Not Every Lesson Has to Look Like a Lesson

For a beginner student or one still building sensory tolerance- mini lessons based on whatever they’re already doing can be a total game changer. When a student is just starting RPM, sitting down for a structured lesson might not be possible yet- and that’s okay. In the early stages, lessons can be built instantly around whatever the student is already engaged in- whether it's stimming, playing with fingers, or holding a fidget toy. These moments may not look polished or carefully planned. But they often hold something far more valuable: the student’s attention.

One day, a beginner student was spinning a top, and I simply asked: “Why do you think this spin top spins, but this pencil sharpener doesn’t?” That one question opened the door to a full conversation.

We explored:

– the structure of spinning objects

– what makes something move

– how friction works

– and how design shapes function

Not every lesson has to look like a lesson- especially with a young student. Sometimes the most powerful moments come from following their focus and building from there.