Reflection on the Value of Loose Parts
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
108
Subject
English
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by yuxiaomai2012
Reflection on the Value of Loose Parts
1. What do you feel loose materials offer young children that traditional toys do not?
Most traditional toys offer less learning aspects in comparison to loose materials, such as the ability to
create, to imagine, and to develop essential problem-solving skills, etc. Traditional toys can also be
expensive, while loose materials can easily be found in our everyday lives, and offer young children far
more possibilities for open-ended learning. They support preschool and primary school curriculums in
that children can use loose parts to help in understanding and comprehension of mathematics, physical
sciences, language and literacy, art, as well as movement and music.
2. What materials did the educators use to “frame” the children’s work? List two other ideas you have
to frame the children’s creations and constructions.
From the videos, we are able to identify what the educators choose to use in order to support children’s
learning. Materials such as authentic wooden building blocks, kitchen utensils, pinecones, sticks, leaves,
mesh material, as well as dirt, can help in the development of a young child’s imagination, language,
cooperation, and other life-long skills.
A particular idea that I would like to propose, in order to frame the children’s developing creations are
the additions of toy animals, whether wild or domestic, or implementations of construction toys such as
cranes, dump trucks, measuring tapes, etc. For a young child, they are merely toys, while for educators,
it can be used in the observation of how children interact with them. Perhaps the animals will be used in
the creation of a zoo, and perhaps without adults knowing, the children already have the very basic
knowledge of how construction toys are meant to function.
3. What new materials did you notice in the video that you hadn’t thought about using?
The majority of the materials shown in the video are objects that I have used before or am currently
using in the education of children. The only one in particular that I have never tried is the usage of mesh
material. Within the video, the children use this to create houses and tents: an idea that I really enjoy,
and I wonder, if I implement these new mediums, will the children react positively to it? How will they
incorporate it into their play?
4. What do you like about using loose parts in early learning programs?
I highly value the use and involvement of loose parts in my programs, as they provide children with
endless opportunities in the creation and expansion of prior skills they have. In my center in particular, I
have observed positives responses from children, from the moment where they are initially getting
accustomed to the new object, as well as when they begin to use their imagination in the usage of these
materials. It is something the children will not become bored of, as there is no one correct way to play
with them, it is merely up to their own interpretation.
5. What do you still wonder about with the concept of using loose parts?
One concern I have regarding these loose parts and children, are the age groups that are able to play
with them. Due to the fact that these materials may vary in color, texture and sizes, it is not particularly safe to leave them in the presence of younger children. Is there a method in which we can provide those of whom are younger the same experience in order to meet their developmental demands?
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help