Loose Parts - Fine Arts and Science M/W/F AM Class

We have been so excited lately because the children have been exploring with loose parts in our classroom and it has been so interesting to see how each child uses them. The children have constructed many unique creations with the parts. Sometimes the children will take the parts over to the other areas in the classroom and add to the other activities they are participating in. We have found them in the sensory bins, in the dramatic areas and a lot of time the children like to imagine they are cooking a variety of foods with the loose parts. Their imagination is endless when it comes to pretending and improvising. The children see the loose parts so differently than we do as adults and that is the total beauty of this activity. Sometimes, it gets messy and we do end up finding pieces all over the classroom but we have to keep in mind that this is the actual process of the materials being moved all around the room and used in a variety of ways.

We have seen the children use the loose parts to create pictures, make elaborate sculptures and many patterns. Faces, trees, flowers, houses, and animals are some of the popular creations to date. The children also love to take the loose parts and just simply line them up or sort them out into an assortment of baskets.

This activity gives a child to think outside of the box, to stimulate their minds and encourages open ended learning. It helps the brain to develop mathematically, scientifically and creatively by discovery, experimenting and problem solving. It also builds fine motor skills and gross motor skills.

One of the great thing about loose parts is there is no set directions to follow which empowers the child to be the direction. This leads to curiosity and imagination all through using simple loose parts in our classroom.

Until next time

Deanna

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