Loose Parts Play

Loose Parts Play was first developed in 1971 by British architect Simon Nicholson.  Nicholson believed that it is the loose parts in our environment that will empower our creativity. In play, loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways.  Loose parts are natural or manufactured materials that can be used alone or combined with other materials.

Loose Parts Play supports invention, divergent thinking, problem solving and offers children unlimited possibilities to explore their creativity through artistic design.  Having loose parts available in play spaces allows children to use these materials as they choose.  Often children would rather play with materials that they can use and adapt as they please.