“Every day brought something different — new schools, new learners, new energy. But one thing remained constant: When you put bricks into students’ hands, something powerful happens. Maths became real, engineering turned into play, and creativity meant calm.”
For 37 days, the van was packed, the bricks were sorted + cleaned (and re-sorted + cleaned … and re-sorted + cleaned again).
One Founder.
Thousands of bricks.
A mission to spark creativity in every classroom we stepped into.
Over five weeks, Rachel — Founder, Managing Director, and the LEGO® Master (from NZ Season 2) behind House of Bricks — travelled across the North Island, bringing hands-on, creative learning experiences to tamariki in 21 schools.
This wasn’t just a tour. This was a wave of creative inspiration that swept across the North Island.
The Numbers…
- 21 schools visited across the North Island
- 24 school days delivering workshops
- 37 days on the road
- 3,600 students inspired
- 144 hours spent teaching inside classrooms
- 48 hours spent setting up and packing down
- 180,000+ LEGO® bricks used
- 7,000+ mosaics created exploring Matariki and Mathematics
- 900+ vehicles designed, tested, and redesigned
- 2,000+ creative trees built during mindful free-build workshops
- 4,500 km travelled
It’s big. It’s exciting. It’s exhausting. But these numbers only tell part of the story.
What Actually Happened in Those Classrooms
Every day brought something different — new schools, new learners, new energy.
But one thing remained constant:
When you put bricks into students’ hands, something powerful happens.
Maths Became Real: Students didn’t just learn maths — they used it. Through mosaics, patterns, and visual storytelling, learners explored concepts in ways that made sense to them. And something amazing happened…Teachers noticed their students knew more than expected.
Engineering Became Play: Over 900 vehicles were built, tested, challenged, and rebuilt. Ideas didn’t always work the first time — and that was the point. Students learned: How to test ideas. How to adapt designs. How to persevere when things didn’t go to plan. This is real-world engineering thinking — disguised as fun.
Creativity Became Calm: In quieter moments, over 2,000 creative trees were built during mindful free-build sessions. These weren’t just builds — they were moments of pause. Space to think. Space to imagine. Space to breathe.
What Teachers Told Us (This Is Why It Matters)
Across the country, we heard a common theme:
Teachers are stretched.
Classrooms are busy.
The pressure is real.
And again and again, we heard how valuable it was to be able to simply pause and observe their students in a different way.
“It was fantastic to see ALL of our tamariki engaged and involved… the creativity and teamwork will help them in the future.”
“Our day was jam packed with super engaging and interesting activities… Highly recommend!!”
“There were plenty of accommodations for students with neurodivergence and physical disabilities, which made the experience accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
And then there was this moment — one we won’t forget anytime soon – a week after we left the school, a teacher emailed to say they had an hour where a teacher needed a rest – it is a small school, and no one was there to take over. So they told the students to choose a quiet, educational activity for 1 hour. A group of boys chose to do Maths…using the bricks they had available. They made mosaics and turned them into spinners just as we had shown them. And…they asked the school if they could please get more, as they feel much more motivated because of the creative learning day we brought to them!
That’s the impact. We don’t just bring a workshop to schools, we leave an inspiration that continues after we have left.
More Than Just Bricks
Yes, we used 180,000+ bricks. But this was never about the bricks. It was about:
- Confidence — students backing their ideas
- Collaboration — working together toward solutions
- Resilience — trying again when it doesn’t work
- Creativity — thinking differently
And perhaps most importantly…It was about helping teachers see their learners in a new light.
A Journey Worth Every Kilometre
4,500 km later, and the bricks are back at home base in Rolleston.
The unpacking is still happening. The big clean is underway as we prepare to visit local schools again.
But the impact?
That continues in classrooms all over the North Island.
In students who now see themselves as problem-solvers.
In teachers who have new ways to engage their learners.
In moments where creativity replaces pressure, even if just for an hour.
What’s Next?
If this tour showed us anything, it’s this: Creative, hands-on learning isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s essential.
And we’re just getting started. This year marked the 3rd year since we started touring and visiting schools outside of Canterbury…and it keeps growing! 2026 also marks 12 years since House of Bricks started.
Let’s bring this experience to your learners. Registrations are open now until 10 December 2026 for the 2027 tours. And if you are local to House of Bricks (in Canterbury), call us anytime to book in – you are the lucky ones! Find the registration form, right under our ‘Contact’ form.
Download the 2027 National Tour Information here.
House of Bricks Education Services
Empower Your Teaching. Engage Every Learner.
From STEAM to Matariki, our workshops make learning meaningful and fun.
Plan your next creative learning day today with us!