What are loose parts?
Loose parts are open ended materials that children are able to move around, change and manipulate. They include recycled materials, found objects and nature materials.
Outdoors, there are many loose parts available such as rocks, leaves, acorns, pinecones, seeds and sticks.
How will children use loose parts?
Children can create, design and tell stories with loose parts, using them to represent food, people, animals, vehicles, buildings, bridges, rivers, tunnels….It is up to their imagination.
While playing outdoors, children are able to explore larger loose parts building ramps, catapults, balancing beams and teeter totters. This leads to many opportunities for ‘Risky Play’.
Examples of small loose parts:
Buttons
Beads
String
Dried beans
Measuring cups
Paper
Tape
Feathers
Nuts and bolts
Examples of large loose parts:
Wooden planks and beams
Gutters and pipes
Wire spools
Buckets and containers
Hula hoops
Balls
Fabric
Tarps
What do children learn from loose parts?
Children develop skills such as:
Mathematical concepts
Science concepts
Communication and language
Critical thinking
Cooperation
Large motor skills
Fine motor skills
Loose Parts Foster Diversity
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