Silkysteps early years forum - planning ideas for play - Loose Parts inspiring children's play

Loose Parts inspiring play with Infants and Toddlers by Miriam Beloglovsky, Lisa Daly, Jenna Daly
From page 3

What are loose parts

THe term loose parts was originally coined by British architect Simon Nocholson to describe open-ended materials that can be used and manipulated in different ways (Nicholson 1971) He believed that every human had the potential to be creative and that loose parts in the environment invite immense imaginiative possibilities unlikely in settings with fixed elements. As researchers, scientists, and educators recognise the potential of loose parts in promoting learning and development in young children, an increasing number of early childhood classrooms today are incorporating a wide variety of loose parts into their environments.

Loose parts are captivating, open-ended, and mobile objects that are intriguing and fascinating to infants and toddlers. The youngest children find loose parts to be irresistible and appealing. Innately curious, infants and toddlers are attracted toward objects that are enticing and novel, such as cardboard tubes, spoons, stones, seashells and scarves.

Young children become deeply engaged as they explore objects through their senses. Each item makes distinctive sounds, moves differently, and has interesting textures, varying weights, and multiple colours. Motto, ten months old, had been mouthing a variety of spoons and discovering that each spoon has its own unique smell, colour, taste and texture. Leonardo, sixteen months old, has been drawn to a basket of balls. He learns that balls move differently when thrown or rolled.