Children will use their senses to explore, take risks, and learn by engaging with a loose parts collection.
Children will make and build connections to their own lives, books, and imagination.
Children will articulate with words and/or draw representations of what they create.
Contents: (this is a sample of loose parts treasure box. You can make a treasure box with items from around your house)
- Work mat (towel or place mat)
- CD
- Square tile
- 5 screw caps
- 5 bottle caps
- 6 popsicle sticks
- 2 foam cylinders
- 2 tubes
- A collection of loose parts (recycled objects work great)
- A collection of small tiles (2 colors to create patterns)
Inspired by the Treasure Box curriculum from the Beautiful Stuff Project this loose parts kit has multiple entry points.
To Start: Introduce the treasure box and name each item. Lay each item out on the floor or table and explore. Here are some of the things you can do with the items in your treasure box.
- Counting and sorting
- Building, creating, and inventing
- Creating and extending patterns
- Making shapes
- Story Telling
- Self Portraits
It is important to keep the materials safe in the box when you are not working with them.
Watch Marina Seevak from the Beautiful Stuff Project introduce you to treasure boxes and read a story.
Beautiful Stuff Project: Loose Parts
Resources:
Author, Kathy Howes activities
Books that support loose part exploration: (click on the link to listen to the story)
Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beaty and David Robert
Pedro Perfecto, Arquictecto por Andrea Beaty y David Robert
Be A Maker by Kathy Howes and Elizabeth Vukovic
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall