Kindergarten 2

  “Loose parts require the hand and mind to work in concert, they are catalysts to inquiry.” Loose parts are materials that have been around for a long time — ever since children learned how to play with rocks, sticks, and other random materials that they can get their hands on. In 1971, an architect named Simon Nicholson studied this approach and formulated a theory, aptly named the Theory of Loose Parts. He believes that all children are creative and that they should be given the opportunity to nurture this gift. Presenting them with loose parts — open-ended materials — rather than “finished” materials or toys can help stimulate their imagination and empower their creativity. These materials also foster inquiry and promote learning. In the center of our Kindergarten classroom I’ve prepared a loose parts table that the children use for different purposes: to create art, to play with, and to tell stories with. The past few weeks, they’ve used it for cooking “food”, creating their