What is an example of a natural material that could be used in play experiences?
Tierra Langosh
2025-07-20 06:02:14
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Some of my favourite natural loose parts for open-ended play include:
Leaves
Flowers
Shells
Sticks
Grass
Pinecones
Gumnuts
Sand
Dirt
Feathers
Seeds and seed pods
Rocks and pebbles
Wood cookies and offcuts
The term ‘loose parts’ was first used in 1971 by an architect named Simon Nicholson.
To put it simply, loose parts are found or collected objects or materials that can be removed, manipulated and adapted during play.
There’s something pretty magical about natural loose parts and the best part – they’re FREE and can be used for lots of fun invitations or for some open-ended play.
My favourite place to find affordable loose parts?
Outside!
We have a collection of natural loose parts available for our children to use for their own small world play in our playroom as well.
Russ Leuschke
2025-07-13 19:37:52
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: 18
Pebbles are a great resource to use for exploring different themes and sorting accordingly. When you really look at pebbles, you discover that they can be rough or smooth and usually vary in colour, tone and shade. A fun game to play with pebbles is to try stacking them in a tower. This will encourage the development of problem-solving skills and logic as children will have to think about the best pebbles to use from the bottom to the top if they want their tower to stay standing. Shells are an excellent resource to prompt discussions about patterns and detail. Pine cones, acorns and conkers can be used as props within their role play. Sticks are an excellent resource for opportunities to count, compare and measure, build and practise mark-making in mud or sand. Give a child a stick and it instantly transforms into anything their imagination allows for – a witch’s broomstick, a sword for a knight, a wizard’s magic wand.
Mike Kassulke
2025-07-06 11:11:27
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: 15
Natural materials like wood, stones, sand, shells, and leaves provide a wide range of sensory experiences. Children can touch, smell, and explore these materials, which can enhance their sensory development. Collect a diverse range of natural materials such as rocks, shells, sticks, leaves, pinecones, acorns, and various types of wood. Be sure to choose items that are safe and non-toxic. Use natural materials as loose parts in play spaces. Loose parts are materials that can be moved, combined, and transformed in various ways. This approach encourages creativity and problem-solving. Natural materials can be used for counting, sorting, and pattern-making activities, promoting cognitive development. Manipulating natural materials, such as digging in sand or stacking stones, enhances fine and gross motor skills.
Eden Moore
2025-06-26 15:54:02
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: 16
Natural learning resources can be used to explore colour, pattern, texture and sensory play.
Find Natural Materials resource collections for 3-4yrs and 4-5yrs for a rapid, ready made continuous provision solution.
Choose from a wide range of open-ended transient resources including mini pumpkins, wood pieces, shells and river gems to encourage children to explore shape, space, pattern, colour and texture of the loose parts using enhancement trays or a lightboard.
Add open-ended natural materials to story trays as scenery for small world fairies and woodland animals for example, to develop storytelling language and imaginative play.
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