Do you want to foster creativity, problem-solving, and imagination in young children? Learn how and why to get started with Loose Parts Play.
Handwriting has never been easy to teach to kindergartners, but it is in the Common Core Standards that they learn how to print letters correctly. Each year I have tried through the traditional ways of working on fine motor skills the first half and then formal handwriting sheets the second half of the year. It never worked so this year I tried something new... An inquiry about lines! I asked the kids what kind of lines they knew of. At first they drew straight lines, but then started to expand the types of lines they made! We read some books and watched some videos on YouTube that showed us different lines and also gave them names. I put out provocations for them to explore lines in many different ways and see what they noticed and what connections they made. I put out invitations for them to use lines to make letters, shapes, designs, pictures and numbers: They explored! They are doing activities to build strong finger muscles to help with handwriting and explore lines at the same time! Our clay is quite hard and they have to work it to soften it up. Plus, manipulating the pipe cleaners helps work those fine motor skills! Through this simple inquiry, the kids are much more aware of the different types of lines and how to make them. They are recognizing them in letters, shapes, numbers and pictures. So far, I am seeing an improvement compared to previous years in their names as they try to form the letters the correct way. More are pulling down vertical lines rather than pulling up when making letters but for some this is a hard habit to break! We will keep working on it in developmentally appropriate ways and we will see as the year goes on if this knowledge of lines will help them with the common core standard of writing letters correctly! Here are some other things the kids have been doing in our room during this inquiry! Dots! We celebrated International Dot Day and celebrated creativity! Ken Robinson said that creativity is as important as literacy and I cannot stress enough how true that is! Employers want creative and critical thinkers so these skills need to be emphasized! Here are some pictures of some invitations to be creative and our final display of creativity! In Literacy, we have been focusing on letters and letter sounds. They have been using their names and the names of their friends to help them to recognize letters and their sounds. The invitations at the beginning of the year focused mostly on exploring letters and names. Working lavender into this play-dough also made this a great sensory experience as they used it to explore letters and try to spell their name and friends names. They have been working on the concepts of print as they learn letters and sounds through letter books. They have been practicing starting in the right place, pointing to the words and going in the right direction when they read. When they partner read, one is the reader, the other is the helper so they have to listen and watch closely, then they switch roles. In math we have been exploring numbers counting objects and matching them to the number. We also have been exploring measurement. In math we are also exploring shapes and their properties. In science, they have been working on looking closer, wondering and documenting what they notice. I set out invitations for them to explore and practice these skills. It has been a very full first month! It is amazing how far the kids have come! Stay tuned to find out what the kids are creating for our math area!
Learn shapes using loose parts Use your nature loose part shape cards and posters to learn shapes in a tactile, hands-on way! Use these resources to help children make their own shapes inside on the nature table or outside. Reinforce their knowledge using the nature loose parts shape posters. WHAT'S INCLUDED? ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ** 16 Nature Loose Parts Shape Cards ** 1 labeled poster with all shapes ** 1 (not labeled) poster with all shapes PAGES: 6 PDF format: A4 & 8.5 x 11-inch Download, print, and enjoy! Simply download, print, and enjoy! USES ::::::::::::::::::::: In your classroom In your child's playroom on a nature table! Print as many times as you'd like! -For Personal / one classroom/ Non-Profit Use only ***No digital product resales allowed*** These files can be printed at home, at your local print shop, or with your favorite online printer. Colours may vary from printer to printer. I highly recommend printing the file onto thicker, recycled paper, instead of laminating (eco-friendly). YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Nature Number Bundle Nature Yoga Cards (with real children) Nature Sensory Wheels FOLLOW ME for more classroom inspiration!! >> Instagram >> Pinterest >> Facebook Or check out our website >> WWW.MOTHERNATURED.COM I hope you enjoy this resource as much as I do. If you have any questions, please email me! [email protected] Copyright © Mother Natured All rights reserved by the author. Permission to copy for single classroom use only. Electronic distribution is limited to single-classroom use only. Your kids will love learning shapes with this hands-on fun! