Loose Parts Play
Learning happens all the time: Loose part play
In a child led classroom we are trained to observe and facilitate the learning process. We watch for their interests to drive their excitement, and then we build on the experience. We have spent 20+ years in this field, and we still learn everyday from the children in our class. The type of play your children experience in the classroom is designed around open ended play. Meaning it is constructed to support imaginary, free flowing, ever changing play. One of the key elements in an open ended experience is setting up loose parts play.
Children learn all the time through their play. The learning in our classroom is child led. What is the difference between child led and adult led learning? (besides the obvious in “who” is leading the learning) As parents we sometimes blend the learning process with the parenting process and it gets muddy very quickly. For example, say you wanted to bake a cake with your child. The parent in us might want to direct exactly what is happening (measure this, pour that, don’t do that, make sure this) For a child led approach, the process would shift from providing directions to asking questions. What do we need? Where are we going to put this? What will happen if? How many do we need? How can we find out? Shifting to child led supports your child's problem solving, critical thinking, and independence skills because it encourages them to think through the process.
What is loose parts play?
The short answer is, playing with raw materials to make, build, construct new things. Letting your child use their imagination to take “random” materials to make new things. We use lots of raw materials in the classroom, such boxes, plastic containers, buttons, string, tissue paper, etc. These materials on their own are not a caterpillar, or a bed for bugs, or a rocketship. But when we allow the children time and space to create with whatever materials we have- they come up with amazing ideas.
How to set up their space?
Creating an inviting space where children have access to materials that are appropriate is easier then you might think. It does not require fancy anything, just think what is safe for them to have access to and where can I keep it consistently. It should be set up in a place that your child can navigate without your assistance. Stock it with just a few things at a time, too much and it overwhelms quickly. You can always add and change up materials, this helps to keep children engaged. Check out the blog post Invitation to create for inspiration.
Create a saving shelf/space
In the classroom we have a shelf which serves as our saving space. It is a dedicated space in the classroom where children can leave their project and come back to it again. They need this saving process, it encourages them to come back to the project again and again. Children typically enjoy being able to come back and play with their projects, add to them, change, and continue where they left off. When they are finally done with a project, you can always take a picture (or let them take a picture if you can) or take a video of the work to keep forever.
The learning process during loose parts play evolves as your child grows and develops. Child led learning allows for their interests and let’s them engage with it in meaningful ways. Does your child love dinosaurs, outer space, cooking? During this loose part play watch and listen to see how their “loves” end up in their play. Do they make lots of dinosaurs or things for their dinosaurs to play with? Set up the space, allow for creativity, support independence and your child can thrive all while playing.
How to support loose part play at home?
Ask leading questions:
I wonder what will happen?
what do you notice?
what do you think will happen?
what could you do now/next?
what is your plan or idea?
Have them explain what they are hoping to do or have happen, and then let them try it. (As long as there is no inherent danger, let them try it)
Observe
spend time watching and listening to your children.
just watch, do not interject, suggest if asked, but otherwise don’t interfere
listen to them. What are they talking about during their play, what problems do they bring up in their play, what language are they using.
Let go of your intention
follow their lead
by letting go of your intention, you are nurturing your child’s curiosity and creativity
Encourage independence as much as possible.
independence does not mean they do not need you anymore, it means you have supported the skills they need to do it on their own.
let go of the “rules”. Let objects take on new functions.
Step back and stay back. If they need something, they typically will get it themselves (if you set up the space in a child led way, they will be able to get their own supplies and materials)
What is your child learning during loose part play?
problem solving
critical thinking
independence
imagination
creativity
frustration tolerance
curiosity
engineering and architecture concepts
early math concepts (shapes, symmetry, geometry)
spatial awareness