Hi,

I'd like to add just a few points to Diane's response.

I echo her point that learners can stay in equipment as long as they
want to. My daughter has, at times, stayed in environments for well
over a hour. As Patricia Obrzut, MS OTR, of the Penrickton Center for
Blind Children (who we consider to be a top expert in Active
Learning) has said, "If you are on a schedule then you are not
practicing Active Learning", which I take to emphasize that the
learner should control their time in environments. I think parents
can distinguish better than most between a child's objections due to
problem-solving frustration and the "I've given up" complaint. As
Dr. Nielsen has said, never interrupt a child trying to solve a
problem.

Dr. Nielsen has also indicated that more but shorter sessions in
equipment are preferrable to one long session. So my suggestion
would be to get your child into the Little Room more often, and, as
Diane has suggested, allow her to determine the end of stay. Of
course, at the end of that play is the time to interact and let your
child tell you all their accomplishments. I get the biggest response
from our daughter by asking, "Are you a good player?". Lastly on this
topic, since our child tends to wear out toward the end of the day,
most of her sessions are earlier in the day.

On the topic of procuring a real Little Room, LilliWorks does sell
kits, which just require sanding, gluing and finishing. If your child
does not sit up, a LR-1 model (the least expensive) is probably
appropriate. Also, local public service organizations, such as Elks,
Lions, Mason, etc. may be able to help with both purchasing and
assembly (a local community college or high school woodshop might
also help with the latter)... At age 3 in California, school
districts are responsible for a child's education, and are required
by law to supply any equipment required by a child's IEP --
LilliWorks has a sample Active Learning IEP available.

You might also consider the Support Bench, if you are not using it
yet. It is an excellent way to free a child's hands and feet for
play.

It sounds like you and your child are busy exploring through Active
Learning, and we wish you continued success.

Rand Wrobel, LIlliWorks


--
- Rand Wrobel :-)