In the lead-up to the final episodes of LEGO® DREAMZzz™ Night of the Never Witch, new research reveals children can harness their imagination to guide and alter their dreams, a skill mirrored by the characters in the popular series. The LEGO Group is now focusing on educating parents and guardians on how to help children develop this “dream crafting” ability, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
The concept of dream crafting, central to the LEGO DREAMZzz show, involves characters using their creativity to shape and transform their dream environments. The upcoming final episodes of the series showcase high school friends-turned-dream-chasers as they master this skill in the R.E.M. trials, using their abilities to confront the series’ antagonist, the Never Witch.
A global study commissioned by the LEGO Group indicates that while only 57% of children aged 6 to 12 are aware of their capacity to influence their dreams, a significant portion—41%—can consciously alter their dreams when faced with fear, and 38% guide their dreams when dissatisfied with them. However, the study highlights that only one in three children actively practice dream crafting during sleep.
Dream psychologist Ian Wallace, who has studied over 400,000 dreams over three decades, suggests that children can develop their dream crafting abilities through real-world skills. Wallace identifies three key methods to enhance dream control: Dream Play, Imaginal Play, and Active Play.
Dream Play involves children reflecting on dream imagery upon waking, allowing them to explore and manipulate these images. Imaginal Play encourages children to expand on dream images, imagining different elements and scenarios. Active Play involves children recreating dream imagery through role play and creative activities, deepening their emotional connection and imaginative skills.
Wallace’s research shows that these techniques not only make dreaming more engaging but also offer real-life benefits, such as improved problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and cognitive development.
Cerim Manovi, Creative Director for LEGO DREAMZzz, emphasises the importance of integrating creativity and imagination into daily life. “As we release the final episodes of LEGO DREAMZzz Season Two Night of the Never Witch, our goal is to inspire children and families to bring the concept of dream crafting into their everyday activities,” said Manovi. “At LEGO, we celebrate dreaming as a powerful platform for exploring creativity and unleashing imaginative potential.”
The LEGO Group’s study also identifies the top ten themes’ children dream about globally: friends (67%), family members (61%), school (61%), parents or guardians (58%), home (57%), pets (56%), toys (56%), playing a game (50%), a park or playground (48%), and monsters (46%).
Since its launch in May of the previous year, the LEGO DREAMZzz series has captivated audiences with its imaginative adventures. To complement the new season, LEGO has introduced nine new sets inspired by the show, including Zoey’s Cat Motorcycle and Mateo and Z-Blob the Knight Battle Mech. These sets, available from LEGO stores and selected retailers, feature multiple building options and story-led instructions to encourage creative play.
To celebrate the latest instalments, LEGO will host the Night Bureau Adventure event on September 8 at Sydney’s Pit Street Mall store. The event will transform the store into a dream world, featuring a live chat with LEGO DREAMZzz character Mateo and opportunities for children to develop their dream crafting skills through LEGO brick building challenges.
The final episodes of Season Two, Part Two, will be available from September 6 on LEGO’s YouTube channel, LEGO.com, and various streaming platforms.
