Loose Parts

“In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kinds of variables in it.”

-Simon Nicholson

When we think about learning materials, it is so easy to get caught up in the standard school supply mentality.  We walk through Target and see the big, shiny end caps proudly boasting the newest edition of Crayola boxes, composition books, and number 2 pencils.  And of course we all know those aisles geared directly at educators, with colorful posters and the latest and greatest phonics and math sets claiming to optimize learning.  

Don't get me wrong, these things all serve their purpose in allowing children opportunities to create and think.  But if these materials are all that we provide in our classrooms year in and year out, are we truly creating possibilities for new discoveries?  Are we challenging our little ones to think in new, innovative ways? Are we presenting our children with the maximum opportunities to form new concepts and generate new ideas about the world around them?  Are we satisfying, or are we restricting their curiosities?

The theory of loose parts generally states that by avoiding static toys, and filling our learning environments with objects rich in possibilities we can enhance the learning experiences of our children.  When a child picks up a toy car, they typically drive it across the floor.  When a child picks up an open ended object, such as a stick, it can suddenly become a magic wand, a person, an airplane.  Maybe the child will chose to construct something with it, or draw with it in the dirt.  The possibilities are endless once the child is able to tinker, imagine, create, and satisfy his or her innate curiosity.  

The beauty of this concept is that literally anything can become a loose part for discovery when presented to a small child.  As we consider materials that will help our little ones through their journey of learning, growth, and development, remember to think outside of the pencil box!