The term “loose parts” has grown in popularity recently as educators and parents have rediscovered this timeless approach to play. Loose parts play can be as simple as finding a stick and using it in play or it can take a more complex approach to open ended landscapes. The term “loose parts” became popular with the Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson. He advocated for movable items in outdoor play settings in his work as a landscape architecture. Today, the term is ambiguous with some guiding principles: open ended materials and lots of options.

Living Inquiries:
Well-being and belonging.
Engagement with others, materials, and the world.

Pathways:
Interests and inquiries.
Knowledge and theories.
Spaces, objects, and materials.

Suitable for students, parents, adult instructors/administrators, intermediate and experienced early care and learning professionals working with children of all ages, from infants/toddlers to school age children, including children with extra support needs.

Facilitator: Dr. Carla Gull.
Carla is an online instructor for beginning courses at the University of Phoenix. She has been in education for over 20 years and hosts the Facebook group Loose Parts Play and the podcast Loose Parts Nature Play. She leads professional development and academic research in outdoor classrooms, loose parts, tree climbing, and nature play.

Register here: https://www.wstcoast.org/workshops