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At our Pop-Up play site, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging, and acknowledge their deep connection to this land, which holds the knowledge, stories, and practices that have supported play, learning, and exploration for generations. We are committed to embedding Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into our play environments and fostering a spirit of reconciliation and respect.

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Loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart in various ways. These materials can be natural, such as sticks, stones, and leaves, or they can be man-made, like fabric, buckets, or tyres. The open-ended nature of loose parts allows children to exercise their creativity and imagination as they engage in unstructured play.

Loose parts are important for fostering problem-solving skills, innovation, and cooperation in children. Their flexibility enables children to explore, create, and build, leading to richer play experiences (Nicholson, 1971).

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The Value of Loose Parts in Pop-Up Play Space

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The Value of Loose Parts in Pop-Up Play Space

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Loose parts in a Pop-Up play space invite children to take the lead in their learning, empowering them to manipulate their environment. This fosters autonomy and decision-making skills as children decide how to use each material. Loose parts also promote interaction with natural and found objects, encouraging children to explore the textures, shapes, and forms of their surroundings.

By promoting curiosity and imaginative thinking, loose parts allow children to use their creativity without prescribed outcomes (Knight, 2016). In Pop-Up play spaces, these materials provide opportunities for spontaneous play, turning any environment into a dynamic learning space.

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How Loose Parts Support Play-Based Learning

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How Loose Parts Support Play-Based Learning

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Play-based learning is foundational to early childhood education, and loose parts fit seamlessly into this model. Engaging with loose parts encourages children to follow their curiosity and interests, fostering independence, critical thinking, and creativity. Research shows that children develop cognitive and language skills through play as they experiment with cause and effect, problem-solving, and negotiation with peers (Nicholson, 1971). They are also introduced to STEM concepts, such as physics and engineering, as they build, balance, and manipulate objects during play.

Our Pop-Up site also embraces the idea that playgrounds and play spaces can serve as pedagogical sites of material and affective collisions, where children’s interactions with loose parts help them learn about spatial awareness, movement, and their physical environment (Knight, 2016). By working with materials that have no set purpose, children develop the confidence to experiment, create, and innovate, using their hands, minds, and imaginations in tandem.

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Loose Parts and the Environment: Connecting Children to Nature

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Loose Parts and the Environment: Connecting Children to Nature

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Loose parts are not just beneficial for learning and development—they also foster a deep connection to the natural environment. In our Pop-Up play spaces, we use natural materials like sticks, leaves, and stones to encourage children to engage with the environment. This supports a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the natural world, fostering curiosity and respect for the land.

Loose parts play aligns with the principles of sustainability by encouraging children to explore the resources they find in nature and recognise their value. This connection to nature nurtures a respect for the environment, helping children understand that they are part of a larger ecosystem. Play spaces that utilise loose parts can deepen children’s appreciation for the land and the Indigenous knowledge that teaches us how to care for it (Hamm, 2015).

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The Role of Families and the Community in Loose Parts Play

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The Role of Families and the Community in Loose Parts Play

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Families and community members play a vital role in supporting children’s play experiences. At our Pop-Up site, we invite parents and caregivers to engage with their children through loose parts play. By participating in play, families strengthen their bonds and deepen their understanding of how play supports their children's learning and development.

Playwork research underscores the importance of these spaces as therapeutic environments, where play can support emotional healing and well-being (Else & Sturrock, 1999). By supporting loose parts play, families and community members are helping to create a rich, supportive space for children’s holistic development.

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We welcome families and community members to visit our Pop-Up play site and experience the magic of loose parts play. Whether you bring a loose part from home or simply observe the play in action, we encourage your involvement in fostering open-ended, child-led play. Together, we can create a vibrant play environment that reflects the creativity and diversity of our community.