Loose Parts Play

What is loose parts play?

Loose parts refers to any collection of open- ended natural or man-made materials.
Loose parts are provided to children without any specific instructions or goals. Children are free to tinker with, arrange, build, design, invent, and take apart loose parts.
Children decide what materials to use and how to use them.

Why is loose parts play a part of our curriculum?

Playing with loose parts requires more creativity and imagination than playing with many commercial toys that are popular today. The possibilities are endless with a pile of popsicle sticks, paper towel rolls and string in a way they are not with a battery driven toy.
Since no directions are given, children develop planning, flexibility, and problem solving skills as they experiment with materials.
Children develop social skills as they collaborate with their peers and share their discoveries with each other.
Children develop self-esteem and independence as they come to see themselves as inventors and creators.
Loose parts play provides a range of sensory experiences and opportunities to develop fine motor skills.

Examples of gross motor play in our school:

Children invented, tinkered, and created with a collection of popsicle sticks and binder clips.
Children created mosaics, towers, and other structures with a collection of rocks.
Children invented with cardboard boxes, tubes, and string.