What is loose parts play and why is it important for children’s development?
What is loose parts play and why is it important for children’s development?
Loose parts are one of the most wonderful early learning resources for the home and the learning environment. They are open-ended resources that are so very versatile and encourage children’s infinite imagination and creativity. I strongly believe a mix of repurposed, found and ethically sourced loose parts are the perfect resources for children’s learning.
Here is an ever growing list of loose parts that we love that I have used over the years in my classrooms and I know you’ll love them too.
Over 50+ Loose Parts Play Ideas for Young Children
- Colourful scarves from a thrift store
- Scarves in neutral and earthy tones
- Play silks
- Colourful fabric scraps
- Neutral earthy tones fabric scraps
- Napkin Rings
- Curtain rings
- Bracelets and bangles
- Wooden discs
- Drink coasters
- Polished stones
- Polished pebbles
- Small sticks collected from gardens
- Ribbon pieces
- Yarn and Wool pieces
- Hand made pom poms in colourful arrangements or neutral and earthy tones
- Christmas tree decorations
- Pieces of natural rope and sisal
- Pieces of twine
- Large beads from broken jewelry
- Small cutting boards
- Feathers
- Wooden golf tees
- Bells
- Dice
- Wooden craft pieces
- Wooden spools
- Sea shells
- Glass stones
- Wooden letters
- Bottle corks
- Mini branch tree cookies
- Cardboard cylinders
- Cardboard tubes
- Small gift boxes
- Wooden dowel
- Wooden bowls
- Small wooden blocks
- Small colourful felted wool pom poms
- Wool felt river stones
- Buttons
- Wooden utensils
- Small fabric scraps
- Wooden peg dolls
- Dolly pegs
- Wooden clothes pegs
- Felt pieces
- Raffia
- Small draw string bags
- Natural sponges
- Cellulose sponge pieces
- Decorative cardboard straws
- Wooden spoons, forks, knives
- To Be Continued …
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