Rewind several years and we find our son seriously struggling at school. His reading development has flatlined. First impact of dyslexia but also the Governments forced phonics teaching approach doesn’t help. He is increasingly alone in the playground. In lessons he struggles to stay still and concentrate. He’s become clumsy and his fine motor skills have deserted him.
We had a few warning signings at nursery but these we largely missed. In fact at nursery he was ahead of all his age development targets. He was a character who was happy to be the centre of attention. He had loads of friends and the little girls would fight over who was going to marry him. Within the course of a few months this all changed.
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF ASPERGERS, DYSPRAXIA AND DYSLEXIA.
As we started the process of getting a diagnosis everything we tried failed to work. It felt like we were working in the dark. Any type of win would really boast everyone’s confidence. Step in LEGO.
On the recommendation of a health professional it was agreed with school that we try a teaching programme based on those magic little toy blocks. Over the course of a few months school would incorporate a number of 1 hour LEGO sessions into each week. At home we would take every opportunity to encourage our son to play with his LEGO in a structured way. The whole approach was heavily influenced by the increasing use of LEGO-BASED THERAPY in schools and autistic research. The process worked and delivered clear results.
- The repeated process of picking up small and differing shaped blocks started to improve his finger control.
- Incorporating role play and story telling into model building helped him develop his imagination.
- In the school sessions increasingly other kids were brought into the programme. This really helped his team working and willingness to share. Plus it gave kids a chance to see a different side of our son.
- Increasingly complex designs helped with improving concentration levels.
- As every small milestone reached gained a certificate. Son could see progress. This really helped his confidence.
So in an increasingly alien world for our son and his struggling parents those little building blocks brought our first real ray of hope. They really do work.
Why?
Because learning works best when it’s fun.
That’s a good point. Learning works best when it is fun. D never took to Legos. I have a huge bin because my oldest did but not D. Hoping he will take to them someday. They would really help with his fine motor skills which he struggles with. Good point!
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That’s the good thing about them. You can put them in a bin and store them away for years and they are still good to go. Thanks.
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So agree. I sat with my daughter while my granddaughter had her tests. It was severe learning disabilities, as they don’t say autism, knowing they would have to provide help. I helped my daughter with the cost of extra education, that she forgot almost immediately.
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In the UK they keep tightening up the rules and what is defined as autism. In some areas it’s becoming almost impossible to get a diagnosis. All about money.
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I complain a hell of a lot about Lego, but I personally think its down to it, is why Monkey has an amazing imagination and can fix things by looking at it and thinking about it
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For many it really helps. You can either follow the instructions or just let your imagination build something.
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Monkey does both, he follows the instructions, then takes it apart and builds his own thing.
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We learn best when we are having fun…. The same is true that Wew orkb estw henw ea reh avingf un.
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Sorry you got me on that last line. But it should be fun.
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Take out the blank spaces and read what’s left! 😉
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Indeed
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Such a simple concept, a little Mary Poppins is all that’s needed to tidy the nursery or learn.
Ben never liked Lego. He likes to arrange sidewalk chalk that’s been broken into different sizes, or have me tape wood blocks into shapes, or arrange colored dominos. Whatever works to stimulate their imaginations and sneak some learning in is the way to go.
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It’s the same principle. I bet play doh or plasticine works well.
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Such a simple concept, a little Mary Poppins is all that’s needed to tidy the nursery or learn.
Ben never liked Lego. He likes to arrange sidewalk chalk that’s been broken into different sizes, or have me tape wood blocks into shapes, or arrange colored dominos. Whatever works to stimulate their imaginations and sneak some learning in is the way to go.
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LEGO’s helped my grandson (who is on the spectrum) a great deal.
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That’s great to hear
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I love those expensive little foot-splinters. And now I think the company ought to give you a commission.
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They are weaponised. It is pain beyond anything when you step on one.
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Amazing.
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Thanks
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Yes! Playing is learning!!
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It’s the best way
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That’s a great way to teach kids.
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It really is. Fun has to be way.
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Indeed. LEGO is such a versatile thing. Lots of opportunities to be creative. I love it and the mini figures too!
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Son loves the mini figures. Always the first ones to made when he gets a set.
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Me too. And my grandson is so keen too.
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I love it as long as I don’t stand on a block
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Fun wins hands down. Our dyslexic eight year old’s fascination with origami is doing wonders for her confidence and fine motor co-ordination. – I wrote about it in my post yesterday – I seem to be echoing much of what you say here.
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Origami is such a good idea.
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I do believe your son has the leaning lighthouse of Pisa??
!00% !! Fun is the vital element to most things in life – or making them better or easier anyway. 🙂
I think the reason is that it is hard to feel stressed when you are having fun and if anything kills the incentive to learn, or to work, it is increasing stress levels.
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Fun works. Sadly our school system misses that
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The system totally does, some of the staff may catch on – particularly the younger generation?
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That’s the hope.
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🙏
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🙏
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Always! In every single outdoor activity session I ever ran, ‘fun’ was the first base. I used to tell everyone who would listen I had three priorities as an instructor: safety, fun and instruction. In that order. make it fun and learning would automatically follow.
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Schools forget this.
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I’ve never heard of LEGO based therapy, but absolutely love the idea of it. I’m glad it is so helpful with your son.
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It’s becoming more prevalent. It really works for kids who love Lego.
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Clearly beneficial
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It really does work
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Truth.
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🙏
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This was so wonderful to read. It gives people hope and inspiration. Wonderful share!
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Thank you
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You’re welcome
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🙏
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Now I love Lego even more.
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I love it as well.
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I have never heard of LEGO therapy. That is awesome, I love it when they come up with new and enjoyable forms of therapy, because therapy can be so intense if the child isn’t able to have fun! I’m glad that it could help put your son.
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It’s sad that when these great ideas emerge the government won’t back them.
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