Let’s talk about Loose Parts!

Loose parts are a great way to incorporate creativity, curiosity and connections of everyday items into your play. I’m a mom of 3 and loose part materials have been our best friend for the past 7 years! Loose parts are open ended materials that can be made to create whatever we want them to be.

One of my daughter’s favourite materials to play with are buttons. She stacks them, creates patterns, sorts them, strings them, flips them, and the list goes on. The wonderful thing about loose part exploration is that they can be materials of any sorts both natural and man made.

Let's think for a second, If I were to give you a dump truck, where does your mind take you? Sure the dump truck might fly or spark some cool dramatic play scenarios, but a dump truck will always be a dump truck. Now let's look at a stick. A stick could be a wand that casts spells. The stick could be a unicorn horn in a magical forest. The stick could be a water hose putting out a fire, and the list goes on.

Setting out loose parts builds on math, science, language, problem-solving, leadership, and coordination skills as well as both gross motor and fine motor development. Try It out if you haven't already. Bring a bag on a nature walk with your children. Go through your recycling bins, or take a gander in your junk drawers. What can you find and collect? I bet you will be surprised with the treasures that you find.

Interested in more loose parts play? Join us at our Curious Connections Playgroup at Central Library on Mondays from 2-3pm. Parking is FREE for 2 hours when you validate your parking ticket at the welcome desk. For our playgroup calendar, visit Familyinfo.ca.

Written by Kelly Borden, RECE, EarlyON Playgroup Facilitator & Parent Support Coach