Loose Parts in Action: The Essential How-To Guide

by Lisa Daly

Overview

The essential how-to guide for loose parts. 

Take loose parts from inspiration to implementation with this practical, easy-to-use loose parts manual from Lisa Daly, coauthor of the best-selling and award-winning Loose Parts series. Loose Parts in Action provides specific instructions and a step-by-step process for infusing loose parts into early learning environments, to make implementing loose parts simple and approachable for educators in programs of all types. With Loose Parts in Action, anyone can bring the beauty and imagination-rich possibilities of loose parts to their program to spark children’s curiosity and learning. 

Learn how to:

• Foster children's engagement and learning with loose parts
• Make a plan to incorporate loose parts into your program
• Collect loose parts, including involving families and community resources
• Attractively display and store loose parts

Includes interactive opportunities such as reflections, exercises, action plans, and assessment tools to help you adapt loose parts to your own setting.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781605547947
Publisher:	Redleaf Press
Publication date:	10/10/2023
Pages:	88
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Lisa Daly is professor emerita of early childhood education at Folsom Lake College, a child and family advocate, author, consultant, and presenter. Lisa has over 40 years of service as a classroom educator and administrator in preschool, parent co-operative, and college lab settings. Her professional work is centered around collaborating with educators to shift teaching approaches and transform learning environments to support children's identities, inquiry, and engagement. Lisa is the author of Transforming Your Outdoor Early Learning and coauthor of Early Learning Theories Made Visible and the award-winning Loose Parts series with Redleaf Press. 

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 

Introduction: Why Loose Parts in Action? 

What’s the Purpose of Loose Parts in Action?  

How to Use Loose Parts in Action 

Chapter 1: Loose Parts Overview 

Why Are Loose Parts So Appealing? 

Types of Loose Parts 

Benefits of Loose Parts 

Chapter 2: Preparing the Way 

Understand the Allure of Loose Parts 

Transform Your Thinking 

Chapter 3: Getting Started 

Determine Which Loose Parts to Add 

Identify Resources  

Enlist Help and Involve Families 

Quantity of Loose Parts 

Collection Phase 

Long-Term Storage 

Helpful Storage Facts 

Mindful Retaining, Storing, and Discarding 

Safety and Cleanliness 

Chapter 4: Preparing the Environment 

Clear the Way 

Exchange Materials 

Select Containers 

Display Loose Parts  

Chapter 5: Introducing Loose Parts 

Anticipate the Excitement Factor 

Introduce One Loose Part at a Time 

Start with Bigger, Durable Loose Parts 

Observe Children’s Engagement 

Prepare Children 

Chapter 6: Facilitating Loose Parts Play 

Preparing the Environment  

Fostering Engagement 

Think Function 

Facilitating and Extending Learning 

Documenting Learning 

Chapter 7: Frequently Asked Questions 

How Do I Introduce Loose Parts? 

How Do I Store Loose Parts? 

What If Children Do Not Play with the Loose Parts? 

How Do I Encourage Cleanup? 

How Might I Stop Arguments over Loose Parts? 

What If Children Transport Loose Parts? 

How May I Prevent Disrespectful Use of Loose Parts? 

How Often Do I Need to Rotate Loose Parts? 

Are Loose Parts Put Away after Children Play or Left Out? 

How Do I Clean Loose Parts? 

Do Any Traditional Early Childhood Materials Remain in a Loose Parts Environment? 

How Do Loose Parts Environments Meet Environment Rating Scales Criteria? 

Appendix A: Family Letter Template 

Appendix B: Discovering Children’s Interests 

Appendix C: Loose Parts Indoor Inventory List 

Appendix D: Loose Parts Outdoor Inventory List 

Appendix E: Loose Parts Outdoor Tidying Up and Maintenance Schedule