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Explore wildly, Penny x
ease see below shipping information before purchasing this product. Fun2 Messy Tray is an activity tray for sensory drawing, loose parts play, and organising and storing small beads. Set includes 4 trays. (Yellow, Blue, Red and Green) Dimensions: 250mm x 30mm deep Our Early Learning Range Stimulate and develop your children’s senses. Our curated range of early learning and classroom resources are designed to engage, provoke and develop the 5 senses. We stock a wonderful range of resources that are perfect for fine motor activities such as play panels, puzzles, block play, threading, weaving and lacing encourage hand/eye co-ordination and cognitive development. We also have a beautiful range of puppets and felt pretend play from Tara Treasures and Juni Moon which are perfect for the development of language and communication. We also have a fabulous range of sensory and messy play bases and accessories, gross motor ride ons and bikes/trikes, dolls and home corner play resources. Please note: this item is shipped directly from our wonderful Australian distributor. Shipping direct is music to Mother Earth's ears, as it is an eco-friendly game-changer! By reducing unnecessary transportation, it cuts down on carbon footprints and gives our planet a well deserved breather. In turn, this item is not eligible for free click and collect and is exempt from any free shipping offers. Shipping costs are as per the below table. Due to system restrictions, a base shipping charge of $9.00 will be charged upon checkout, and exact shipping charges will be invoiced after your order is placed.
By Diane Kashin and Cindy Green. Cindy and I go way back to the early nineties. As colleagues who became friends and later critical friends, we share a similar passion for anything related to early…
Natural sand classroom labels 72 labels for the Maths resources and open-ended natural objects. Downloadable pdf to print (& laminate) Provide a communication-friendly environment with these lovely labels. The children in your class will be able to access tidy-up time with ease with one label on the shelf and another hole punched with some jute string on a basket or pot. The photographs alongside the text are great for supporting with early reading too. Natural sand labels for loose parts, play dough, small world etc. coming soon... Natural sand maths resource pack also available including number lines, part part whole, subitising, clocks & more! These resources have been created by myself @awe_and_wonderful, please do not share or distribute. There is an editable bundle pack in my etsy shop should you wish to change the font or create additional labels. Follow @awe_and_wonderful on instagram for inspirational teaching ideas. Many thanks x
This Mini Bamboo Roll is perfect for children investigating rolling small objects. Using natural ...
This Bug/Insect Exploration activity is fantastic for a classroom setting, a daycare or home school environment, or as an extension to your educational learning home. Children can explore how to build a bug/insect with a variety of materials. Great for a Montessori or Reggio Emilia inspired environment. Materials Included: - Sectional organizing tray - Wooden card stand - 14 laminated bug/insect cards - Chalkboard (approx 6"x8") - Clipboard w/ paper - Small river pebbles - Large black rocks - Round wooden discs - Sticks and Toothpicks - [display mat, wicker basket, crayons, and chalk are NOT included] Suggestions for use: - Place this work in a place for your child/children to easily access - Let them explore without any directions - Use this in conjunction with a Spring/Insect unit - Provide book about bugs/Insects for further exploration Important Information: - Recommended for children ages 3+ as there are small parts. If using with young children please keep a close eye on them. - Some of these materials are made with unfinished wood and may have some exposed wood splinters.
