of learning games and lesson plans. This collection aims to raise awareness about neurodiversity and create inclusive learning environments where all learners can thrive. The collaboration represents the official launch of the “Kahoot! for All” initiative, which is funded by the LEGO Foundation through Kahoot!’s participation in their inaugural Play for All Accelerator program.

Recognizing the Unique Strengths and Perspectives of All Learners

Louisa Rosenheck, Director of Learning Design at Kahoot!, emphasizes the goal of helping all learners unleash their learning potential by recognizing their unique strengths, needs, and perspectives. The resources provided through the Uniting Minds collection aim to start conversations in the classroom, making neurodivergent students feel seen and creating inclusive spaces for growth and flourishing.

The Power of Playful and Inclusive Learning

The Uniting Minds collection, created by learning design experts, brings together engaging learning content from Kahoot! and fellow Play for All Accelerator participants such as Social Cipher and Invest in Play. These organizations work globally to foster inclusion and promote powerful learning through play. The collection of ready-to-use learning games focuses on social-emotional learning lessons on empathy and perspective-taking, exploring topics such as autism and ADHD, recognizing similarities and differences, and practicing supportive friendship. Furthermore, the collection includes a group of kahoots called “This is me,” which uplifts the voices of neurodivergent students as they share their stories and insights.

Supporting Educators and Promoting Deeper Learning

To facilitate conversations and deeper learning, Kahoot! provides lesson plans for select learning games in the Uniting Minds collection. These lesson plans include prompts for reflection and discussion, as well as additional activities. By offering these free teacher resources, Kahoot! aims to expand educators’ understanding of neurodiversity and guide them in introducing these important topics in the classroom.

Editorial: Redefining Education and Embracing Neurodiversity

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of neurodiversity in education. Neurodiversity is the concept that neurological differences, such as autism and ADHD, should be recognized and respected as natural variations of the human brain, rather than as disorders to be fixed. This shift in perspective challenges the traditional notion of what constitutes “normal” in the context of learning and cognition.

The collaboration between Kahoot! and the LEGO Foundation is a significant step towards redefining education to be more inclusive and supportive of the diverse range of learners. By providing resources that explore neurodiversity and creating spaces for dialogue and understanding, Kahoot! is empowering educators and students to embrace neurodiversity in the classroom and beyond.

Creating Inclusive Learning Environments

Inclusive learning environments are essential for the success and well-being of all learners. When educators recognize and support the unique strengths and needs of each individual, students are more likely to thrive. The Uniting Minds collection, with its learning games and lesson plans, equips educators with the tools to foster inclusivity and create a safe and supportive space for all learners. By incorporating topics such as autism and ADHD into the curriculum, students can gain a better understanding of their neurodivergent peers and develop empathy and acceptance.

The Power of Play and Engagement

Playful learning has proven to be an effective method for engaging students of all abilities. By integrating learning games into the curriculum, educators can captivate their students’ attention and make the learning experience enjoyable. The Uniting Minds collection recognizes the power of play and leverages it to promote understanding and inclusion. Through interactive games and activities, students can actively participate in their own learning journey while developing essential social-emotional skills.

Philosophical Discussion: Rethinking the Notion of Normalcy

The initiative taken by Kahoot! and the LEGO Foundation raises profound philosophical questions about the definition of normalcy and the role of education in shaping societal attitudes towards neurodiversity. Traditional educational systems tend to prioritize standardized norms and often view neurodivergent students as outliers or exceptions to be accommodated. However, this approach fails to acknowledge the richness and diversity of human cognitive functioning.

Neurodiversity challenges the notion of a singular “normal” and celebrates the unique perspectives and talents that individuals with different neurological profiles bring to society. By promoting awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, the Uniting Minds collection encourages a more expansive definition of intelligence and fosters an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Advice: Embracing Neurodiversity in Education

For educators and parents, it is crucial to embrace neurodiversity and create inclusive learning environments where all learners can thrive. Here are some practical strategies to promote neurodiversity in education:

1. Education and Training

Educators should receive training and professional development opportunities to understand and support neurodivergent students effectively. This includes learning about different neurodivergent profiles, recognizing their strengths, addressing their challenges, and employing appropriate teaching strategies.

2. Inclusive Curriculum

Ensure that the curriculum includes diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions, including those of neurodivergent individuals. Incorporate literature, media, and examples that reflect the neurodiverse population to foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance among all students.

3. Universal Design for Learning

Apply the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which involves offering multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs. This approach ensures that all students have equitable access to learning opportunities.

4. Peer Collaboration and Support

Encourage peer collaboration and support to create an inclusive classroom environment. Assign group projects, pair neurodivergent students with neurotypical students, and foster a sense of community and empathy among all learners.

5. Cultivating Sensitivity and Empathy

Promote discussions about neurodiversity, empathy, and acceptance in the classroom. Encourage students to share their experiences, listen to one another, and celebrate the strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals.

By implementing these strategies, educators can create nurturing learning environments that honor the uniqueness of every student and promote the growth and success of all learners.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Kahoot! and the LEGO Foundation to launch the Uniting Minds collection represents a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and raising awareness about neurodiversity in education. By embracing neurodiversity, educators can create learning environments that celebrate the diverse range of human cognition and promote the success and well-being of all learners.