Collection: Loose Parts and Pretend Play Resources

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

In 1972, architect and artist Simon Nicholson developed the Theory of Loose Parts; the idea that loose parts, materials which can be moved around, designed and redesigned, and tinkered with; create infinitely more opportunities for creative engagement than static materials and environments.

Loose parts are open-ended materials. These resources are fantastic for learning as children can adapt, move, design and transform in many different ways.

They can be moved, combined, redesigned, lined up, taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. The more flexibility a material or space has, the more opportunities these variables have for children’s creative experimentation!

Loose Parts play encourages children to make, create, problem solve and hypothesize. Loose parts have no instructions, no predetermined rules – the perfect accessory for play in childhood - at home and in classroom settings. When children are playing with loose parts, sustained and focused learning is often observed, and the agency of the child is clear.