Looking for a hands-on STEM activity that sparks creativity and problem-solving? Dive into our "Construct-A-Home" Science activity, where kids can take on six STEAM challenges using different materials to build houses, focusing on loose parts play and shapes like triangles and squares. Perfect for STEM/STEAM education, these activities encourage project-based learning, promoting critical thinking and creativity in a hands-on environment. This engaging activity set is designed to challenge children to think critically and creatively as they design and build miniature houses using a variety of materials. Experiment with six different materials to construct houses, offering a tactile and innovative way to learn about building and engineering principles. : Included worksheets guide children through the design process, helping them plan their houses and learn about different geometric shapes found in architecture. Whether in a classroom, at a science center, or during home learning, the "Construct-A-Home" science challenge provides a comprehensive platform for children to explore engineering, architecture, and math, all while having fun building their own little homes. Welcome to 52 Weeks of STEAM! A preschool and kindergarten curriculum that focuses on Science through Play-based Learning. Perfect for science corners, classroom stations, or home schooling! Each week includes: · Weekly Lesson Overview Theme · Mini Lesson Guide · Real Photo Inspiration Card: Utilize it to spark engaging conversations and cultivate curiosity, followed by the "I See, I Think, I Wonder" worksheet. · Driving Question Card: These questions guide the science project. · Extra Flashcards, Worksheets, and Activity Pages. What is STEAM? This approach promotes SCIENCE and project-based learning, cultivating a holistic understanding of the world. · S Science · T Technology · E Engineering · A Arts · M Math Why STEAM and not STEM? In early years education, we prioritize hands-on projects, including arts and crafts related to science. That's why we've incorporated an "A" for Arts into the traditional "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). By including the arts, we support creativity and encourage a well-rounded approach to learning. Low Prep Lesson Planning: Just print, set up, and add your materials. With 52 pre-planned science projects, each week offers a simple, fun, and exciting exploration of various science topics! Perfect for home schooling and any educator looking for a NEW year of SCIENCE PLAY! FREE - Don't forget to download! Discover FREE resources in the TPT categories to add to your teaching experience and provide even more engaging learning opportunities for your students. Connect with Learning Through PLAYtrays Facebook Instagram BLOG TUFF TRAYS 2024 Copyright ©Learning Through PLAYtrays Permission to copy for single classroom use only. Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.
"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."
...by architect, Simon Nicholson was published. It outlined the benefits of, and the need for children to participate in, loose parts play.
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20 pages of My nature journal book, nature book, nature journal worksheets, outdoor activities for kids, explore nature with children, Nature Scavenger Hunt, loose parts Scavenger Spend good time with your children by going explore nature with my nature journal book Let’s kids have fun with this nature exploration activity workbook total 20 pages 1. Scavenger Hunt: Hunt nature. 2. Colors in nature. What colors do you encounter in nature? 3. Explore nature what animals did you find? How many of them? 4. Examine the trees and leaves. 5. Art activity: tracing trees and leaves. 6. Summary you feeling while the exploration 7. Draw a map of the route you have surveyed. Practice skills in observation, remembering, all 5 senses, writing, telling stories, drawing, as well as having good experiences.
YES, you can use loose parts with infants and toddlers in your early year setting. Read this blog to find lists & loads for inspiration.
Teaching children about their emotions and feelings is very important and crucial in early childhood development. These beautiful, natural faces portray a number of emotions and feelings that can be used in your classroom to support your students. There are a number of ways that these resources can be used in your classroom: Children can use them to create their own emotion / feeling faces using natural materials eg: stones, sticks, flowers, leaves, seeds etc. These can be sourced by you or by the students on nature walks or outdoor play time. An emotional morning check in station or feelings thermometer Calm down tools and naming emotions Visual reminders Emotion / Feeling center match Emotion/ Feelings bingo
Letter recognition practice for toddlers and preschoolers using rocks! Simple kids activity that helps children learn letters with loose parts through play.
Discover the magic of introducing loose parts to infants and toddlers with 3 simple steps. Foster creativity, exploration, and development.
Farm Finds Natural Loose parts alphabet cards. With Earth Day coming about, my daughter and I set about to find lots of different natural elements at my parents farm to create an alphabet from nature. They are set up on an A3 page, with six cards per page. These cards can be laminated or backed on card (for a more sustainable option) and hung in the classroom, at home, or at an event of your choosing. Mostly, I have used these in the classroom or at home as a resource to inspire children's learning, with early literacy in mind as well as wonderment about nature around them. Often loose parts are encouraged to be used with these cards. Please not screen and printing colours may vary. I hope you love them as much as I have loved making them!
