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.
For infants, loose parts play looks very different from how preschoolers would play with
loose items. For infants, loose parts are used for exploring unique items. The textures, shapes
and colours are intriguing to infants. When implementing loose parts play with infants, really
consider the senses the baby may be using when exploring the item.

Why is Loose Parts Play important?

1. Playing with loose parts encourages open ended learning.
Loose parts provide more open-ended play in a world full of structured activities.
With modern day toys, children can quite easily mimic how the article is supposed
to be used.Loose parts give children the opportunity to explore without boundaries
or restrictions. 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). Children
can explore these items however they choose to.
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 exactly 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.
When items do not have an obvious function, the child/infant must use their
imagination to explore and determine what the item is.
For infants, the first stage of imagination you will notice is simple imitations. These
include actions such as speaking on the phone, combing hair and more. Gradually,
the imitation becomes symbolic. For example: a rattle turns into a telephone, and a
wooden spoon becomes a comb. Loose parts items are great because they can be
 used for symbolic play. Many modern toys are so realistic, that symbolic play can be
lost.
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).
Babies grasp objects and explore them through their senses. Babies look at the item,
listen to it, touch it, taste and smell it. Later on, they conduct experiments. They
jumble materials together, tosses them, throws them, etc. For infants, this is complex
thinking and investigation.

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 a childs 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. This is seen when babies jumble materials together, toss them, throw them,
etc.
More symbolic play- Instead of using a realistic toy phone to mimic mommy or
daddy talking on the phone, the baby may use a loose parts item that they have
explored. This is creativity and imagination through symbolism.
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 and even infants can be included in the process of making loose parts bins.
With adults, kids of all ages 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).
When taking walks, seasonal items found on the walk can be collected for play. For
example, pinecones, leafs, rocks, etc.
Naturalistic items tend to be extremely fascinating for infants.

What Does Loose Parts Play Look Like For Infants?

For infants, loose parts are often textured and large in size. Since babies explore
through mouthing items, the items should be big enough that the child cannot choke
UNLESS the child is being thoroughly supervised.
Small parts can be used for infants to explore, and one great way to avoid choking is
by putting small loose parts in a sealed bottle. The sensory component is lost,
however, the infant can still mouth the bottle and visually explore its contents.
*Here is a website with some great examples of discovery bottles:
http://theimaginationtree.com/2012/10/baby-sensory-play-discovery-bottles.html
Boxes can lead to endless fun for babies. They can be built into structures and/or
coloured on.
Popular loose part items for infants include;
Natural materials:
o large pinecones
o large shells
o sticks
o tree blocks
o large wooden cookies
o sea sponges
o driftwood
Wood:
o wooden spoons
o massage tools
o nail brushes
o pastry brushes
o loofa brushes
o hair brushes
o curtain rings
o clothes pegs
Metal:
o spoons
o interestingly textured utensils like whisks, tongs and brushes
o small sieves
o potato mashers
o empty tins
o muffin tins