History of Loose Parts Play:
In 1972 an architect, Simon Nicholson, created the Theory of Loose Parts. Basically, in this theory Nicholson stated that children use loose parts or objects to create and re-create whatever scenario they wish in their play. These objects might be rocks, buttons, thread spools, agate, tree cookies, sticks, keys, etc. Children use whatever objects they have collected to build, rebuild, design and redesign whatever they desire. The objects should be safe for the child’s age such as large materials if a young child is the one playing.
Loose Parts and the Bible
This theory is really nothing new as children have been using materials in their environment for years to create their own play. A revival of this theory has taken shape over the last few years as we have seen commercialism take over the toy industry. Loose Parts Play Theory is better for a child’s imagination and has a definite place in early education Bible learning. The activity below is a great one for teaching God’s love. The Jesus’ Disciples Peg People activity is a great review activity. Both activities fill a physical need as they let a young child dump and fill which is another way to create and re-create.
Activity:
For a home activity, you would double stick tape pictures of your child and your family to whatever loose parts materials you choose to use. In a Bible classroom, you would double stick tape pictures of the children in your classroom as well as the teachers to the loose parts. As always, we encourage laminating the pictures for later use. On two bowls, tape pictures of your house for the home activity or of the church building for the Bible classroom. The young child will dump and fill the loose parts from one bowl to the next. You may choose to provide a measuring cup as a scooper for extra fun.
As the child dumps and fills the loose parts in the bowls, you can talk about how Jesus loves each person seen on the parts that are in the house or the church building. Sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” and “Jesus Loves Me” as the children work or play. This is a great center activity for the Bible classroom.
For a great review activity, you will find a folder of pictures of the 12 Disciples that would be great to use in your Jesus and Disciples unit. These could be attached to wooden peg dolls which would be your loose parts. The pictures for the bowls could be a boat or a city. Pictures are taken from www.freebibleimages.com As the children work, discuss who the disciples were and what their jobs were. Sing, “Jesus Called Them One by One”.
