Loose parts articles

Integrating Loose Parts Play in a Preschool Program

'Children use pine cones, old toys, and more in loose parts play, but it’s important that they also get a chance to play with bigger aspects of their learning environment and shape it according to their own vision.' Edutopia, 16 November 2020.

Math Play with Loose Parts

"One area of early learning particularly suited for the use of these materials is math. Natural loose parts can be used in a multitude of mathematical ways." Includes a list of the authors favourite ideas for outdoor math play using natural loose parts. Community Playthings, 11 August 2020.

Loose Parts Play - Think out of the Box

In-depth article with subsections: Divergent thinking - a piece of string • Stack, transport & interact - on the racetrack • The adult role • Activating curiosity - neuroscience and creative thought • Compound flexibility. Nursery World, 2 March 2020.

Getting to grips with loose parts play

Blog covering the theory behind loose parts, how loose parts should be presented to children and what children learn from loose parts. PACEY, 26 March 2019.

Simon Nicholson and The Theory of Loose Parts

In-depth article about Simon Nicholson and what brought him to create the theory, plus a summary and evaluation of the theory by Juliet Robertson of Creative Star Learning, December 2017.

Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers

"When loose parts are introduced to infants and toddlers, rich, magnificent explorations transpire. Astonishing learning and unexpected capabilities are revealed as the youngest of children make sense of their world." Looks at how "Loose Parts Support Learning and Development across the Domains." Community Playthings, 31 October 2017.

Loose parts: what does this mean?

Ideas for adding and using loose parts for activities in a child care program (sic). Includes: how can I provide loose parts? Giving meaning to loose parts, examples of loose parts in a natural play area. Pdf download available on the same page. Penn State Extension, (US) 2016.

Learning Piles

Fun blog post from Teacher Tom considering how loose parts often end up all in a pile. 7 December 2015.

Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children

Looks at what are loose parts, the origin and value of loose parts, and how loose parts support the curriculum. Community Playthings, 2 June 2015.

The Learning in Loose Parts

Thorough article looking at how nature's loose parts support more complex play, and research by the Dimensions Foundation on 'Nature Explore Classrooms'. Community Playthings, 24 March 2015.