Table of Contents
Lego recently showed a new product called Smart Bricks at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Smart Bricks are special versions of the classic Lego blocks. They have technology inside them, such as lights, sensors, and sounds. These bricks can feel movement and know their position. The company says this is its most important invention in 50 years.
The first set will be a Star Wars theme, and it will arrive in shops in March.
The Smart Brick is the same size as a normal Lego block. It has a small computer chip and a speaker inside. It works with other parts called Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags. For example, a Lego helicopter can make engine noises when a child moves it. If the helicopter crashes, the brick turns red. A birthday cake set can even hear when someone blows out the candles.
However, some experts are worried about these new toys. Josh Golin from the group Fairplay says that children do not need technology to make sounds. He believes children already use their own imaginations to make stories. He thinks the digital parts might stop children from being creative. Professor Andrew Manches also says that the best thing about Lego is the freedom to build anything. He also says that smart toys might have problems with privacy and security.
Lego believes that technology is a good thing. They say that digital tools help children play in new ways.
The company has spent a lot of money on digital projects lately. In the past, they made apps and worked with video games like Fortnite and Super Mario. Lego wants to combine physical building with digital features to keep children interested for many years.
Vocabulary
- Recently – a short time ago; not long ago; lately.
- Show – to let people see something; to display; to present.
- Product – something that a company makes and sells; an item.
- Version – a specific type or form of something; a model.
- Block – a hard piece of material with flat sides used for building 🧱.
- Such as – for example; like.
- Sensor – a small tool that feels or finds light, heat, or touch.
- Movement – the act of moving or changing place; going from one spot to another.
- Position – the place where something is; location.
- Invention – a new thing that someone made for the first time.
- Theme – a main idea or style; a special topic (like space or pirates).
- Chip – a very small part inside a computer that holds information.
- Part – a piece of something; a bit of a larger object.
- Helicopter – an aircraft with long blades on top that spin fast 🚁.
- Engine – the machine that makes a vehicle move; a motor.
- Set – a group of things that belong together; a kit
- Blow out – to stop a fire or light by using air from your mouth.
- Candle – a stick of wax that gives light when it burns 🕯️.
- Expert – a person who knows a lot about a subject; a master.
- Imagination – the ability to think of new ideas or pictures in your mind.
- Digital – using computer technology or the internet.
- Creative – having good ideas; being able to make new things.
- Professor – a high-level teacher at a university or college.
- Freedom – the power to do what you want; being able to choose.
- Smart – in technology, it means something that uses computers or the internet.
- Privacy – keeping your personal information safe and secret.
- Security – being safe from danger or bad things.
- Lately – in the last few days or weeks; recently.
- App (Application) – a computer program on a phone or tablet 📱.
- Video game – a game you play on a screen 🎮.
- Combine – to put two or more things together; to join.
- Physical – something you can touch or hold; real objects.
- Feature – an important part of something; a special detail.
Quiz
Discussion Questions
- Do you think children need toys that make sounds and lights, or is imagination enough? Why?
- Some experts worry about “privacy” with smart toys. Do you think it is safe for toys to have sensors and microphones?
- Lego says this is their most important invention in 50 years. Do you agree, or do you prefer the classic plastic blocks?
- Many children today spend a lot of time on screens. Is making “digital” Lego a good way to keep them interested in physical toys?
- Do you think toys are becoming too complicated nowadays? Why or why not?
- English teachers looking for teaching ideas, check out my post on using easy news articles for lessons.
- English learners looking for study ideas, check out my post on using news stories for English practice.
Original Story
Fill-in-the-Blank Listening Practice
Lego _____ showed a new product called Smart Bricks at the _____ Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Smart Bricks are special _____ of the classic Lego blocks. They have technology inside them, _____ as lights, sensors, and sounds. These _____ can feel movement and know their position. The company _____ this is its most important invention in _____ years.
The first set will be a Star Wars _____, and it will arrive in shops in March.
The Smart Brick is _____ same size as a normal Lego block. It has a small computer _____ and a speaker inside. It works with other _____ called Smart Minifigures and Smart Tags. For _____, a Lego helicopter can make engine noises when a _____ moves it. If the helicopter crashes, the brick turns red. A birthday _____ set can even hear when someone blows _____ the candles.
However, some _____ are worried about these new toys. Josh Golin _____ the group Fairplay says that children do not need technology to _____ sounds. He believes children already _____ their own imaginations to make stories. He _____ the digital parts might stop children from being _____. Professor Andrew Manches also _____ that the best thing about Lego is the freedom to _____ anything. He also says that smart toys might have _____ with privacy and security.
Lego believes that _____ is a good thing. They say that digital tools help _____ play in new ways.
The company has spent a lot _____ money on digital projects lately. In the past, they _____ apps and worked with video games like Fortnite _____ Super Mario. Lego wants to combine physical building _____ digital features to keep children interested for many _____.
