Here’s the thing about loose parts play. You know all those incredible open-ended materials which we have been discussing? (playdough, clay, construction, light, mirrors, sand)? Well, add loose parts and you are guaranteed the magic formula to creative, engaged, meaningful play. Not to mention adding loose parts to outdoor play, small world play and even using them in more structured learning.
So what are ‘loose parts’? Loose parts are all about flexibility. They are items and materials that children can move, control and manipulate through play. They are adaptable and have high play value. They encourage creativity and choice.
Loose parts can be:
- Containers: small buckets, boxes, pots, bags, jars, baskets, bowls, trays, bottles, cups, canisters, ice-cream tubs, etc.
- From Nature: wood cookies, pinecones, sticks, stones, shells, seed pods, bark, gum nuts, leaves, flowers, pebbles, etc.
- Purchased/Re-purposed: pipes, ropes, craft match sticks, pom poms, lids, fabric, tubing, buttons, gems, beads, marbles, Q-tips/cotton buds, scarves, pipe cleaners, straws, pattern shapes, paddle pop sticks, cotton reels, ribbon, yarn, etc.
Spielgaben has many beautiful, high quality versatile items that are perfect for loose parts play. I am not being paid at all to continue to share about Spielgaben, I was given the set to review and write a post. What you see from here on out is just because we truly love it!
Loose parts invite kids to use their imaginations to invent, tinker, build, play and discover. They are genderless and ageless. They can be collected inexpensively – with natural items, cheap craft materials and odds & ends. The power behind open-ended materials are that they allow children to express themselves through symbolic means.
We love Reverse Garbage (for those near Brisbane) for loose parts.
- Consider the craft items, natural items and bits and pieces which you already have that are loose parts.
- Could you find a more inviting display in transparent or natural containers, in an accessible place?
- Could some be added to a new play space (i.e. outdoors? in your creative space? near your block area?)
- Try to organise the loose parts to best facilitate future play.
An Everyday Story: The Theory of Loose Parts
Learn with Play at Home: Using Loose Parts for Play
Let the Children Play have several posts involving loose parts!