CUR125: Loose Parts: Incorporating Found Objects and Open-Ended

Materials into the Classroom

Handout

Welcome to CUR125

We′ve probably all witnessed a child spend hours playing with a box that a toy came in over the actual toy! Children prefer materials that give them the opportunity to be creative, be curious and be independent. One of the most effective ways to encourage this is to incorporate materials in your classroom that support children′s natural curiosity. In this course, participants will explore theory,

implementation and ways to include loose parts into their curriculum in developmentally appropriate ways. After this course, participants will have the tools and strategies to embark on their own loose parts journey that will benefit children′s learning on all levels.

Objectives:

By taking notes on the handout and successfully answering assessment questions, participants will meet the following objectives as a result of completing this course:

Define the term loose parts and identify materials that could be used as loose parts

Recognize the benefits of loose parts related to child development

Identify best practices to incorporate loose parts into the classroom

Recall the difference between an invitation and a provocation

Recognize ways that loose parts can be used to enhance learning centers

References:

1. Beloglovsky, M. (2022). Loose Parts for Children with Diverse Abilities. Redleaf Press.

2. Casey, T. & Robertson, J. (2019). “Loose Parts Play - A Toolkit, Second Edition.” Retrieved from https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Loose-Parts-Play-Toolkit-2019-web.pdf

3. Daly, L. & Beloglovsky, M. (2014). Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children. Redleaf Press.

4. Daly, L. & Beloglovsky, M. (2016). Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers. Redleaf Press.

5. Daly, L. & Beloglovsky, M. (2018). Loose Parts 3: Inspiring Culturally Sustainable Environments. Redleaf Press.

6. Daly, L. & Beloglovsky, M. (2019). Loose Parts: Inspiring 21st-Century Learning. Redleaf Press.

7. Ephgrave, A. (2018). Planning in the Moment with Young Children: A Practical Guide for Early Years Practitioners and Parents. Routledge Publishing.

8. Gull, C., et al. (2021). Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms. Gryphon House.

9. Haughey, S. & Hill, N. (2017). “Loose Parts - A Start Up Guide.” Retrieved from https://s3.amazonaws.com/fdt-course-materials/Blog+Posts/Loose+Parts+Start-Up+Guide.pdf

10. Hobson, T. (2020). “Integrating Loose Parts Play in a Preschool Program.” Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/integrating-loose-parts-play-preschool-program

11. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (N.D.). “What Do Children

Learn in a High Quality Preschool Program?” Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/what-do-children-learn-preschool-program

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12. Robertson, J. (2017). “Simon Nicholson and The Theory of Loose Parts - 1 Million Thanks.” Retrieved from https://creativestarlearning.co.uk/early-years-outdoors/simon-nicholson-and-the-theory-of-loose-parts-1-million-thanks/

13. Williams, M. & Stevens, D. (2019). Loose Parts Play - A Beginner’s Guide: A Practical

Handbook for Educators and Parents of Children Aged 0-5. Independently Published. 14. Schaefer, R. (2016). “Teacher Inquiry on the Influence of Materials on Children's Learning.”

Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/nov2016/teacher-inquiry-materials

Additional Resources

1. Edwards, C, Gandini, L., & Foreman, G. (2011). The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Experience in Transformation, 3rd Edition. Praeger Publishing.

2. Nicholson, S. (1971). “How NOT to Cheat Children: The Theory of Loose Parts.” Retrieved from https://media.kaboom.org/docs/documents/pdf/ip/Imagination-Playground-Theory-of-Loose-Parts-Simon-Nicholson.pdf

3. Weisman Topal, C. & Gandini, L. (1999). Beautiful Stuff! Learning with Found Materials. Davis Publishing.

Course Notes: Use the space below to record important information from the course.

The History of the Theory of Loose Parts

What are Loose Parts?

Important Fact

Loose parts are:

Here are a few additional features of loose parts:

Loose Parts Possess Infinite Play Possibilities

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The Value of Loose Parts

Used with children of all ages!

Physical development

Social emotional development

Language and literacy skills

Cognitive skills

In review, take note of the following benefits of loose parts. They:

Types of Loose Parts

Nature Based Materials

Wood Reuse Materials

Corks

Pegs

Dowels

Napkin rings

Sticks

Rocks

Sand

Leaves

Seeds

Logs

Dirt/Mulch

Pinecones

Sticks

Shells

Wood cookies

Acorns

Feathers

Gourds

Dried flowers

Wood chips

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Wooden Beads

Golf tees

Hardwood floor scraps

Scrabble tiles

Spools

Wood frames

Plastic Materials

PVC pipes

Curtain rings

Buttons

Beads

Film canisters

Hair rollers

Game pieces

Squeeze tops

Milk and soda caps

Empty spice containers

Bottles of various sizes

Straws (recycled, whenever possible)

