This year we have introduced the idea of loose parts within Pre-School. We have added real items such as jars and bottles for children to use however they want! We feel that through modelling and having lots of opportunities to explore, the children will become more confident in this and really thinking about how they want to play and what they want things to be in their play. We love how open ended this concept of loose parts is - how differently the children play and become more in charge of their play and choices.
In the home corner, we have removed play food - replacing it with different items for the children to get creative with. In the water and sand area, we have added a selection of tools and loose parts that we update and change. We want the children to explore, use and choose what they want to use and how.
In small world, we have added loose parts to support children in becoming more imaginative. We allow children access to this to add to other small world items so they can use them in different ways. We have also allowed more choice in our construction, providing a wider range for children to combine different resources and support them in problem solving and decision making.What did I learn?
We have seen the children already being more creative and imaginative in their play. The children are pretending that carpet tiles are plates, slices of pizza, sandwiches or toast. The honey stirrers have become lollipops, spoons. Wooden tiles are used as phones and tablets for playing games on. The children have been using reels, plastic hooks, shells and stones as different food to cook and create. We have had lots of sorting games happening too!
The collections of loose parts has also supported communication and language skills - the children have been grouping and sorting! We have been discussing similarities and differences and homing in looking carefully to spot these and fully explore using our senses. It has been great to hear richer language developing already - noticing details and exploring textures.
In construction, the children have been combining different items and having to think more about which fit together. Fantastic problem solving has been happening as children look at which resources to use and which are best suited for what they are wanting to achieve.
Support Suggestions
Use everyday items in your play for the children to use and see what they do with it!
Sort bottle tops, lids, buttons - talking about shapes, sizes and colours
Use jars and bottles for sorting and containing items within their play environment
Use everyday items for playing shops or family role playing games
Add real items for playing in sand or water
Introduce different items for construction - lollipop sticks are great!
If you would like to know more, please ask! Also check out the website link for more explanation and ideas.
If you think you have any loose parts that would be perfect for Pre-School - we would really appreciate any contributions! Thank you :)
In the home corner, we have removed play food - replacing it with different items for the children to get creative with. In the water and sand area, we have added a selection of tools and loose parts that we update and change. We want the children to explore, use and choose what they want to use and how.
In small world, we have added loose parts to support children in becoming more imaginative. We allow children access to this to add to other small world items so they can use them in different ways. We have also allowed more choice in our construction, providing a wider range for children to combine different resources and support them in problem solving and decision making.What did I learn?
We have seen the children already being more creative and imaginative in their play. The children are pretending that carpet tiles are plates, slices of pizza, sandwiches or toast. The honey stirrers have become lollipops, spoons. Wooden tiles are used as phones and tablets for playing games on. The children have been using reels, plastic hooks, shells and stones as different food to cook and create. We have had lots of sorting games happening too!
The collections of loose parts has also supported communication and language skills - the children have been grouping and sorting! We have been discussing similarities and differences and homing in looking carefully to spot these and fully explore using our senses. It has been great to hear richer language developing already - noticing details and exploring textures.
In construction, the children have been combining different items and having to think more about which fit together. Fantastic problem solving has been happening as children look at which resources to use and which are best suited for what they are wanting to achieve.
Support Suggestions
Use everyday items in your play for the children to use and see what they do with it!
Sort bottle tops, lids, buttons - talking about shapes, sizes and colours
Use jars and bottles for sorting and containing items within their play environment
Use everyday items for playing shops or family role playing games
Add real items for playing in sand or water
Introduce different items for construction - lollipop sticks are great!
If you would like to know more, please ask! Also check out the website link for more explanation and ideas.
If you think you have any loose parts that would be perfect for Pre-School - we would really appreciate any contributions! Thank you :)
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