Connecting with Nature and Loose Parts Play

What are ‘Loose Parts’ ?

When we talk of ‘Loose parts’ or open-ended resources we refer to endless types of materials which can be used alone or combined with other materials and the environment. They can be moved around, tinkered with, designed, redesigned, lined up, taken apart and put together in multiple ways and because of this can create infinitely more opportunities for creative engagement than static materials and environments. There is no set of specific directions for materials that are considered loose parts. Loose parts can be natural or synthetic and can often be reused or recyclable materials.

Architect Simon Nicholson used the term “loose parts” to describe materials with varied properties that can be moved and manipulated in many ways. He theorised that the richness of an environment depends on the opportunity it allows for people to interact with it and make connections. Early childhood educators have found this to be true and have documented the vast learning that can occur when children are able to invent, create, explore, and rearrange loose parts and materials.

When children are encouraged to use loose parts and try their own ideas, they are driven to learn and can develop their creativity and imagination. They are driven to not only ask their own questions, but also discover their own answers and create new possibilities.

Examples of loose parts can include natural materials such as shells, flowers, pebbles, sticks and leaves, to anything such as screws and bolts, cardboard boxes, egg cartons, buttons, tubes and tins, to name just a few. There are really endless opportunities, and the ‘realness’ of all of these items is much of the appeal to our children. Wooden blocks and construction are also wonderful open-ended materials with countless hours of potential exploration and play opportunities. When the children are engaged for prolonged periods of time this is when their learning deepens and connections are made.

Our ‘loose parts’ play area at Tai Koo Campus

Nature is a huge part of our school identity and culture at MAGART and we try to bring as much nature into our school and our learning as possible, which is reflected in our calming and natural school environment. We want our children to appreciate and respect nature, and this can only be possible with close encounters with and opportunities to learn about nature and living things.

Two of our transition tots (2-3years) students exploring “mini beasts’ through open-ended small world nature play

We provide abundance of opportunity for our little ones to explore and discover through loose parts, nature and open-ended play. We strongly believe that the environment is the third teacher and plays a vital role in the learning and education of our children. Through exploration, trial and error, our young learners are making sense of the world and making connections and extensions to their learning and understanding.

What are the benefits of this type of play?

• 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 encourage problem solving and logical thinking
• Loose parts develop more skill and competence than most modern plastic toys
• Loose parts encourage open ended learning and thinking
• Children often choose loose parts and ‘real’ objects over fancy toys

Idea! Why not take advantage of the cooling weather and go on an adventure this weekend and create your own loose parts nature kit to play and explore with at home? You could collect shells and stones at the beach, sticks and pebbles from a hike or fallen leaves and pinecones from a walk in the park. What better way to connect with nature and the outdoors for some family bonding time! Feel free to share back to us your wonderful creations and ideas at info@magartedu.com or on social media: Facebook or Instagram @magartkg

Ideas for your loose parts collection:
Pinecones – Shells - Rocks / Pebbles
Seeds - Sticks
Leaves / Flowers – Screws - Bolts
Boxes – Tins – Cardboard – Paper - Shapes
Lids – Containers – Bottles
Beads – Buttons – Coins - Keys

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