The perfect addition, or beginning to, your tinkering area! A great way to build manual dexterity and fine motor skills, children will love exploring these pre-drilled wooden tinkering blocks. There’s plenty of extra challenge available too as the hole sizes vary to allow for different screws. 10 pieces 25mm x 25mm x 20cm. 10 pieces 25mmx 10mm x 20cm. 10 pieces 25mm x 10mm x 10cm. Includes nuts and bolts. 5yrs+. Adjustable spanners are not included.
SET OF 2, Retro Trump Pen Beads, Funny President Shirt Focal Beads, Trump 2024 Focal Pen Bead, Silicone Shirt Beads, Daddy Trump Focal Beads Bead Size: 30mm x 26mm Material: 100% Food Grade Silicone DISCLAIMER: ★ Beads can pose a choking hazard. Children should never be left unattended with loose beads!! ★ Adult supervision is required at all times. ★ Products that contain small parts may pose a choking hazard and should not be used by children under 6yrs or left in reach of any child or pet. ★★ Choking Hazard- Small Parts ★★ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 6 yrs. ★★ CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS BE SUPERVISED WITH AN ADULT ★★ NEVER LEAVE ITEMS WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS ★★ Consumer assumes all responsibility of purchase and uses the items at their own risk★★ ★ Every effort is made to accurately represent colors as accurately as possible!! ★ Color variations may occur due to differences in computer monitor or mobile device settings!! ★ For more silicone beads, please visit below: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MandysCraftingShop
Use these line and pattern mats with loose parts (stones, counters, play dough, math manipulatives etc) for children to explore and make patterns. Develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as your children learn early childhood math concepts in a sensory, hands-on way. These Reggio inspired nature themed mats are the perfect base for your next play based learning invitation. THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS: List of 60 loose parts ideas. Instructions to tile print the mats so you can change the print-out size. 2 learning prompts 25 different line mats for loose parts learning provocations The learning prompts and mats are in A4 size. I recommend printing the loose parts prompts and mats in colour and at a high quality as the background pictures are stunning real life nature photos. PERFECT FOR: small group math rotations independent work early finishers busy bags or math trays numeracy centers or investigation areas. Linked to ACARA Content Descriptions: Copy, continue and create patterns with objects and drawings (ACMNA005) Investigate and describe number patterns formed by skip-counting and patterns with objects (ACMNA018) ********************************************************************* CLICK HERE to follow me You will be notified about product updates, discounts and new listings. ********************************************************************* Stay in touch with My Teaching Cupboard HERE on my blog Instagram Facebook and on Pinterest
I love loose parts. and I love lists. It was only a matter of time before I combined everything into a loose parts list! I've been collecting for years and now have a lot of the basics stashed away for play and learning. That being said I am ALWAYS on the lookout for a new treasure to add to my loose parts lists. In case you are like me, I have compiled a loose parts list for all the best finds...and the list will continue to grow as I find more!
We haven't added any more parts to our loose parts but we are changing how we play with them each day. Most of our items are too heavy for ...
Loose parts bring endless options and can create a stimulating play space for kids when you have little room. Here's a list of our 10 favourite loose parts
SET of 2, Trump Girl Coquette Focal Beads, Trump Girl Social Club Coquette Shirt Bead, Republican DIY Pen Bead, MAGA 2024 Craft Beads Bead Size: 30mm x 26mm Material: 100% Food Grade Silicone DISCLAIMER: ★ Beads can pose a choking hazard. Children should never be left unattended with loose beads!! ★ Adult supervision is required at all times. ★ Products that contain small parts may pose a choking hazard and should not be used by children under 6yrs or left in reach of any child or pet. ★★ Choking Hazard- Small Parts ★★ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 6 yrs. ★★ CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS BE SUPERVISED WITH AN ADULT ★★ NEVER LEAVE ITEMS WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS ★★ Consumer assumes all responsibility of purchase and uses the items at their own risk★★ ★ Every effort is made to accurately represent colors as accurately as possible!! ★ Color variations may occur due to differences in computer monitor or mobile device settings!! ★ For more silicone beads, please visit below: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MandysCraftingShop
