Are you running out of ideas on how to keep your children entertained at home? Keep reading as we talk about the concept of ‘Loose Parts Play’ and how it is beneficial to your little ones and as a bonus- it is easy to set up at home!
So What is Loose Parts Play?
As it’s name implies loose parts play is essentially various items being provided that children can move, manipulate, organize, stack, and explore freely as they play. This type of play encourages fine motor development (or gross motor if they are playing with larger objects!), creativity, critical thinking, and learning how things interact together (i.e. stacking things and seeing what happens).
How Can I Do This at Home?
Has your child ever gotten into your kitchen cupboards and played with pots, pans, or plastic dishes? Well that is as easy as loose parts can be! No need to buy expensive manipulatives, if you look around your home you will find many items to give your child to explore! Simply gather various items (age appropriate of course) and provide them to your child. Allow them to guide the play, engage with them and follow their lead! If they want to stack things, let them. If they want to organize and move things around, let them do that as well. The goal is to let them be as creative as possible in their play to encourage learning.
Examples of Items to Use for Loose Parts Play:
hair rollers
popsicle sticks
boxes
bins
Tupperware
spatulas/ other safe kitchen items
cardboard tubes
empty containers and bottles
bubble wrap
corks
egg cartons
rubber bands
string
The list can go on and on, just gather items you think your child will enjoy playing with and then watch them have fun being creative :)
*remember to supervise children and not provide any items that are not age appropriate