Why Loose Parts Rule the World of Play
We all like to be in charge of our environment. Play is about choice, spontaneity, and action without serious purpose. Being able to change the environment with loose parts allows users to change the activities, setting, story line, and characters of their play. Loose parts are universal, they can be fun for all ages and abilities.
Tactile – Sensory Awareness
We attribute this to small children, but everyone is more engaged when their senses are intrigued. This is a brand-new potions kitchen at Clatskanie Elementary School. Despite the lack of variety, soil sparks LOTS of activity.
STEM PLAY WITH LOOSE PARTS
Experiment with simple techniques that lay the foundation for scientific understanding; gravity, water flow, balance, seasons, growth, weight. “You pump the water. I am going to build a dam.” Champoeg State Park
New Every Time! – World Building
Being able to control your space, your story line, setting and environment for play. I have spent a day at Westmoreland Park and seen the sticks constantly changing (literally constantly). Look for an upcoming post on the transition of the Westmoreland Park Forts. Check out this detailed post of stick forts here.
Executive Functioning *
Loose parts support skill building that make us succeed in society: creativity, attention control, focus, working memory, cognitive flexibility, reasoning, problem solving, and planning. Yes please! I could use more of these. My kids could use more of these. These characteristics will pave the way for a lifetime of success.
These three little guys did this for 45 minutes! Among a long day at the wonderful Cleveland Zoo, with so many other things to see. There were negotiations, failures, and successes. Creativity, attention, problem solving do you see it? * Executive functioning is so key. I will expand on this in another post.
Did we also mention social interaction, imaginative play, inclusion…? More posts on loose parts to come.
* Executive functioning is so key. I will expand on this in another post.
Check out our other posts on loose parts play
- Why Loose Parts Rule the World of Play
- Loose Parts Forts – an exploration of fort building in playscapes
- Loose Parts Natural Pieces – a shirt list of our favorite natural pieces. Thy take a while to collect and prep. But they are free!
- A fantastic infographic on loose parts and nature play.
- An honest look at managing loose parts – Why Loose Parts Make me Want to Tear My Hair Out!
Get you own loose parts play kit
Pebble and Stick! – Supplies premade kids to add loose parts play to any play area.