Metal Materials

Washers

Muffin tins

Magnets

Keys

Thimbles

Bangles

Curtain rings

Old gadgets

Silver beads

Nuts and bolts

Lids of various sizes

Ceramic and Glass Materials

Ceramic tiles

Glass Beads

Gems

Marbles

Sea glass

Tiny bottles

Granite scraps

Cabinet doorknobs

Fabric Materials

Twine

Ribbon

Silk

Wool

Scarves

Flags

Burlap

Yarn

Felt pieces

Doilies

Lace

String

Rope

Thread spools (with or without thread)

Packaging Materials

Boxes

Paper rolls

Egg cartons

Ribbon wheels

Paper scraps

Tissue paper

Packing peanuts

Bubble wrap

Cardboard scraps

Important note: Choose loose part materials that are:

Access to a variety of open-ended materials during play aids in every cognitive area:

Problem Solving

Engineering

Creativity

Concentration

Hand-eye coordination

Fine and gross motor development

Language and vocabulary building

Mathematical thinking

Literacy

Social/Emotional Development

Implementation of Loose Parts

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Where to Find Loose Parts

You can collect a variety of loose parts from:

Yard and garage sales

Thrift stores

Dollar stores

Craft stores

Recycle and reuse centers

Recycling bins

Donations from businesses

Donations from families

Introducing the Concept of Loose Parts

Gathering Collections

Sorting Days

Questions you can ask about the materials:

A quick note about safety - check items for:

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Your Classroom Environment

Important Fact

Space refers to:

Some questions to ask yourself about your space when you’re ready to add your loose parts:

How many areas or centers are present in the classroom (art, dramatic play, housekeeping, science, etc.)?

How are spaces defined to create distinct areas of play?

Are they open and accessible to children?

Are there places for both your students to work alone or with each other?

Are spaces arranged to limit distractions?

Are there any spaces that are overcrowded and can changes be made to create more space in those areas?

Important Fact

Ambiance relates to:

Things to consider when regarding the ambiance of your classroom include:

How do the colors and lighting make you feel?

Are the materials clean and safe?

Are materials accessible for all children?

Do your learning areas offer a wide range of materials, both new and familiar?

Are there too many items or not enough?

Are your materials attractively organized? Think baskets, wooden bowls, etc.

Do materials and areas look inviting and challenging?

Do items represent the interests and cultures of the children in your care?

Present Materials to Encourage Social Interactions

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Present Familiar Materials in Unfamiliar Ways

Have a Flexible Arrangement that Allows for Change

Provocations and Invitations to Play

Important Fact

An invitation:

Important Fact

Provocations are:

Essentially, the difference between an invitation and a provocation is the ______________________.

Both provocations and invitations to play should:

Capture children’s curiosity

Be intentional in design and purpose

Be appropriate for the age of children you teach

Include materials that the children can freely touch, manipulate, and explore

Use authentic and real materials whenever you can

Here are some questions to ask yourself when setting up an invitation or provocation:

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Do we have enough materials available for the children to equally participate? Will I need to

limit the number of children at the invitation to be sure?

Are the children able to freely explore the materials?

Is the area well organized? Can it be easily managed by both the children and the teachers?

What do I think the children will do with the materials?

What do I hope they will do with the materials?

What areas of developmental growth or learning am I trying to promote? Are there specific skills I want children to work on?

Examples of Loose Part Explorations

Art and Sensory

Math

Fine Motor

Literacy and Language

Story Frames

Retelling Stories

STEM

Building Challenges

Sink and Float

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Ramps

Small World Play

Small world play is:

Emotional Development

Personal and Social Skills

Reasoning and Problem Solving

Language

When setting up your small world play, there are a few steps you can follow:

Tinkering

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Benefits of Tinkering

When children tinker they use several skills:

Loose Parts Outside

Think about your outdoor play area. Remember to consider the ______________and ________________of the area.

The loose parts for your outside area can be natural, recycled, or manufactured.

Examples of natural items Examples of recycled items Examples of manufactured items

Twigs and sticks

Tree stumps

Straw bales

Pallets

Stones

Cardboard boxes

Milk crates

PVC pipe

Rope

Building materials

Blocks

Tools

Buckets, pots, pans

Cloth, tarps, shower curtains

Household items, baskets, utensils

Inside vs. Outside

Storage of loose parts for outdoor play can be a challenge. Some examples for storage are:

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Loose Parts Best Practices

Some simple tips are:

Start small:

Model:

Label:

Limit:

Displaying Loose Parts in Your Classroom

Storage of Loose Parts

Maintaining your Collection

Staying Open Minded

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