Playful Learning: The Power of Loose Parts

Overview

There is a certain simplicity and yet complexity in the use of loose parts that drive learning. Being open-ended and versatile, these objects help to encourage creativity, imagination, and symbolic (abstract) thinking. By offering opportunities to interact with both the natural environment and curated materials indoors, children are provided with a rich space for meaningful connections. In nature, one finds a treasure trove of loose parts that exhibit complex patterns and sequences such as the arrangement of petals on a flower. In the home or classroom, one finds a gold mine of manufactured and recyclable objects featuring a variety of qualities that support comparisons and concrete understanding of concepts. As we educate our children for an unknown future, we must consider how we can support them in ways that are not dictated but rather encourage creative ways of thinking.

The speakers of this seminar aims at providing parents and educators with a basic understanding of the developmental benefits of loose parts, suggesting tips and ideas on how to mindfully select, display, incorporating the use of loose parts in a home or classroom setting, and offering a reminder to follow the lead of children and embrace creative play as an adult.