Loose Parts Inspiring Play In Young Children

Loose parts are natural or synthetic found, bought, or upcycled materials—acorns, hardware, stones, aluminum foil, fabric scraps, for example—that children can move, manipulate, control, and change within their play. Loose parts are alluring and beautiful. They capture children's curiosity, give free reign to their imagination, and encourage creativity; the possibilities are endless with loose parts. With more than 550 color photographs of many kinds of loose parts, classroom stories, and a dynamic overview, this book provides inspiration and information about the ways loose parts support open-ended learning, enhance play, and empower children.

"Loose Parts is a vividly and artistically photographed book that demonstrates how using natural and recycled materials provide endless possibilities for children to develop creativity and deepen critical thinking and problem solving. This book provides beautiful examples on how materials can be displayed to develop creative environments. Loose Parts is a great resource for teachers, early childhood trainers, and parents to consider in providing environments that engage and inspire children to explore, analyze, and create!

andmdash;Margie Perez-Sesser, MA, Perez-Sesser Early Childhood Consulting

"Loose Parts provides an inspiring path to childhood creativity that eschews our current throwaway culture by celebrating the inspiration and fun that come with using diverse, free, and found objects for multiple outcomes. This invaluable book will motivate experienced educators to push the reset button on long-held values that encourage children to manipulate their environment in order to learn, while introducing those new to the field to the enthusiasm, engagement, self-confidence, and joy that accompany open-ended play.and#8221;

andmdash;Timothy J. Craig, Owner/Director, Childrenand#8217;s Circle Nursery School

and#147;This book is a well thought insight to bring forth the best in children and to scaffold those who strive to support their journey for creativity and imagination. The vibrant illustrations and the diversity of materials presented provide a vision to create an environment that honors, supports, and values children. The possibilities of children engaging in play are endless and it is comforting to gain a deeper understanding of loose parts and how children think, therefore to be more purposeful as well as to be cognizant of how our actions and choices influence young children.and#8221;

andmdash;Hiroko Iyong, CRC ECE Pathway to Success Student Leader, Child Development Associate Teacher

1200 color photographs showing how loose parts are used in early childhood settings and how they help children learn

Winner of the 2015 Brain Child Award from Tillywig & Toy Media Awards

Use loose parts to spark children's creativity and innovation
Loose parts are natural or synthetic found, bought, or upcycled materials that children can move, manipulate, control, and change within their play. Alluring and captivating, they capture children's curiosity, give free reign to their imagination, and motivate learning.
The hundreds of inspiring photographs showcase an array of loose parts in real early childhood settings. And the overviews of concepts children can learn when using loose parts provide the foundation for incorporating loose parts into your teaching to enhance play and empower children. The possibilities are truly endless.

Use loose parts to spark children's creativity and innovation

Loose parts are natural or synthetic found, bought, or upcycled materials that children can move, manipulate, control, and change within their play. Alluring and captivating, they capture children's curiosity, give free reign to their imagination, and motivate learning.

The hundreds of inspiring photographs showcase an array of loose parts in real early childhood settings. And the overviews of concepts children can learn when using loose parts provide the foundation for incorporating loose parts into your teaching to enhance play and empower children. The possibilities are truly endless.

Lisa Daly: Lisa Daly, MA, is professor of early childhood education at Folsom Lake College in Folsom, California. She has over 30 years of experience as an early childhood teacher, director, and educator. She has served on community and Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC) boards, including the statewide Child Development Training Consortium advisory board. She is passionate about creative arts and has directed art programs for thousands of children at community family events and camps; and she and has presented numerous workshops for educators on art, storytelling, language and literacy, sensory experiences, and music and movement.

Miriam Beloglovsky: Miriam Beloglovsky, MA, is a professor of early childhood education at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, California, and has the pleasure of advising and guiding students for over 25 years. She is a strong advocate for children, youth, and families, and consults and supports a variety of family, children, and youth programs, including THRIVE Family Development Network and My Street of Dreams. She has served as a keynote speaker, presenter, and board member to a number of organizations and conferences.