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Take loose parts from inspiration to implementation with this practical, easy-to-use loose parts manual from Lisa Daly, coauthor of the best-selling and award-winning Loose Parts series. Loose Parts in Action provides specific instructions and a step-by-step process for infusing loose parts into early learning environments, to make implementing loose parts simple and approachable for educators in programs of all types. With Loose Parts in Action, anyone can bring the beauty and imagination-rich possibilities of loose parts to their program to spark children’s curiosity and learning.
Learn how to:
- Foster children's engagement and learning with loose parts
- Make a plan to incorporate loose parts into your program
- Collect loose parts, including involving families and community resources
- Attractively display and store loose parts
Includes interactive opportunities such as reflections, exercises, action plans, and assessment tools to help you adapt loose parts to your own setting.
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Why Loose Parts in Action?
What’s the Purpose of Loose Parts in Action?
How to Use Loose Parts in Action
Chapter 1: Loose Parts Overview
Why Are Loose Parts So Appealing?
Types of Loose Parts
Benefits of Loose Parts
Chapter 2: Preparing the Way
Understand the Allure of Loose Parts
Transform Your Thinking
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Determine Which Loose Parts to Add
Identify Resources
Enlist Help and Involve Families
Quantity of Loose Parts
Collection Phase
Long-Term Storage
Helpful Storage Facts
Mindful Retaining, Storing, and Discarding
Safety and Cleanliness
Chapter 4: Preparing the Environment
Clear the Way
Exchange Materials
Select Containers
Display Loose Parts
Chapter 5: Introducing Loose Parts
Anticipate the Excitement Factor
Introduce One Loose Part at a Time
Start with Bigger, Durable Loose Parts
Observe Children’s Engagement
Prepare Children
Chapter 6: Facilitating Loose Parts Play
Preparing the Environment
Fostering Engagement
Think Function
Facilitating and Extending Learning
Documenting Learning
Chapter 7: Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Introduce Loose Parts?
How Do I Store Loose Parts?
What If Children Do Not Play with the Loose Parts?
How Do I Encourage Cleanup?
How Might I Stop Arguments over Loose Parts?
What If Children Transport Loose Parts?
How May I Prevent Disrespectful Use of Loose Parts?
How Often Do I Need to Rotate Loose Parts?
Are Loose Parts Put Away after Children Play or Left Out?
How Do I Clean Loose Parts?
Do Any Traditional Early Childhood Materials Remain in a Loose Parts Environment?
How Do Loose Parts Environments Meet Environment Rating Scales Criteria?
Appendix A: Family Letter Template
Appendix B: Discovering Children’s Interests
Appendix C: Loose Parts Indoor Inventory List
Appendix D: Loose Parts Outdoor Inventory List
Appendix E: Loose Parts Outdoor Tidying Up and Maintenance Schedule