Loose Parts and Sensory Play

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THE CONCEPT: Loose parts add immense play value
I think loose parts are so important in playscapes. Lifting, moving, stacking, throwing, and many other discovery are made through through free play with loose parts. I especially like natural and free form parts. Kodo Kids has designed a line of early childhood products that I can’t wait to get my hands on and I bet little hands would ‘feel’ that same way.
  
THE KODO PRODUCTS

  
THE KODO PHILOSOPHY

“At Kodo Kids, we believe in learning through play and that toys should encourage self directed exploration and discovery, in addition to being entertaining and a whole lot of fun.”

These come in other shapes and sizes.
THE KODO BLOG
I also enjoyed the Kodo Kids Blog and this reference to classic early childhood pedagogy. I will have to get my hands on this book.

According to Piaget, “…children learn by encountering problems they feel compelled to solve; experiencing emotions such as puzzlement, curiosity, surprise, and frustration; and engaging in the intellectual and emotional work of overcoming obstacles to solving those compelling problems.” Quoted form the new NAEYC book Ramps & Pathways, a Constructivist Approach to Physics with Young Children, by Rheta DeVries and Christina Sales.

I wonder how well these do in the long run in public settings.

I would love to see a giant outdoor version of this!