In July we invited scholars and their families to join us for a Loose Parts Play Date, an interactive program designed to share AFIA’s approach to developing children’s creativity, curiosity, and social skills through play. Play is not only a contributor to a child’s physical health and well-being; play promotes the development of creativity, imagination, self-confidence, self-efficacy, as well as physical, social, cognitive and emotional strength and skills. (Committee on the Rights of the Child, 2013)

Loose Parts Play is centered around materials that are not prescriptive; they can be moved, changed, rearranged, and put together in many different combinations. This lets children design, build, and interact in imaginative ways and offers children limitless possibilities for creation. By providing materials with multiple potential outcomes children learn to problem solve, collaborate, and explore; this growth enhances their traditional academic subject areas such as math, science, and language.

During our Loose Parts Play Date AFIA scholars and families were able to build, create, and explore together; and families can continue to foster this type of play at home! When you have Loose Parts available at home and encourage your young scholar to explore possibility, you’ll be amazed at what they can create.

How can families and caregivers support Loose Parts Play?

  • Create an environment where Loose Parts are available and valued.
  • Encourage your children to invent, construct, evaluate, and modify their own constructions and ideas through play.  

Some ideas for Loose Parts Play pieces include:

Every day items can spark creativity in your child.

  • boxes
  • rocks
  • caps
  • buttons
  • water
  • sticks
  • bolts
  • string  

 

 

 

If you’d like to learn more about Loose Parts play, Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children is an excellent resource.