This mini-collection of resources is all about one of our favorite materials: loose parts collage! We work with many schools who have explored the power that comes from using these small collections of materials with young children in the classroom. Here you’ll find examples, images, and stories of:
- possibilities for how these materials are stored, set up, and used
- tools, tips, and variations for working with these materials
- possible agreements
- picture book recommendations
- why we love to use these materials
- and more!
One of our favorite things about loose parts is that you don’t need a large budget in order to have these materials in your environment. Most of the the parts that make up loose parts collage collections don’t cost a thing! We use recycled materials, small things found from nature, and donations from families to build a loose parts collection. Start with the “Starting with Loose Parts” post to read more about building a collection of loose parts.
Setting the Table video: Loose parts
Images for Inspiration: loose parts
The Possibilities of Loose Parts
What Can This Material Do?
This tool offers a fun possibility for introducing loose parts and comes from the Inspiring Inventiveness collection of Principles, Practices, and Tools developed by Opal School teacher researchers in collaboration with Ben Mardell and Mara Krechevsky from Harvard’s Project Zero.
Starting with Loose Parts
