Loose Parts Play

Our range of loose parts play resources includes…

Wooden loose parts 
Our wooden loose-parts play resources offer a tactile, eco-friendly alternative that brings children back to the basics of play. Made from sustainable wood, each piece is safe for children and kind to the planet. Browse our extensive range of wooden loose parts play resources including wooden discovery boxes, storing trays, mirror trays, nuts and bolts, bowls, rings, spools, spinning tops, cubes, balls, dolly pegs, discs and much more!

Construction loose parts 
Our construction loose parts play resources are building blocks for creativity, allowing young minds to explore concepts of design, structure and balance. Our range of construction loose parts play resources includes wooden crates, planks, carton crates, stacking stones, nuts and bolts, rings, spools, cubes, bamboo canes, camo pegs, bamboo sticks, bamboo chutes, bamboo offcuts, loose parts pipes and much more!

Sensory loose parts
Adventure into a world of tactile exploration and sensory delight with our sensory loose parts play resources. These loose parts have been selected to provide a wide range of sensory experiences for children. From smooth surfaces to the cool touch of natural stones and the warm organic feel of wooden shapes, each piece is an opportunity for little hands to explore. Our range of sensory loose parts includes gem cubes, mirror trays, rattan slices, pod and fruit baskets, light and sparkle baskets, cork, pine cones, coconut shells, glass pebbles, orange and lime packs and much more!
 
FAQs about loose parts play

What is loose parts play?
Loose parts play is a type of play that encourages children to use their creativity and imagination to their fullest potential. During loose parts play, children are provided with a range of materials and objects which they can move, manipulate, stack and line up in various ways. Loose parts can be anything from objects found in nature like stones, sticks and leaves, or manufactured items like buttons, fabric and recycled materials. 
 
What are the benefits of loose parts play? 
There are many benefits to getting children to engage in loose parts play. Some of these benefits include…
Developing a sense of independence.
Encourage language development as children communicate ideas with others.
Enhances creative thinking.
Enhances problem-solving.
Further fine motor skill development.
Facilitates collaboration, sharing and taking turns within a classroom or group.
 
What can children do with loose parts?
There are many activities children can do with loose parts. Some great ideas include…
Building and construction - children can stack, balance and arrange loose parts to create structures and buildings or use loose parts to create waterways. 
Art & design - children can arrange items to create patterns, pictures or sculptures. Children can lay out stones in a mosaic pattern, or use leaves and sticks to create natural art. 
Pretend play - children can use loose parts during imaginative play. For example, they can turn a stick into a wand, or a piece of fabric into a superhero cape. Or they can incorporate loose parts play as part of a small world environment. 
Maths and sorting activities - loose parts can be used for sorting, counting and pattern-making activities. They can sort them based on size, colour, shape or texture and explore basic maths concepts. 
Sensory exploration - children can use loose parts to explore a range of textures. For example the smooth texture of pebbles, the rough texture of wood, the softness of feathers and so on.