Chapters Found In Getting Started With Loose Parts Play Video

• 00:00 – Intro
• 01:25 – What are Loose Parts?
• 02:23 – Categories of Loose Parts
• 03:40 – Examples of Loose Parts
• 04:14 – (Misconception #1) Only Small Items
• 04:49 – (Misconception #2) Only For Preschoolers
• 06:46 – (Misconception #3) Only Physical Materials
• 07:40 – Loose Parts Guide Free Download
• 08:26 – Reflection Questions

INTRO TO LOOSE PARTS PLAY

Wanna get started with Loose Parts but not sure where to start? Well, this is a great guide to get you going. After this blog post you’ll know what these materials are, how they will support children and YOU, what to collect and there are many inspiring ideas along the way to get your creative justices flowing!

WHAT ARE LOOSE PARTS & COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Have you been wanting to get started with loose parts play or been using them for a while now and saying these questions…

“Why are all I see are small parts?  I can’t use those.”

“All I see are examples of loose parts play for preschoolers!  What about infants & toddlers?”

“Is this even considered a loose part?”

Guess what…I have said all of that too.

There are many misconceptions about loose parts and usually related to those questions that are swirling around in your thoughts.  

MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

• Only small pieces
• Can’t be done with under 3’s
• This isn’t a loose part

This can hold us back from even getting started with loose parts play or hinder the children’s and your own growth with using the amazing materials.

When I actually read The Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson, I gained a clear understanding of the concept behind it helped me to move forward and get over my fears.

More importantly…to get out of the way and let the children do what they do!

After you watch the video you’ll be confident in knowing what loose parts actually are and 3 of the common misconceptions about loose parts play and how they are hindering you from starting to use these magical materials or slowing your growth as an educator.

THE NOT SO TALKED ABOUT LOOSE PARTS

Loose parts are not just physical items! Chemical interactions, fire, cooking, electricity, magnetism, plants, animals, words, ideas….these are all loose parts.

I love me a cardboard tube and some beautiful glass stones….but these other not so talked about variables are pretty cool too.

One of my favourite’s is light. This brings so many new questions, ideas and possibilities to children’s play.

That is the whole concept of loose parts play.

Discover, explore, invent and have fun.

Share your favourite not so talked about loose parts in the comments below!

GET YOUR FREE LOOSE PARTS GUIDE

Not sure what to collect for Loose Parts Play 🤷‍♀️. No worries!

Need inspiration and ideas of what to collect…find detailed inventory lists and tons of inspiring photos!

Need to communicate with parents about loose parts…find resources that you can share with parents and educators that communicate the benefits of using loose parts and how children will learn!

Got questions, like what do you do if they don’t touch them…I got your FAQ’s answered!

There is so much more inside this FREE Loose Parts Guide.

OUR ROLE AND LOOSE PARTS PLAY

When was the last time you played?

Like got in there, made a mess and didn’t care.

This is what children do each and every day. As educators, being next to children all day we can get caught up in the everyday tasks that we have to complete.

The children don’t care about that. And they shouldn’t have too.

But to stay connected with children at all levels…I ask you…when was the last time you played?

In these pictures, these were creations I made when no children were around. It allowed me the opportunity to experience holistically what it feels to play, such as:

• Problems I came across,
• Any questions/wonderings I had,
• The emotions I had when the tower fell over and had to start again,
• What it felt like in my body as I had to balance myself and get the pieces on,
• The calmness I felt when playing…and the surprise of how creative I actually was.
• To experience the time, space and freedom to play.

This is what children know they need.

When we as educators play…we get back to the foundations.

This will impact our roles deeply and make getting started with loose parts play FUN!

LINKS MENTIONED

Get Started With Loose Parts – FREE Guide!

Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson

Loose Parts for Infants & Toddlers

10 Loose Parts, 5 Invitations To Play