I often lay in bed at night trying to think up new and exciting provocations for the class. So if there is one thing that I love about loose parts it is that I don’t have to do anything except move out of the way and let the endless possibilities unfold. We have had a tinker tray in our classroom since September and I love seeing the ideas that the children come up with. I found it interesting that originally the children seemed nervous to use it. I could see that at the age of 4, 5, and 6 they had learned that materials are not open ended but have one purpose. It took some modeling, I would start the day by placing out a small square of decorative fabric, and I would create half of a picture and leave it. Once the children trickled in and started flowing around the classroom I had noticed a child staring at my half created picture. I enjoyed sitting back as she looked around to see if anyone was coming back to finish. Very carefully she picked up a glass tile and gently placed it down. It wasn’t long before the picture was complete and she and a few other students started to make their own creations or take handfuls of loose parts to different areas of the room.
Since that time the children have learned that loose parts truly are open ended. There are no expectations for what they do with them (beyond returning them to their homes once finished). I have recently been reading Loose Parts Inspiring Play In Young Children by Lisa Daly (you can find this book listed under my Resources page) because I want to find more ways to use the children’s play with loose parts as part of our emergent curriculum. By better understanding what and how they are using these materials, I can document and assess their play and use it as part of my reporting. Through observation I have noticed many connections to the curriculum such as mathematics. I have observed children considering balance and the weight of objects, constructing and planning the best ways to build (heaviest and widest materials on the bottom), creating images or constructing while thoughtfully considering how geometry plays a role “This tile won’t fit, it is a rectangle and we need a square”.
I have found that continuously changing your loose parts display is vital to keep the children interested. I started with the tinker tray but I now also use different sized, and coloured baskets, as well as wooden bowls (making it very easy for the children to transport the loose parts). I have even paired by loose parts with different provocations in the class. I love the limitless possibilities that loose parts provide students. Their imaginations continue to amaze me. My next goal is to co-create a variety of outdoor loose parts using the forest across the street. We have already created our base camp, so this week we will be working together to gather materials to bring back to our kindergarten yard.
Looking forward to seeing pictures of your loose parts on Instagram. I would love to see what you are doing so feel free to tag me.
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