Ruby Saltbush

Understanding Loose Parts Play

The beauty of children is that they see possibilities in everything. Objects are never just one thing. There is a joy in how they can take a collection of random objects like rocks, sticks, feathers, sheets, rope or shells and create something incredible, all with just the power of their imagination.

At The Alice Springs Steiner Preschool, we know the power loose parts play in unleashing creativity, encouraging problem-solving and building relationships. We know that the learning environment is enriched when children can explore open-ended materials.

In Ruby Saltbush there has been such a big interest in creating marble runs in the building area. Children have experimented with all sorts of loose parts such as wood frames, blocks, cardboard tubes, arches, chairs and cloths to make the marble turn, go through tunnels and obstacles, even jump! Some children have preferred designing and problem solving on their own, others have really cooperated together to share ideas and build on them. 

Loose Parts and Open-Ended Learning

Open-ended learning and loose parts play are connected concepts that both offer similar outcomes - allowing kids to discover their world and have fun with the process.

With open-ended learning, children are encouraged to learn without set parameters or rigid rules of structured play. There is no right or wrong answer or way of doing things. Loose parts play is much the same. Two kids can be presented with the same collection of loose parts and create two completely different things. Neither is right or wrong. Both are free to make the learning experiences their own and the possibilities are endless! 

How Loose Parts Play Benefits Teachers... and Teaching

In Ruby Saltbush we love seeing children develop and discover new interests and ideas. It's our job to nurture a child's passions and talents in a safe and engaging learning environment.

Loose parts play allows us to create environments and provide resources and then let the kids take over. In this way, we can give each of the children in our care exactly what they need. Some kids have an idea and run with it. Other children need some support to help bring their idea to life. Loose parts play helps us to uncover those differences and tailor the experience to each child.

The Benefits of Loose Parts Play

1. Sparks Imagination and Creativity

There is no defined purpose and no one tells children what they are supposed to do with them at playtime so they are free to see possibilities in these materials, and to come up with creative ways to make the most use of them. 

2. Cultivates Independence

With minimal input from adults, a child engaged in loose parts play can think for themselves, set their own agenda and define their own methods and objectives to use them.

3. Better Problem Solving

Due to its open-ended nature, loose parts play can present many obstacles or challenges to overcome in order to achieve their play objectives. Overcoming all these challenges sharpens problem-solving skills.

4. Improved Concentration

Because loose parts play is open-ended and child-led as opposed to adult-led, it offers so many more possibilities and children tend to get highly involved in it, which in turn develops their ability to concentrate for longer.

5. Language and Vocabulary Development

Loose parts play tends to involve a lot of questioning, narration, negotiation and exchange of ideas. As language is explored, and phrases are even made up to better describe things or share ideas, vocabulary is developed and conversational skills are improved as children communicate their ideas and knowledge with other children and teachers.

6. Superior Emotional Development

While engaged in loose parts play children will usually take on varying roles at different points and act out a variety of dialogues and stories. They get to view the world through different perspectives, gain a better understanding and appreciation of the world and people in it and they grow in confidence and self-assurance.

7. Improved Risk-Taking Ability

There is a slight level of risk associated with some forms of loose parts play, such as building structures with sticks and then walking on or climbing over them; therefore, children that frequently engage in such safe risky play usually become better at taking and managing risks in general. Exposing children to controlled risks has positive effects on their psychological and emotional development.

8. Enhanced Fine and Gross Motor Skills

When they are not fiddling with, sorting, positioning or balancing, children engaged in this kind of play are picking up, transporting, constructing, and manoeuvring a variety of objects. All these involve different physical movements which help to speed up the development of gross and fine motor skills in children.

Loose parts open the door to children’s self-directed creative and imaginative play. These humble materials, when combined with time, space and the support of an interested adult can have many benefits for a child’s learning, growth and development. 

Please enjoy these photos of the class working on a variety of marble runs over the last few weeks.

With love,

Dierdre and Codie

Important Dates 2025 for Ruby Saltbush

Meet and greet Orientation morning for ALL RSB children and families:

Saturday January 26th, from 9-10am

We invite all returning families and new families to come to familiarize your child and you with the space, the teachers and with other RSB families.

Starting days in 2025 for RSB children:

RSB has a staggered start to allow the children to settle in gently.

• Monday February 3rd – all children coming from Billy Button attend for a full day
• Tuesday February 4th - ALL RSB children attend for the full day
• For the next 4 Wednesdays there is no RSB class as the teacher does home visits

Home visit days:

• Wednesday February 5, 12, 19, 26 – NO RSB classes as the teacher does home visits.

RSB Parent/Teacher Meeting: Wednesday February 12th 3-4pm

For all RSB families. Come make an angel baby to support your little one at rest time as well as find out what this year in RSB is all about.

Preschool Working Bee with your child: Saturday February 15th from 8-10am

A great time to meet and mingle and create an interesting and beautiful learning environment for the children.