The Power of Loose Parts

“As long as materials can be moved, redesigned, put together, and taken apart in a variety of ways, they are classified as loose parts.”  - Simon Nicholson

On nearly every shelf in a Raintree classroom, you will find a plethora of materials whose potential is unleashed by the creativity and imagination of the child. You will spot corks, mason jar lids, wood cookies, CDs, plastic tubes, all of which may be considered junk to the untrained eye. However, they are anything but. 

The term ‘loose parts’ was coined by architect Simon Nicholson over 30 years ago. Loose parts are described as open-ended objects, manmade or natural, that can be used by children to play. Loose parts inherently bring zero limitations or rules, which enable the child to make their own choices with the object. Experimentation with open- ended materials promotes creativity and confidence, as well as invention. Chess pieces can become ornate decorations on a sprawling block building. Dice and connectors can be mixed together to create a steaming, yummy soup. A bottlecap can be a coin used to purchase food at a pretend restaurant. Loose parts are a catalyst for imaginative play.

There are several other developmental benefits of playing or creating with loose parts. Communication skills have an opportunity to develop when the child explains what the part will be and how they will incorporate it in their play or art. Additionally, children have the chance to partake in more complex play narratives when they are allowed real, practical tools such as frying pans, keyboards, or wrenches. Loose parts allow for new sensory experiences as children reach for more unusual items with new textures, such as keys, plastic straws, and pompoms. Loose parts can also boost critical thinking and problem solving skills - imagine that a child needs a band-aid and some gauze for an imaginative doctor game they are playing.  What materials can they locate in the classroom that would be suitable?

Loose parts are economical, easily accessible, and great for the planet. You can give new life to a material you might otherwise discard, such as a paper towel roll. Loose parts can be found in unexpected places, such as everyday packaging. For example, the plastic tops of applesauce pouches are a schoolwide favorite. The great outdoors also provides an ample supply; rocks, sticks, shells, and wood serve as wonderfully cost-effective loose parts. Not only are these items easy to gather, they are also the most sustainable. Saving materials from the landfill shows kids resourcefulness and being conscious of our daily waste, which is one way we inspire stewardship in our young students. Loose parts contain endless benefits, possibilities, and ways to engage. If you are interested in finding loose parts treasures, our teachers recommend not only looking around your home with a new eye, but also checking out your local upcycling centers, such as Upcycle Treasure Box or St. Louis Teachers’ Recycle Center. 

Here’s what our Raintree teachers and students have to say about loose parts:

Jack: [My favorite loose part is] “Phones. Because I like to take out their batteries.”

Ms. Susan: “I love how open ended loose parts are. They can be anything. I try to find loose parts in reusing things such as bottle caps, or finding sticks in the forest. One time my dog was outgrowing her collar, and I would cut the buckle to be used as a loose part. And then you’re reusing things that would have gone in a landfill.”

Guin: [My favorite loose part is] “The big long sticks. Popsicle sticks.  Cuz we can make crafts with them. I can wrap wiki sticks around them. I also like to make little persons with them.” 

Ms. Melanie: “I love that loose parts let kids use their imaginations in a way that standard play toys do not allow. My favorite loose part is bottlecaps. I like that they can be wheels, and that they are stackable. The variety of sizes and colors is exciting to kids too.”

Ms. Ashley: “My classroom personally loves any sort of container that you throw at them. Cardboard boxes, jars, baskets, buckets, egg cartons, and plastic cups can allow kiddos to carry and sort other play tools. Our Pre-K students especially enjoy making milkshakes and various other yummy treats in these vessels to sell in their own ice cream stand or fast food shop.”