Creating Magicial Moments with Loose Part Play

Often on rainy days it can be difficult to break up the day as the children become restless staying in one classroom. The other day had the potential for that to happen. Instead of choosing to stress about the type of day I could possibly have, I chose to make the best of it. I know these children love sensory items, I also know they are very interested in our loose parts and when we get to go “shopping” for new ones they get excited. We began the morning making playdough, shopping for our loose parts from our collection and choosing a work surface. Everything was chosen with intent even though it was spontaneous. The playdough was infused with lavender oil and dried lavender pieces from the plants we grow, the room had classical relaxing piano playing softly. Each child was given a set up of one of the two pics below. Then the magic began.

It is wonderful to watch as they manipulate the materials, exploring and finding ways to use the materials together. The most active children become mesmerized by having their own set up, their own pieces which at a toddler age is very important. It is wonderful to have them share, however sometimes when you eliminate that obstacle to navigate, their level of engagement with the materials is much deeper, which in turn leads to deeper thinking about how to use the part, or how it functions with other parts. My last post was about the beauty in toddler compositions. This week I saw the beauty grow even more as their interest in loose parts is growing. Loose part play creates magical play of engagement, smiles, creativity and accomplishment as these young children make their own connections with beautiful materials.

Kim Moses, RECE

June 17, 2019