In the early childhood years, play is the most natural way a child can learn. It allows a child to practise skills and develop understanding. Open ended resources and natural objects are a valuable play material for children as they use their imagination and build play situations of their own choosing. This is why in toddler room we have introduced loose parts for the children to investigate and use.

It is wonderful to observe how they use the resources in their play, and to see how each individual child interprets the objects differently. Loose parts ignites different narratives and conversations and encourages children to experiment with new words and language. When new loose parts are introduced in the room the children naturally ask questions and create their own games around them. We see children using mathematical concepts such as big and little. Looking at who has “more” or “less”.

When using loose parts and natural resources play takes on a new dimension as ideas become endless. We find that by providing loose parts with play dough, the activity becomes more involved and detailed. We see children preparing birthday cakes with candles (complete with singing), hedgehogs with spikes, pizzas and spiders with long legs. Using loose parts instead of rolling pins creates different textures and patterns for the children to talk about and discuss. They extend and enhances a traditional play activity and holds children’s attention.

Some toys and plastic resources can be one dimensional, but we find when children play with loose parts their imagination can grow and develop even more. Loose parts also allow children to explore different schemas as we see them fill bags and boxes with an abundance of loose parts and transport them to different areas. Today for example we observed 2 children getting ready for “a picnic”, filling up their basket with “sandwiches, apples, ice cream and juice”. This was spread out enthusiastically onto the rug and the children sat down to chat about how “yummy” their picnic was. This picnic was made up entirely of loose parts.

Loose parts play needs no adult direction and children direct their own play. There are no rules, no instructions….only fun!

By Nat, Toddlers Room Leader at Monkey Puzzle Hartley Wintney