The LEGO Story – How it all started

The History of Lego

The story of Lego begins with Ole Kirk Christiansen, a skilled carpenter who started making wooden toys in the 1930s. After a fire destroyed his workshop, Ole rebuilt and began exploring new ideas, including a plastic molding machine. This led to the creation of the iconic Lego brick, which was initially met with skepticism but eventually became a huge success.

Ole’s son, Godtfred, played a crucial role in the company’s growth, introducing the concept of a “system of play” that allowed children to build and create using the Lego bricks. The company faced challenges, including a fire that destroyed the wood production, but Godtfred persevered and focused on the Lego system, leading to significant growth and expansion.

Today, the Lego company is a global phenomenon, with a wide range of products and a commitment to quality and innovation. The company’s philosophy remains centered on encouraging children to explore, experience, and express their own world, with the belief that “only the best is good enough” for kids.

Term	Definition	Example Usage
Carpenter	A person who builds, repairs, and installs structures and fixtures made of wood, wood substitutes, and other materials.	Ole Kirk Christiansen was a skilled carpenter who started making wooden toys in the 1930s.
Plastic Molding Machine	A machine used to shape and mold plastic into various forms and shapes.	Ole Kirk Christiansen used a plastic molding machine to create the iconic Lego brick.
Skepticism	A feeling of doubt or uncertainty about something.	The Lego brick was initially met with skepticism but eventually became a huge success.
System of Play	A concept that allows children to build and create using various components and tools.	Godtfred introduced the concept of a system of play that allowed children to build and create using the Lego bricks.
Persevered	Continued trying or doing something despite difficulties or challenges.	Godtfred persevered and focused on the Lego system, leading to significant growth and expansion.
Global Phenomenon	Something that is widely known, popular, or influential around the world.	Today, the Lego company is a global phenomenon, with a wide range of products and a commitment to quality and innovation.
Philosophy	A set of principles or beliefs that guide a person’s or organization’s behavior or decision-making.	The company’s philosophy remains centered on encouraging children to explore, experience, and express their own world.
Innovation	The process of introducing new or improved ideas, methods, or products.	The Lego company is committed to innovation and quality in its products and services.
Expansion	The process of becoming or making something larger or more extensive.	Godtfred’s focus on the Lego system led to significant expansion and growth of the company.
Commitment	A promise or pledge to do something or to support a particular cause or idea.	The Lego company has a commitment to quality and innovation in its products and services.
Quality	The standard or level of something, especially when it is high or excellent.	The Lego company is committed to quality and innovation in its products and services.
Explore	To investigate or examine something in order to gain a deeper understanding or knowledge.	The company’s philosophy encourages children to explore, experience, and express their own world.
Express	To convey or communicate a thought, feeling, or idea through words, actions, or other forms of expression.	The company’s philosophy encourages children to explore, experience, and express their own world.
Wood Production	The process of manufacturing or producing wooden products.	A fire destroyed the wood production, but Godtfred persevered and focused on the Lego system.
Workshop	A room or building where people work on projects or activities, especially manual or creative ones.	A fire destroyed Ole Kirk Christiansen’s workshop, but he rebuilt and began exploring new ideas.
Iconic	Very well known or famous, often because of being a symbol or representative of something.	The Lego brick is an iconic symbol of the company and its products.
Significant	Important or notable, often because of having a major impact or influence.	Godtfred’s focus on the Lego system led to significant growth and expansion of the company.
Growth	The process of increasing or developing in size, amount, or degree.	The Lego company experienced growth and expansion under Godtfred’s leadership.
Phenomenon	Something that is remarkable or extraordinary, often because of being unusual or unexpected.	The Lego company is a phenomenon in the toy industry, known for its innovative products and commitment to quality.

Lego Vocabulary Quiz

1. What does the word “skepticism” mean in the context of the Lego brick’s initial reception?

A feeling of excitement and enthusiasm
A feeling of doubt or uncertainty
A lack of interest or concern
A feeling of anger or hostility

2. What is the meaning of the word “persevered” in the context of Godtfred’s actions?

To stop trying or give up
To continue trying or persist in the face of challenges
To change direction or try a new approach
To remain unchanged or unaffected

3. What does the phrase “system of play” refer to in the context of Lego?

A set of rules or guidelines for playing with Lego
A method or approach to building with Lego bricks
A way of thinking or philosophy behind playing with Lego
A type of game or activity that can be played with Lego

4. What is the meaning of the word “phenomenon” in the context of the Lego company’s success?

A rare or unusual event or occurrence
A widespread or remarkable success or achievement
A type of product or service offered by the company
A business strategy or approach used by the company

5. What does the phrase “only the best is good enough” imply about the Lego company’s values?

That quality is not a top priority for the company
That excellence and high standards are essential to the company’s mission
That cost and affordability are the primary concerns for the company
That innovation and creativity are not valued by the company

Answer Key

skepticism: B) A feeling of doubt or uncertainty
persevered: B) To continue trying or persist in the face of challenges
system of play: C) A way of thinking or philosophy behind playing with Lego
phenomenon: B) A widespread or remarkable success or achievement
only the best is good enough: B) That excellence and high standards are essential to the company’s mission

Grammar Point: The Use of the Passive Voice

The passive voice is used to emphasize the action rather than the doer of the action. In the given text, we can see examples of the passive voice, such as “a fire destroyed his workshop” and “the company faced challenges”. The passive voice is formed using the verb “to be” in the correct tense, followed by the past participle of the main verb. For example, “was met” and “was destroyed” are in the passive voice. The passive voice can be used in various tenses, including the simple past, present perfect, and past perfect.

Quiz Time!

Choose the correct answer for each question:

The story of Lego _____________ with Ole Kirk Christiansen, a skilled carpenter. A) begins B) was begun C) begin D) is beginning
A fire _____________ the wood production, but Godtfred persevered. A) was destroying B) destroyed C) is destroying D) has been destroyed
The iconic Lego brick _____________ with skepticism but eventually became a huge success. A) was met B) meet C) is meeting D) has been meeting
The company’s philosophy _____________ on encouraging children to explore, experience, and express their own world. A) centers B) is centered C) was centered D) has been centered
The Lego system _____________ by Godtfred, leading to significant growth and expansion. A) was introduced B) introduce C) is introducing D) has been introducing

Answer Key:

B) was begun
B) destroyed
A) was met
B) is centered
A) was introduced