Loose Parts Play
Loose Parts Play involves open-ended, movable materials that children can use to make, build, manipulate, carry and play with. They may include natural materials such as seed pods, sticks, and flowers. They could also be items such as different-sized boxes and packing tubes. Loose parts play supports children’s creativity and desire to explore, experiment, play, and have fun.
And, good news for grownups - the possibilities are endless.
Some good places to find loose parts for play include;
The recycling bin (cardboard items are great)
Your wooden/plastic utensils drawer
The linen cupboard for sheets, towels and blankets
Your garden or local park
Op shops and second-hand stores
The pots and pans cupboard
You probably noticed when your babies have had the chance to play with pots and pans in the kitchen, they have loved those items more than the toys in the toy box. This gives us a little insight into how easy and interesting loose parts play can be.
The open-ended nature of loose parts is what makes them engaging for children and babies. These objects can be played with and manipulated in multiple ways, unlike many toys that have a prescribed purpose.
Loose parts can be lined up, piled on top of each other, stuck together and unstuck, moved, carried, poured. They are objects that can be used how the child wants to use them, or imagine them.
Along with fun and creativity, there are also many benefits to loose parts play which may include;
Problem-solving skills. How will this stand on top of that object? When I pour the water what will stop it from going everywhere? Can I use this tray to carry or build on? There are little challenges to work through: practice, fail and try again.
Discovering how things work. Lifting, balancing, and moving items around helps children understand different objects, what they weigh and how they might work together.
Independence. Being able to discover and decide how objects can be used helps children grow a sense of confidence. This can be carried into other areas of their life as your children grow.
Engaging with the natural world. Some of the easiest, low-cost items we can provide for loose parts play include those from the natural environment. Shells, leaves, pinecones, pebbles, amongst others, give children a chance to explore items of different textures, weight, colour, shape, and smell. This can also spark a curiousity about nature.
Co operative play. Children can learn about sharing materials and making projects together such as a nature mandala or nature fort
Sparking imagination. There are no instructions; a box can be a pirate ship, gumnuts can be coins at a shop, and blankets can be a roof to a cubby or a cloak for a wizard. Children get to come up with their own ideas.
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