Have you ever found the potential of a bunch of pine cones or sticks? Possibilities are all around in the beauty of children and it all depends on the power of their imagination.
At Little NEWTONS we foster language skills through play, and learning experiences along exploration. There is a wide variety of methodologies and tools to get on board with kids in the classroom, specially when we are developing sensory or fine motor skills and encouraging problem-solving.
The loose parts play theory, developed by Architect Simon Nicholson, is based on the idea that when children are presented with a collection of small objects such as: sticks, bottoms, pieces of wood or any loose part, they have more opportunities for creativity and engagement as they rearrange and redesign with the parts, creating patterns and new objects as they go.
When it comes to talk about benefits while playing and building with random materials, you might be surprised of all the skills you can develop:
- Strengthen independence.
- Freedom to explore.
- Encourage language development.
- Build creative thinking and problem-solving.
- Enhance fine motor skills.
- Facilitate interaction.
- Increase imaginative play.
HANDS ON!
Let´s build our loose parts box. This tool is relatively inexpensive, actually you might find loose parts around your house or yard. The sky is the limit! Below you will find some objects to supply you thinking:
- Pine cones, sticks, rocks and leaves.
- Craft items such as pipe cleaners, beads, buttons, sequins, cotton reels, paddle pop sticks and feathers.
- Egg cartons, bottle caps, milk carton lids, paper towel and toilet paper tubes.
- Wooden items such as wood scraps or wooden blocks.
Simple ideas foster great adventures! Now it is time to have fun at home and allow kids to build amazing experiences along this magic box.
By: Virginia Rodríguez