REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL LINDFIELD NEWSLETTER Principal’s Message
16th September 2022 By Christine Irwin
Dear Parents,
As we approach the end of term 3 the educators have been reflecting on the learning areas in their classrooms and you may see some slight changes or your children may discuss some new items used in their play at school. Including the addition of more natural items and recycled resources into learning areas for children to use during their play. The term used in the early childhood learning for these collection of items is” Loose parts” Loose parts can be defined as beautiful objects that are open ended in their use and that children can move, control and change while they play. Loose parts can be manipulated, and managed by children together in almost endless ways. Children usually prefer play that stimulates their curiosity and gives free reign to their imaginations and creativity. One of the best ways to enhance their natural curiosity is to introduce a wide variety of materials into their play. Loose parts are open ended and provide infinite play possibilities. They offer multiple rather than single outcomes and have no specific directions. When children have plenty of loose parts to manipulate, children seldom become bored.
“ Loose parts can be natural or synthetic and might be considered ‘junk’ to some people. They are often inexpensive and can be found in nature, in a home recycling bin, or in charity or craft stores. While the list is endless, examples of loose parts include: • Natural resources – rocks, sticks, seedpods, shells and leaves • Materials – ribbon, fabric, cushions, chalk, pom-poms • Objects – boxes, blocks, buckets, balls, hula-hoop, trays, milk crates, PVC pipe The natural world provides a diverse variety of loose parts that display patterns and sequences that can’t be manufactured. Everything in nature has a different and unique texture, smell, temperature, taste, weight and design. Their play possibilities and affordances are endless. Their uniqueness encourages children to problem solve, and to be creative in how they use these items.”
https://www.education.sa.gov.au/sites/default/files/npsa-familyday-care-loose-parts.pdf