Loose Parts Play: Theory and Practice

Loose Parts Play Online Course for Educators and Homeschooling Parents

This course has 7 modules in total. The first six modules focus on the practical applications of loose parts play, demonstrating how to implement learning opportunities with young children.

The final module, provides a summary of the practical sessions, as well as, an introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of Loose Parts Play.

A certificate is available after completing all of the videos in this course. The certificate is 10 Euro/10 Pounds/12 Dollars (approximately), please check the price at the time of purchase.

Module 1- Introduction to Loose Parts Play: Practical Series

Learning objectives:

·      To understand the theory of loose parts play. 

·      To understand the benefits of loose parts play. 

·      To understand how to incorporate loose parts play into your home or learning environment.

Benefits for children:

·      Promotes the characteristics of effective learning.

·      Encourages children to take control of their learning and develop their own ideas.

·      Supports children to be creative and inventive.

Brief description of video:

An explanation of loose parts play, the theory behind it, the benefits for children and how to incorporate it into your home or learning environment. 

Module 2 - Pre-Writing Shapes: Practical Series

Learning objectives:

·      To form the 9 pre-writing shapes.

·      To create patterns using objects and colours. 

·      To correctly use language related to 2D shapes e.g. side, corner etc.

Benefits for children:

·      Encourages children to practice 9 pre-writing shapes, which are necessary for the correct formation of letters.

·      Promotes pattern recognition and formation, which are important early maths skills.

·      Introduces children to mathematical language related to 2D shapes.

Brief description of video:

This video demonstrates how to form the 9 pre-writing shapes using loose parts and other sensory materials. It demonstrates how to make patterns and discusses the properties of 2D shapes.

Module 3 - Blending Real Words and Non-Words: Practical Series

Learning objectives:

·      To say individual sounds.

·      To blend sounds together to form words.

·      To sort words into real words and non-words.

Benefits for children:

·       Practice of individual sounds and digraphs from phase 2 and phase 3 of letters and sounds.

·       Practice blending sounds together to form words.

·       Encourage understanding by sorting into real words and non-words.

Brief description of video:

Children hunt for words in a sensory bin. Children sound out and read words. Children decide if the word is a real or a non-word.

Module 4 - Literacy and Loose Parts 

Zone in on children's literacy using loose parts!

Module 5 - Self-Portraits

Learning objectives:

·      To know and name the features on your face.

·      To choose appropriate items to represent facial features.

·      To name different emotions.

·      To describe when and why you have felt different emotions.

Benefits for children:

·      Children know about similarities and differences between themselves and 

     others. Discussion on identity and empathy for others.

Brief description of video:

Children use loose parts to create a self-portrait. Children create a series of self-portraits which show different emotions (e.g., happy, sad, angry etc).

Module 6 - The Part Whole Method

Incorporate numeracy concepts with ease using loose parts. 

Module 7 - Summary

1. Background to loose parts play
2. What is loose parts play and why it matters
3. Play as a process
4. Creating a provocation
5. Conducting risk assessments for a safe learning environment
6. Reflective Practice
7. Summary / Quick Tips for Educators and Parents