3 Ways to Add Loose Parts to Winter Play

“In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity and the possibility of discovery are directly proportional  to number and kind of variables in it.’ Simon Nicolson

Loose Parts are by far one of my favorite tools to use when teaching outdoors. I find it especially challenging during the winter months to sustain Outdoor Learning Stations that capture children’s imaginations for intentional play. I get caught up in how cold it is and forget that adding loose parts to the Outdoor Classroom can be a simple solution.

To get inspired I asked myself, “When you think of Loose Parts Play, what words do you think of?” This was a fun exercise.

• Sensory
• PatternNaturalRecycled
• Commercial
• Found
• Color
• Art
• Sound
• Imagination
• Texture
• Visual
• Mathematical

Outdoor Spaces change dramatically in winter; therefore, taking an inventory of your outdoor spaces during this time is really important. How are children are using this space differently during these colder months? Do you have any outdoor learning stations that entice curiosity and wonder? or does your outdoor space feel empty and cold?

Loose Parts are a brilliant way to transform any space, in any season. Loose Parts invite children to invent, create, and discover. Here are 3 ways to add Loose Parts to Winter Play.

1. BUILDING

• Is there a place for children to build outdoors during the winter?
• What loose parts could you add for building outdoors?
• What loose parts could you add for children to make animal homes for hibernating?

2. ART

• Can children enjoy art outdoors during the winter months?
• Do you have an outdoor table for children to work on?
• What loose parts could you add for patterning, texture and color art outdoors?

3. SCIENCE

• Is there a place for children to experiment?
• Do you have a Mud Kitchen? Weather Station? Bird Sanctuary?
• What loose parts can you add for mathematical and scientific experiments?

Now I want to hear from you. Did you try any of these ideas? If so, how did it come out? Did you notice a change in the behavior of the children and how the approached play? Share your comments below.

Do you want to learn more? Come join our community of Natural Teachers and play with us in the Exploring Nature in Winter e-Workshop. Learn more.