Loose parts, as described in this article, are tangible, open-ended materials that help young learners to manipulate, control, construct and transform (p. 91). |
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS:
Utilize Loose Parts with a Story Workshop. Here students can either make up their own story, or recreate scenes from a read-aloud. This is about building connections with the story, and building connections from pictures to words. Once students have build their stories, have them either draw a picture and write a sentence (or two) or record them describing their stories using technology. |
MATH:
Utilize Loose Parts as manipulative. Students can use them to build number concepts and visually show how they are working. For example, a student can build the equation 3+4=? with loose parts (3 stones plus 4 more stones equals 7 stones) or can use them to develop knowledge of subtraction (10 stones take away 5 stones equals 5 stones). You can even use the to build and recognize different 2D and 3D shapes. |
SCIENCE:
Utilize Loose Parts to show a cause and effect reaction. For example, students may push a domino over, which falls and knocks down a different domino. Students can also notice differences between the sounds that the loose parts make when together. |
SOCIAL STUDIES:
Utilize Loose Parts when talking about communities, and what are the needs of a community. Much like the Story Workshop described in the English Language Arts section, students can create stories about what their communities need and represent them using Loose Parts. |
ART:
Utilize Loose Parts when recreating Andy Goldsworthy Art with the class. Try to do this outside, where students are able to use (already fallen from a tree) materials to create art. |
PHYSICAL HEALTH EDUCATION:
Utilize the many different types of Gym Equipment you can find (both inside and outside) to create a "Loose Part Obstacle Course" for students to move around on. This is a great way to practice gross motor skills and participate in risky (but safe) play. |