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Loose parts are what make up the term loose parts play. They are objects or materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. They are materials or objects with no specific directions or way of play that can be used alone or combined with other materials.
For example at Marlowe’s Makes Imagiplay our philosophy is around loose parts play, an idea that I discovered and fell in love with whilst childminding. We set up the play space so that it’s at the children’s level using cable reels to make the parts easily accessible. We use a range of wooden brought-in or handmade toys such as animals but then mix these toys with our loose parts.
So, what exactly are loose parts?
Loose parts within a child’s play have no defined use. Example loose parts could be wooden or metal curtain rings, pebbles or wood slices. These on their own have no specific play value, however, when mixed with other resources such as wooden animals, they can expand a child’s play tenfold. The pebbles can be built into bridges or towers, they can be used to create mountains for the animals to stand on, and the log slices can be used as stepping-stones or a hiding place. The list is endless and so are the possibilities.
How does it benefit my child?
Loose parts play benefits your child because it allows your child to play in many different ways on a variety of levels. It encourages your child to use their imagination and creativity to create the narrative of their own play. Unlike many shop brought toys which have a specific purpose, there is no end or limitations to loose parts play because it’s open-ended. I’ve always found whilst childminding that our loose parts area kept the children engaged for much longer than the shop brought electronic toys.
How can I get started?
It’s really easy, you needn’t overcomplicate it. I’d recommend starting off in charity shops, it’s cheap and they are usually an Aladdin’s cave of the exact things you are looking for. Look for different textures, such as wood, metal and stone. Can it be stacked? Can you line it up?
You really need to stand back and look at things objectively and instead imagine yourself in a child’s shoes. What could you do with it? How could you manipulate it? What could you build with it?
I hope the above introduction to loose parts has been informative and helps you on your way to starting your own loose parts collection.