April 27th and August 17th, Dr Shirley Wyver will be sharing her expertise as a part of our Loose Parts Play Professional Development here at Reverse Garbage. Prepare to be inspired and amazed as we guide you through these transformative experiences. You’ll gain valuable skills, insights, and practical know-how. Book now.
What exactly is Loose Parts Play?
Loose Parts Play refers to use of objects that have no obvious play purpose. For example, most toys have an obvious play purpose. Loose parts allow children to use their creativity to imagine the possibilities of a bucket, a hose and a tyre. Loose parts can be large or small, natural or manufactured. I have mainly worked with large loose parts, with objects that are manufactured and have served the original purpose. Many of these objects are destined for landfill.
What has your research revealed the benefits of Loose Parts Play for students to be?
I’ve worked with a group known as Sydney Playground Project. Our main findings are that loose parts increase children’s play, increase physical activity and are suitable for children of all abilities.
How does Loose Parts Play benefit teachers and educators?
An obvious benefit is that loose parts are cheap. Changes to play areas can be expensive and the outcome is unknown until these changes are finished and paid for. There is also the inconvenience of having the playground unavailable while modifications are being made. A loose parts kit is relatively inexpensive and can potentially cost nothing at all. Teachers/educators can evaluate what works, what doesn’t work and make modifications to suit their site.
Teachers/educators can use loose parts for curriculum activities and particularly sustainability education.
How could parents incorporate components of Loose Parts Play at home?
Before you throw something away, think about whether it can be used for play. Keep smaller objects for indoor play/craft and larger objects for outdoor play. What is waste for adults is play material for children.
Think twice about buying craft materials. Could you collect loose parts instead?
And lastly, what are some of your favourite objects to offer the participants in a Loose Parts Play session?
My favourite object is the cardboard packing box. Children will often start using boxes to make cars, private spaces etc. As the cardboard starts to breakdown, children will use it for sliding or as part of construction. Eventually, the cardboard will have decomposed too much to be used for play, but it can go into the compost. This is a valuable sustainability lesson. Cardboard will break down, but the plastic bucket in the collection will be with us forever.
Find out more about our Loose Parts Play Professional Development