Fall into open play
Fall is the perfect time to explore this creative way of creating worlds and expressing yourself. Open play is just that… play without rules. It’s about finding objects and materials that can be combined and assembled to create whatever world your learner desires. Many of our customers ask us “what do you DO with these?” when talking about some of our more open-ended toys. “Well…. whatever you’d like” we tell them. Objects can be about anything we allow our minds, and the minds of our learners, to create. One of the wonderful things about loose part open play is the value. While we partner with many ‘best of class’ creators, and the items may cost a bit more, the fact that they can be almost ANYTHING means as your child’s interests change, they never have to put away the core loos parts.
An important part of open play are the loose parts. “Loose parts”
is a wonderful term coined by architect Simon Nicholson, who carefully considered landscapes and environments that form connections. Nicholson believed that we are all creative and that "loose parts" in an environment will empower our creativity.
Giving meaning to loose parts requires us to think about the possibilities of how a child learns and consider the materials and environments she uses. Loose parts create endless possibilities and invite creativity. For example, if a child picks up a rock and starts to play, most likely that rock can become anything the child wants it to be. Imagination, creativity, curiosity, desire, and need are the motivation of loose parts.
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 can be used alone or combined with other materials. There is no set of specific directions for materials that are considered loose parts.
Open ended materials, environments, and experiences encourage problem solving and are child centered. Children involve themselves in concrete experiences using loose parts, which lead to explorations that occur naturally, as opposed to adult directed.
Our favorite partner artists and creators have the BEST loose parts for any season. Grapat from Spain creates wonderful, mini works of art for learners to incorporate into their play. Abel wooden blocks are curved and smooth. They are perfect to “draw” with, and to create areas to fill in with shapes and finds from nature. We love how Wooden Story blocks can also join in the fun with their brilliant colors and velvety feel. Whatever items you use as you encourage open play, remember to step back and let your learner create without the pressure of it “being something” to you. When they are satisfied with their magical world, they will invite you in, and welcome you with love!