A breath Of Fresh Air
Diving Into Nature
By: Natasha Dixon
Loose Parts: According to Caldwell (2016), loose parts are open ended materials that have no limits and can be used in a variety of ways. Loose parts can be used by children and adults of all ages. They can be used in a variety of play experiences including dramatic, social, constructive, symbolic, parallel, and solitary play (Dietze & Kashin, 2018). The assortment of experiences children can engage in further enhances the importance of loose parts. Benefits of Loose Parts: Loose parts give children the opportunity to explore materials and use their creativity to engage with the resources however they want. Children learn so many valuable skills as they engage with loose parts including physical, cognitive, language and social development. Children can be exposed to different colours and shapes with loose parts. They can explore basic mathematics by counting, sorting, and seriating the items. They can use their fine motor skills as they manipulate and pick up small objects. They will use their strength to pick up larger objects and construct things out of the loose parts. Children can build on their social skills as they interact with others and come up with creative ways to use their materials. They can use their expressive language skills to communicate with each other. They can further enhance their social skills as they work together to construct masterpieces. Children also have the opportunity to use their creativity, imagination and collaboration as they play with loose parts. These are just some of the benefits of using loose parts, there are many more. Exposing children to loose parts will help you see and understand the benefits as they children engage with the materials. According to Dietza & Kashin (2018), loose parts can be categorized into three different groups including natural, manufactured and recycled loose parts. Loose parts can be found anywhere including home, outside, stores and in the recycling. Loose parts can really be made out of anything that gives children the freedom to explore the materials.
According to Dietza & Kashin (2018), there are five key elements when considering loose parts for an outdoor environment which includes flexibility, adaptability, children’s competence, availability, and sustainability. Flexibility involves considering how many different ways a material can be used. The more ways the materials can be used the more creativity the children can use. It is essential to consider adaptable materials by ensuring items can be used in different ways and can be adapted to enhance the different experiences. Since children have different abilities the materials should provide the children the opportunity to play with the materials on their own with minimal assistance from adults. This helps promote independence and freedom as they can decide on their own what to do. Ideally the materials will be easily accessible including materials that can be found outdoors and recycled items. You could also encourage families to donate certain items they may not need any more including old tires, tarps and furniture. This helps ensure materials are cost effective so more options are available. According to Dietza & Kashin (2018), it is important for the items to be sustainable and durable. This will ensure the items last for a long time and can be left outdoors. This can give children the opportunity to leave what they are building and return to add to it day after day. Overall, I truly see the value in loose parts both indoors and outdoors in early learning environments. It provides ample opportunity to inspire creativity, passion and collaboration. Children can learn valuable skills as they engage with the materials. The open ended materials provide endless learning experiences that are essential for the overall development of a child. Useful Video: Below is a video clearly explaining what loose parts are and how they can be used. It shows children engage with loose parts and some example of what they children did with the materials provided. It offers great insight for parents and educators to see the value of loose parts in outdoor environments. www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=7X5N4on2ryc Relevant Resources: https://creativestarlearning.co.uk/book-reviews/the-loose-parts-play-toolkit/ https://fairydustteaching.com/2016/10/loose-parts/ https://www.fantasticfunandlearning.com/loose-parts-play-kids.html Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and nature play in early childhood education. North York, Ontario: Pearson Canada. Picture Resources: https://fairydustteaching.com/programs/ https://irresistible-learning.co.uk/training/ https://sharinwithsharron.wordpress.com/ https://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Recycling_Symbol
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Natasha DixonThis blog is dedicated to diving into nature in every way, shape and form. I want to truly enjoy my time in Nature and further explore different aspects of nature. |