Dive into open ended play with our loose parts collection including over 100 products perfect for helping develop imagination, problem solving and communication.
What are loose parts?
Loose parts are objects and materials that can be carried, lined up, morphed, stacked, combined, moulded, redesigned, moved, nested, taken apart and put together again in multiple ways. With no specific set of directions, they can be used alone or in combination with other materials - the possibilities for play are endless!
Some of the many benefits of loose parts play include the development of fine motor skills, problem solving and pre-math skills which help to lay a foundation for STEM.
Here are a few loose parts materials you can incorporate:
| Natural loose parts | Household items | Creative and messy play | Sensory items |
|
Dried pasta |
Textured squares Sensory metal balls Sensory fruit play stones Reflective buttons Threads and yarns Ribbon |
How can loose parts help?
Loose parts play can contribute to the development of children's creativity, exploration, imagination, learning and most importantly it's fun!
Having loose parts available in your early years setting or at home allows children to use their objects and materials as they choose. Children prefer to play with materials that they can use and adapt: whether that's using rocks as buttons in a rocket ship, creating a house out of leaves or making ribbon soup in their mud kitchen, loose parts play can be taken anywhere with no real restrictions!
WARNING: Make sure to check the age suitability of individual products and ensure any items you gather from around your house and garden do not have any hidden choking hazards.
Loose parts brochure
Check out our loose parts brochure for more ways to inspire your little ones.