Loose Parts in the Early Years

What is the theory of Loose Parts and why is it appearing now?

The theory of loose parts is the idea that materials which can be moved around, designed
and redesigned, and tinkered with; create infinitely more opportunities for creative
engagement (Nicholson, 1972, P. 5).
The principle of variables and loose parts has been acknowledged by most educators since
the 1960s (Nicholson, 1972, P. 8). It has been used in many Reggio Emilia settings and
almost all Montessori settings.
Recently, this theory has been re-applied because the way that children play in this era has
changed dramatically as a result of the times. Toys have become less open-ended and much
more structured. Toys are more technologically advanced and require less complex thinking
and creativity. We want to bring back some of the past ways of playing so that children can
be involved in some of the learning experiences that have been lost in the creation of modern
toys.

Why is Loose Parts Play important?

1. Playing with loose parts encourages open ended learning.
Loose parts play differs from the common methods of childrens play because it
consists of no expectations. When a child is provided items that do not have a
specific purpose together, they must use creativity, imagination and problem solving
to invent their own activity with the contents. With modern day toys, children can
quite easily mimic how the article is supposed to be used based on instructions or
expectations, whereas, it requires much more intellectual power to invent a purpose
for an item.
Loose parts provide more open-ended play in a world full of structured play. Non-
restricted materials are crucial for children because they allow for choices and
independence. Open-ended materials are particularly effective because they have
no predetermined use (Drew, & Rankin, 2004, P.4). Since loose parts items do not
have any expectations for their usage, they have multiple rather than single
outcomes (Beloglovsky., & Daly, 2016). These endless opportunities result in the
ability for children to transform parts into whatever they can mentally imagine
(McClintic, 2014), leaving their imaginations as their only limitation.
Many theorists in relation to child studies support the open-ended play associated
with loose parts. Jean Piaget specifically advocated that children require learning
environments that provide hands-on experiences with a variety of materials and
objects to manipulate (Dietze, 2006, P.100). This is what loose parts play is all
about.
2. Loose parts play inspires imaginative play and expression.
Loose parts call out to children, saying Use me to show your ideas and creations
(Curtis., & Carter, 2015, P.104). When children are only provided resources that
have specific functions, it can be difficult for them to express themselves due to the
limitations of the materials.
Loose parts emphasize the infinite possibilities of the materials, leading children to
use their creative impulses in a significant manner (Topal., & Gandini, 2009).
 According to Lev Vygotsky (a common childhood studies theorist) these forms of
creative expression are important ways that children and adults express themselves,
learn, and grow (Drew, & Rankin, 2004, P.1).
3. Loose parts provide a more complex way of thinking.
Loose parts by design, require problem solving and consideration throughout the
play sessions. Modern days toys tend to be more simplistic, revolving around cause
and effect functions. Toys such as these, do not require an abundance of thought to
play with.
Loose parts provide novelty that encourages high levels of intellectual play and
development of symbolic thinking (McClintic, 2014, P.2). With loose parts items,
participants can manipulate the structure of the items to infinite extents (McClintic,
2014). This control over a products function requires careful consideration in
regards to the impact that the change will have on the creation.

What can we expect to see with Loose Parts Play?

1. We can expect to see children engaging in longer play sessions; we can anticipate
that these play sessions will consist of more valuable and meaningful exploration.
Since loose parts bins often contain supplies that children have not been able to
explore before, the items, no matter how simple, are intriguing, captivating, and
fascinating to them (Beloglovsky., & Daly, 2016).
Excerpt from How Does Leaning Happen?Children thrive in indoor and outdoor
spaces that invite them to investigate, imagine, think, create, solve problems, and
make meaning from their experiences especially when the spaces contain
interesting and complex open-ended materials that children can use in many ways
(How Does Learning Happen, P.20).
Loose parts bins are inviting by nature, and capture childrens curiosity. Loose parts
take advantage of the childrens interest in order to foster investigation and
experimentation.
2. With loose parts play, we can expect to see more self expression from children.
Loose parts play enables children to express their knowledge of concepts. When
children engage in loose parts play, they have numerous opportunities to express
what they have learned about their world (Curtis., & Carter, 2015). For example,
when playing with loose items, there are chances to involve concepts such as,
physics, mathematics, etc. When children stack, sort, count, and categorize items;
they express their knowledge of what they have learned in regards to these notions.
3. When playing with recycled materials; which often loose parts bins are comprised
of, children can be involved in the process of collecting materials to use for play.
Children can be included in the process of making loose parts bins. With adults,
children can gather open ended materials, items from nature, and other loose parts
from the cardboard recycling bin, junk shop, garage sales, thrift stores, kitchen
cupboards, woods or park (Curtis., & Carter, 2015, P.104). This can teach kids not
to waste materials, and can show them the fun in reusing items instead of throwing
away. An item as simplistic as buttons can provide children with a source of endless
hours of sorting, categorizing, and designing (Curtis., & Carter, 2015).
*Here is a website with great loose parts ideas, tips and tricks:
 https://nurturestore.co.uk/free-play-with-loose-parts