Loose parts are materials in nursery that children can use freely to create and explore. The materials have no directions and no instructions.
Loose parts play supports children's cognitive development supporting curiosity, imagination and creativity. Playing with loose parts gives children more control over their own self-directed play. With loose parts children can make, build, touch, feel and adapt.
The introduction of movable and recycled materials in the outdoor area has a positive impact on children's activity levels.
Loose parts can be found in natural environments: beaches, woods, parks and gardens, in households and in schools.
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Nature |
Metal |
Wood |
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Acorns |
Baking trays |
Building blocks |
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Bamboo |
Bottle tops |
Curtain rings |
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Earth |
CDs |
Dolly pegs |
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Feathers |
Cooking utensils |
Drift wood |
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Leaves |
Muffin tins |
Pastry brush |
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Mud |
Spoons |
Spoons |
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Pinecones |
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Sticks |
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Pebbles |
Household |
Building |
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Sand |
Basin |
Cable ties |
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Shells |
Blanket |
Crates |
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Sticks |
Basket |
Guttering |
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Stones |
Buckets |
Hammer/Nails |
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Tree stumps |
Cardboard |
Hose |
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Twigs |
Clothes pegs |
Paint brush |
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Foam sponges |
Planks of wood |
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Sieve |
Tyres |
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Creative |
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Beads |
Cork |
Glass stones |
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Cardboard boxes |
Yoghurt pots |
Wrapping paper/glue |
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Loose parts can be used to stimulate the senses |
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Sound |
Empty glass jar or plastic bottle with lid, add in: small stones/dried pasta/rice/buttons/pulses etc screw lid on and you have a noise maker |
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Touch |
Zip lock bag and add: hair gel/conditioner then add in small beads/glitter. Zip back up and play |
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Smell |
Draw string bags add in: fresh lavender/fresh herbs/fresh flowers |
