Kids who take part in Snapology classes think they’re just having fun playing with LEGO® bricks, K’Nex and computers. What they may not realize is that they’re learning, too.
Snapology is coming to the greater Houston area just in time for the school year. Set to open Fall 2016, the Snapology of Katy will be teaming up with daycares, local public and private schools, and churches to host fun learning events and birthday parties.
“Encouraging children to ‘think outside the box’ and build things are just as important as a traditional academic curriculum,” said Snapology of Katy Owner Seema Patel. “I always encourage my son to play with LEGO® bricks and K’Nex because it’s not only fun, but inspiring innovation and creativity.”
Patel moved from India to California in 2001, but soon moved to Houston in 2005 for work. She then settled down with her family in the greater Houston area, working in Software IT for 15 years. Inspired by her nine-year-old son, Patel wanted to open a business that other children in the community could also benefit from.
“Every Snapology program presents children with issues that they need to work through to solve,” said Patel. “Our Minecraft programs include mathematics and emphasize figuring out volume and area. The children also learn to replenish resources based on supply and demand. It is also very social and encourages children to share information and ideas through various interactions.”
In addition to being introduced to robotics and science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) concepts, Snapology students learn skills like patience and teamwork and have a place to engage their creativity.
With 27 locations throughout the United States and Canada – ten of which have opened since the franchise opportunity was officially launched ten months ago – company plans call for opening 20 new locations per year moving forward.
“The children’s franchise sector remains healthy and vibrant and will continue to perform well,” said Snapology Co-Founder Laura Coe. “A steady demand for our services and programs, coupled with the desire of parents to spend on behalf of their children provides a stable foundation for our expansion plans. We have no reason to look to the future with anything but enthusiasm.”
Snapology offers a wide array of interactive, play-based activities for children ages 1-14 – including enrichment classes, birthday parties, workshops, camps, scouting events and field trips – mainly using building materials such as LEGO® bricks and other similar building tools and technology. The programs can be customized based on the number of children, age of children and time allotment, and can be broken down into individual classes, such as superhero or Minecraft themed events, competition robotics teams, science classes, team building events and motor skill development courses that are perfect for pre-school children.
Additionally, the curriculum is designed to benefit gifted and traditional students, as well as children with special needs, including those with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders.
“Our approach is based on proven research; that children’s’ best learning experiences come from actively designing, creating, interacting and inventing,” said Snapology Co-Founder Lisa Coe, noting that Snapology’s work is about re-defining play and re-imagining learning. “We’re helping children develop the intellectual, emotional, social and creative skills that are of lifelong benefit to them and their communities.”
