During the period of closure for Collective and schools, we invite you to joining us from your homes for a series of loose parts play activities. Starting at the beginning of lockdown due to Covid-19, Loose Parts Fridays will continue to offer play prompts and ideas to encourage children to play using the tools and spaces available at home.
The term 'loose parts play' was coined by architect Simon Nicholson in 1971, and describes materials which can be moved, carried, manipulated, combined, lined up, stacked, knocked over, taken apart and put back together in multiple different ways. Loose parts play utilises these materials for free, open-ended, child-led play which builds confidence, supports creativity and encourages innovation and problem solving.
We encourage you to follow your child’s lead and support them to try out their own ideas using loose parts, but you can take a look through out past ‘Play Prompts’ and keep an eye on our social media for new prompts every Friday.
Loose Parts Toolkit
The first task is to put together your Loose Parts Toolkit, collecting objects from around your house and making them available for play. When gathering loose parts, try to choose around 8-12 objects with a range of properties which could have many different uses: the most creative play comes from choice and variety. Children will also enjoy being part of the selection process, treat this like a scavenger hunt for interesting textures, shapes, and colours.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Egg boxes
Plastic fruit and veg trays
Sponge
Wooden spoon
Plastic bag
Tape
Wool or string
Old socks
Rubber gloves
Twigs and leaves
We’d love to see what loose parts you’ve found in your house, and what you’ve been making with them. Use #collectiveplay to share your loose parts photos and stories with us on our social media channels – each week we’ll be featuring some of our favourites.