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Hand strengthThinking playMaking and imagining

Loose Parts Invitation

An open tray of unrelated open-ended objects (corks, rings, shells, cloth) is set out with no instructions for the child to combine freely.

Cartoon illustration of a parent and child at home doing Loose Parts Invitation.
  • Age3 to 6 years
  • Time15 to 30 minutes
  • EnergyCalm
  • CostFree
  • WhereIndoors or out
  • Prep5 min

You set out a tray of unrelated open-ended objects and let your child combine them however they imagine, with no instructions and no right way to do it. What they make is entirely theirs.

How to do it

  1. Gather a mix of open-ended objects (corks, rings, shells, scraps of cloth, lids, buttons larger than 3cm) into a tray or basket.
  2. Set the tray in front of your child on a clear floor space or low table.
  3. Say only that they can use any of it however they like, then step back.
  4. Resist directing. If they ask what it is for, turn it back by asking what they would like to make.
  5. When they finish, invite them to tell you about what they made before tidying the pieces away.

What you need

  • Tray
  • Loose parts
  • Clear surface

Make it yours

Younger, 3-4 years: Offer fewer, larger objects and expect exploring and sorting more than building. Older, 5-6 years: Add a few connectors (tape, string) so pieces can be joined into bigger creations. Siblings: Give each child their own tray, or pool the objects and let them build a shared scene.

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