"Loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways."
(https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/early-care/tip-pages/all/loose-parts-what-does-this-mean)
Loose parts are open-ended, everyday materials that can be shared allowing children to explore their creativity and imagination. Loose parts tend to be very sensory-oriented, using a variety of shapes, textures, and weight. When supplied with a variety of loose part options, children can incorporate them into their play, allowing new opportunities to creatively assist their learning as they explore.
When a child gets to use these everyday objects in their play, it allows them freedom for independent exploration. This then leads to higher levels of creative confidence and less boredom as they discover new textures and shapes. For example, rocks will be heavier and more durable than a cotton ball would be, opening new connections in a child's brain for future reference in their learning journey.
When we supply different objects for children to explore rather than only commercialized plastic toys, we allow them to embrace that they are capable and that they deserve to explore their environment and materials openly. This also shows children that we trust them and provides an opportunity to learn more about the real objects around them.
If you were to put a plastic toy alongside a household item (spatula, keys, lock, whisk, wrench, etc.) in front of a child, you will notice that children are more drawn to everyday objects. Children are very observant, smart little beings. Starting from infancy, children are surrounded by real objects that are often not shared for play, which enhances their curiosity to explore these everyday things even more. When we give them the chance to use everyday objects, this will do more for their development than we realize.
The main developmental areas that help children develop through this kind of free play are:
-Communication/language skills
-Critical thinking
-Creativity
-Sensory exploration
-Problem-solving
-Abstract thinking
Below are some ideas for affordable and easy-to-find loose parts to incorporate in the playroom/classroom to help expand children's creativity in their play.
1. Rocks
Good old-fashioned rocks! The easiest to find and in my opinion the best loose part to have in your loose part collection. We love rocks as a learning resource because they have so much to teach. You may think how can a rock teach anything? The reason rocks are the best is because they are so versatile. You can find so many different kinds of rocks or gems to use. Some rocks like limestone will be very light while river rock will be more solid and heavier. Rocks can teach about size variation, texture, weight, gravity, and math/science concepts. Rocks can be used to create patterns, stacking/balancing, imaginative play, or added to sensory play.
2. Corks
After a long day being with kids, sometimes you need to pop a bottle and enjoy a glass. We've all been there, we won't judge! After you finish with the corks from the bottles, keep them for use as loose parts. Who knew we can actually use these corks as an extension in our children's play too! If you didn't already know corks are actually from the bark of the Quercus Suber (Cork Oak) tree. They are a great addition to introducing open-ended materials and adding to the variety of textures they get to experience. By adding more natural materials to children’s play, we can create more opportunities to teach about natural textures and have less chemical exposure in the materials they play with. Corks are great for creating patterns, stacking practice, and pretend play and are open-ended for many art activities.
3. PVC pipes
PVC pipes can be used in many ways to expand their play. Having the pipes and connectors to go with them, can create a fun way for children to creatively build structures to expand their play. Although they may not be as natural for children to play with, they are easy to find and usually more affordable than a commercialized building set with the same functions and purpose of play. Larger PVC pipes can be used for exploring movements with water, balls, or as car ramps!
4. Cardboard boxes
I’m sure you’ve noticed this already without me having to expand more about the amazing opportunities with cardboard boxes. You may have already noticed children are more fascinated by the box rather than what came in the box. The opportunity to have such an open open-ended material for children to explore can be an interesting observation for you to watch as children explore the many ways they can use it or what they can make it into. Boxes are very easy to find and easy to store away/recycle once the children are done with them. Next time you’ve ordered something large or if you bring in moving boxes, watch as the children explore their creativity at the moment.
5. Yarn, string or ribbons, scarves, fabric
Soft textiles are a great option to bring into the play space for children under 3 As they usually won't be a choking hazard. Fabric is a great way to bring in a variety of textures for children to explore with their senses. Having fabrics presented in a basket for the children to openly explore or having them in different containers for them to pull out and put back in are two easy ways to introduce fabrics as a loose part in the playroom/classroom.
6. Cotton balls, pompoms or Q-tips
Along with fabrics, cotton balls are a great soft texture to introduce to children. Some cotton balls if you check the brand will be 100% real cotton. If the cotton balls are all natural this can be a cheap and easy way to bring in more natural materials with less chemicals into the play space. Creating a sensory bin with cotton balls for children to create small world scenes or having them available as an option for open-ended art activities.
7. Shells
A big thing with loose parts is to bring in more natural textures and real life objects to teach children more about life than what plastic commercialized toys can bring to a child’s play. Sparking more creativity and leading to more purposeful play. Shells are the perfect loose part to have. The delicate and fragile texture can teach children to carefully explore the shells as they use them while offering a range of new textures and shapes to explore.
8. Driftwood or sticks
Along with rocks, sticks are always a must in a loose part collection. Teaching children how to respect using the sticks in a manner that they won't hurt others can bring in a great opportunity into the loose part explorations. Driftwood can be safer for younger children. Both sticks and driftwood bring in new textures and science concepts. Using the sticks to create patterns, learn counting or add into the building block area is a great way to introduce them as loose parts.
9. Shower curtain rings
Wooden shower curtain rings are very easy to find at any hardware store, dollar store or even thrift stores. They can be presented alongside other loose parts to create patterns or by themselves for children to openly explore. These bring in more natural textures along with reducing the amount of plastics we have in the playroom. Another alternative to shower rings can be Napkin rings, which can come in many different colours and textures.
10. Cones (pinecones)
Although Pine cones can be limited to the length of time they are usable as a loose part, they can be an interesting new texture to introduce to your kids. Depending where you live, it could be a fun activity to go and collect the cones if you have conifer trees around. There is such a diverse range of cones out there! Where I’m from, we have Douglas Fir trees and they produce the cones you see below. Lots of conversations can begin with cones too - size, colour, feel, smells, etc. Research together with children more about the trees in your area and why the pinecones are beneficial (seeds.)
Picture: (Douglas fir cones)
I could go on about all the endless opportunities "Loose Parts" play can bring. I encourage you to try some of these out with littles in your care. I recommend starting out with one or two of these options and leaving them set out in wooden bowls or in a basket on a shelf. Be patient and watch as the magic of creative exploration unfolds as the children discover the new objects that they get to use and incorporate in their play.
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