Loose Parts
“As long as materials can be moved, redesigned, put together, and taken apart in a variety of ways, they are classified as loose parts.” – Simon Nicholson, 1971 (Founder of the idea of Loose Parts)
Loose parts are any collection of natural or manmade objects that can be used to extend and further ideas in children’s play. They are open-ended materials that can be moved, combined, taken apart and redesigned.
A group of students were playing with loose parts, mirrors and 10 frames.
Some explored the concept of number, counting the items they chose to use in their creations.
Some created symmetrical patterns.
“I used 12 things. They are the same on both sides.”
A few students created shapes.
And others wanted to create stories using the resources.
