June 2023
The power of loose parts and imagination!
During our morning outdoors time I observed a group of toddler aged children utilizing a black tube. Our programs use open ended materials and loose parts to encourage children to be creative and use their imaginations. Loose parts support creative thinking, problem solving, and collaboration to name a few of the benefits. On this day the children were calling into the ends of the tube and listening to each others’ voices echoing through. Others were sitting atop the tube, giggling as they gave the impression of being on a ride. There were no words being exchanged. The children appeared to observe one another’s body language to coordinate their ideas. It was amazing to see so many children engaged with this moment. What do you think the children are thinking?
Selena Martin, Leila Nagy RECE
