How can you use loose parts to identify toddler play interests?

A simple provocation of loose parts for toddlers

Often you hear that toddlers cannot tell you what they are interested in when trying to identify a good topic for investigation. They may not always be able to tell you verbally, however the way that toddlers play speaks volumes. In my practice, I use play schemas. Play schemas were influenced by Piaget and developed its roots in research by Chris Athey. The schemas I find toddlers identify in their play the most are:

1. Transporting – moving materials from one place to another

2. Trajectory – pushing, pulling, dropping and throwing of materials

3. Enclosing and/or Enveloping – putting things inside other things, covering things up, wrapping themselves up or wrapping other materials

4. Positioning – putting things in lines or sequences, stacking

The video was taken in my Toddler classroom and within 1 minute, I was able to see through her use of loose parts that she has an interest in positioning, enclosing and/or enveloping. I can then take this information and create opportunities for her and her classmates to explore these schemas by introducing invitations to play with other materials. In this case I might incorporate more stackable loose parts in connection with blocks. I may also introduce small boxes or fabric for her to explore enveloping and enclosing more. Small fabric pouches are another great resource for enveloping and combine well with children who like to transport materials.

Through paying attention to how toddlers play, it is easier to identify the big idea behind their play. Toddlers are usually less interested in the physical materials that are provided such as blocks, dolls, bags etc. and more interested in the opportunities those materials provide them to explore their true interests.

Kim Moses

March 2019