Using “loose parts” in play
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Using “loose parts” in play. “Loose parts”. The theory of “loose parts” first proposed by architect Simon Nicholson in the 1970's has begun to influence child-play experts and the people who design play spaces for children in a big way. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Using “loose parts” in play
“Loose parts”The theory of “loose parts” first proposed by architect Simon Nicholson in the 1970's has begun to influence child-play experts and the people who design play spaces for children in a big way. Nicholson believed that it is the 'loose parts' in our environment that will empower our creativity.
What are loose parts?Loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. They are materials with no specific set of directions that can be used alone or combined with other materials.
Loose parts can be natural or synthetic but the more natural, the betterSome examples:
stones, stumps, sand, gravel, fabric, twigs, wood, pallets, balls, buckets, baskets, crates, boxes, logs, rope, tyres, shells and seedpods.
Why Loose Parts?
Loose parts can be used anyway children choose.
Loose parts can be adapted and manipulated in many ways.
Loose parts encourage creativity and imagination.
Loose parts develop more skill and competence than most modern plastic toys
Why Loose Parts?
Loose parts can be used in many different ways
Loose parts can be used in combination with other materials to support imagination
Loose parts encourage open ended learning. Children choose loose parts over fancy toys.
Kids really get to know the environment if they can dig it, beat it, swat it, lift it,
push it, join it, combine different things with it. This is what adults call creative activity...a process of imagination and environment working together. - Robin
Moor
“Loose parts”Having "loose parts" available in a playspace allows children to use these materials as they choose. Often you will find that children would rather play with materials that they can use and adapt as they please, rather than expensive pieces of play equipment.
As early childhood educators we need to ask:
Can the materials or environment we offer be used in many ways?
Can it be used in combination with other materials to support imagination and use?
Are the materials freely accessible? Am I allowing children to make connections
in the learning environment?
Rusty Keeler
Providing a rich diversity of interesting “loose parts” that can be mixed, lifted, carried, stacked, shaped,
pushed, pulled, gathered and rearranged gives children limitless opportunities to play in creative,
productive and exciting ways
