If a child is using his whole cycle to do a specific work should we intervene?
A child’s level of engagement with an activity is not our choice. We cannot predict or dictate how long interest will last. We do decide what to present to a particular child and what is available, while supporting the positive limits to choice built into the Prepared Environment. Resist intervention unless the level of activity is harmful to the child (physically or psychologically), to others, or to the material. If you observe purposeful engagement, concentration, and happy satisfaction, do not intervene – however short or long the time. No worries: when the interest is satisfied, the child will spontaneously move on.
![Child tracing Montessori sandpaper letter material](https://montessori-ami.org/sites/default/files/images/questions/sandpaper-letters.jpg)