Loose Parts - Fifth Edition

More natural materials were used in this version of "loose parts". Corks and small wood cubes were distributed in a haphazard fashion, across the carpet. There is an element of surprise now, when the children enter the classroom, and we hear it in their voices.

 

Presently, the children are eager to create and want to have a picture taken of every design they come up with. We value each of them, and are encouraging the children to explain more about why they are proud of their creation. As much as we want to preserve each piece, I feel we also want to move towards letting go, resilience, being in the present moment. We want the children to recognize the feelings that accompany taking a risk and creating a piece that reflects their interpretation, in the moment. 

Balance and placement were important here.

Organic shapes flowing.

 

Spatial sense revisited.

Colours of the rainbow.

"It's a Disney castle."

This child liked that this piece would start to roll, and

challenged themselves to make it taller.

Simplistic beauty.

 

We find that children are deciding to work alone, beside somebody, or collaboratively -- depending on the day. Perhaps, depending on the materials presented? And sometimes, depending on the moment.

 

There is much collaboration that takes place. The children have to share the resources -- not "hoard". They are encouraged to take from the pile as inspiration leads them. We hear that they are asking a friend to pass them an item, or asking if they could use something in particular when finished. And when our time has passed and it's time to clean up, more skills are exercised. Bins are placed in the centre of the carpet, sorting occurs, and they move like waves in the ocean --  ebb and flow. This allows for more continuous movement and a relatively quick clean up.

 

We took a risk and embarked on a new project. We are so glad we did! There is so much to be gained through this open-ended exercise. The children love it, and everyday we discover more reasons to continue with this initiative.

 

Thank you for visiting our atelier.