Lose Parts

Loose parts is the label given to any collection of natural or man-made materials that can be used to expand upon children’s play. Loose parts have no specific function or goal. They can be moved, arranged, designed, taken apart and more

Give your children time and repeated opportunities to explore the same materials. Resist the urge to instruct and direct their activities, but do encourage them through open-ended questions or observations. And join me next time when we will look at how to implement loose parts into your outdoor environment—one of my very favorite places to begin!