What are Loose Parts?

In 1972, architect Simon Nicholson developed the Theory of Loose Parts. Loose parts are open-ended materials that can be moved, combined, redesigned, lined up, taken apart and put back together in multiple ways.

Loose parts nurture imagination, creativity, curiosity and encourage open-ended learning. There is no set of specific directions for materials that are considered loose parts. Offer loose parts to a child and watch them lead the way!

The loose parts we have been working with so far are:

• paper towel tubes and tubes cut into smaller pieces
• plastic caps of different sizes
• jewelry boxes
• wood cubes of different sizes
• corks
• wooden rings
• plastic jugs
• pebbles
• wire twisty ties