My Story with Loose Parts...

As children get older many toys they play with are themed, prepackaged and pre-designed. This leaves nothing to the imagination and I believe a child’s imagination is their most powerful tool. Where young minds such as a toddlers is only developing, their imaginations and creativity hasn’t even begun. Loose parts ignite creativity, curiosity and desire. Loose parts can be placed, moved, carried, combined, redesigned, constructed, and deconstructed and put back together multiple ways. Loose parts can be used alone or combined with other materials. Loose parts are usually free and can be found ANYWHERE! Loose parts allow children to have complete freedom of their play. Sometimes we will see toddlers building with loose parts, where others may only want to explore them. Both are amazing because there is no wrong way when using loose parts;

THEY HAVE NO RULES!

My son who I like to call my “Reggio Baby” turned ten years old this year and he still collects ultimately anything he can get his hands on. He makes playing by himself so easy! This picture is from when we went camping and did a beach day. I did not bring any typical sand toys with us but, that didn’t stop his creative thinking. He made a birthday cake using sticks, moss and a large rock he found around the beach. My son was in a Reggio program for six years and it truly was the best choice for us. I wanted to share my personal story with you because loose parts had a BIG impact on my son’s ability to think outside the box. His brain sees objects differently, he has a more creative thought process in his play. This has helped him as he grows in his development. Educators who have worked with him always comment on his ability to use any material and create something amazing. I have Loose Parts to thank for that!

Ashley McDowell RECE

April/2019