The benefits of loose parts play

Wondering how to get started with loose parts play? Maybe you want to explain the benefits of loose parts play to parents? Use this guide and printable poster to share the magic of loose parts!

 

What is loose parts play?

We’ve been chatting over on NurtureStore’s Facebook page recently about free play with loose parts. I know many of you are working to include more and more bits-and-bobs and open-ended resources in your play spaces, and switching from plastic and commercial toys to more natural materials.

So today I’m talking about why I love to encourage lots of free play in our home, and I have a super, printable list of loose parts you might like to try out.

 

What are loose parts?

Loose parts simply means moveable materials that children can use in their play.

They might be bought materials, upcycled from the recycling bin or found natural objects.

There’s a printable list of some loose parts ideas below, but really anything goes: boxes, feathers, marbles, wrapping paper, fir cones, water, sand, twigs, hats, drinking straws…..

 

 

 

What loose parts free play offers children

Stocking your play space with loose parts offers children:

:: daily inspiration

:: endless possibilities

:: a chance to think

:: encouragement to be creative

We’re not only talking about creative play from an artistic point of view – although loose parts do provide great materials to sculpt and build – but creative play that encourages brain development, scientific experimenting, mathematical thought, risk taking, and trial and error learning.

Through this kind of free play children are really creating: using what they have and what they already know, and combining that to create a whole that’s greater than the parts.

Just like Einstein, Da Vinci and Jobs. Loose parts and free play in childhood develops the creative genius of the future.

 

 

 

How does loose parts play promote learning?

You can see this in practice in the marble run B built a while ago.

I’d introduced a new resource for the children to explore that week : the marbles. On offer as always on the craft shelves was a variety of loose parts.

To make her marble run B had to imagine her end product and carefully select the right materials that allowed her to build what she’d intended.

Things didn’t always go to plan – things broke or the marble didn’t move along the right chute – so she had to analyse, problem solve and persevere until she’d managed what she set out to achieve.

This kind of hands-on learning is what we encourage and it helps children hone really important thinking skills that will help them throughout their lives.

 

 

 

Four ways to promote loose parts free play

To promote this kind of creative learning you can:

:: have loose parts on offer in your play setting all the time, so the children get used to what’s available and can pull them in to their play when they get an idea

:: add in new materials from time to time, to spark fresh thinking (you can use our list for some suggestions)

:: make sure the children have lots and lots of time to investigate, explore, daydream and make use of the loose parts

:: have other children and adults available to help problem-solve, add in twists to the play and to admire creations and inventions

 

 

 

Great ideas for materials to have in your play space

The great things about stocking your play space with loose parts is that anything goes (so long as the materials are suitable for your children’s ages and stages) and they’re mainly free.

Natural materials, recycled items and donations from friends, families, and local businesses are all great places to get your materials.

You don’t need to think about how the children might use the materials – leave that to the kids. Provide the loose parts, step back and let the children play. They might surprise you with their imaginations and create things you would never have dreamed up!

We’ve been chatting over on NurtureStore’s Facebook page about what kinds of loose parts to offer and we’ve come up with some suggestions.

Print a copy of this poster below, to keep handy for when you need a few ideas.

Let’s be clear: these are just ideas. You don’t need to provide all of these!

Offer what you already have and use this for suggestions of extras to add in over time.

 

The Magic Three formula

I like to use a Magic Three formula when we need an injection of ‘new’. Simply pick three items from this list and set them out as an invitation to play.

Remember you don’t need to think the three materials match or work well together. The idea is to offer something different, perhaps unusual, to spark the children’s thinking.

Yarn, curtain rings and play dough….

Water, feathers and plastic cups…

Tin foil, sticks and buttons…

Who knows what the children will come up with using the Magic Three!

 

 

 {small world fairy garden using the Magic Three of sand :: scoops :: plants}