Learning Diversity 

Lorna Stranieri

Welcome back to Term 2 everyone.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are recharged for the next very busy, but exciting 8 weeks.

 

Over the holidays friends and I took our children to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Chadstone Shopping Centre.  At first we thought that it would be an activity that the older children would find a little boring, however it turned out to be an educational, inspiring and mindful day where all our children who ranged from ages 4 to 14 enjoyed it and all left buzzing with the excitement of what they had created. 

 

 While I was there I learnt about LEGO based therapy, a tool to help children develop their skills in confidence, self-esteem, fine motor skills and social skills in a fun and engaging way.  LEGO therapy can be adapted to different age groups from preschoolers to adolescents and it can also be used in combination with other therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and behavioural therapy.  It is an evidence based practice, with research studies supporting its effectiveness in improving.

Although Lego Therapy is a paid service, it is an activity that can be done in the comfort of your own home.  All the same benefits of the therapy sessions would apply to a child sitting with someone playing and creating LEGO.  LEGO can be found in all toy stores and even supermarkets.  Opportunity shops such as Vinnies, The Salvos, or online platforms such as Market Place, also sell second hand LEGO which is in great condition.  It is a great mindful activity that will allow your child's imagination to run wild. Perfect for the upcoming winter season.