What is Loose Parts Play

LPP is our new regular programme of drop-in sessions aimed at pre-school children aged 2-5 years, and their grown-ups.

Loose parts play is a type of open-ended play where children interact with a collection of movable materials and objects, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. It allows children to manipulate and transform the materials in various ways without specific instructions or pre-determined outcomes. They are free to explore!

‍Key aspects of loose parts play:‍

-Open-ended materials: Loose parts are materials that can be moved, combined, taken apart, and used in many different ways, without specific instructions on how to use them. 
-Child-led exploration: The focus is on the child's imagination and creativity, with minimal adult guidance or direction. 
-Real-world learning: Loose parts can be found in natural environments, in everyday objects, or in play spaces, offering a connection to real-world experiences. 
-Benefits for development: Loose parts play promotes creativity, problem-solving, social skills, critical thinking, and physical development. 

Examples of loose parts:‍

-Natural: Sticks, stones, leaves, sand, water, shells, shadows.
-Synthetic: Cardboard boxes, rope, fabric scraps, buttons, beads, containers, netting.
-Everyday: Toys, balls, building blocks, measuring tools, cooking utensils, clothes, jewellery, packaging materials.
-Building materials: planks, crates, guttering.
-Scrap materials: tyres, carpet offcuts, cones, bobbins, pool noodles.

Our Sessions:‍

The LPP sessions will take place at Aberdeen Art Gallery on the first Wednesday of every month, excluding January. These will be trialled as free, drop-in sessions. Adults will stay and play with their children and can attend anytime between 10:30am-12:30pm. The sessions are largely unstructured.

Sessions will likely have a theme such as shape, texture, colour, pattern - with loose parts that lend themselves to exploring those themes. Some open ended activity resources, such as pattern cards, may be made available for children to utilise alongside their loose parts.

On occasion staff and volunteers may facilitate some simple activities to fit the theme, at times during the morning. These may include short stories -loose parts can help to make sense of a story and bring it to life. Audience could explore games such as roly-poly races or take on a challenge to build a den.

Excellent support and relevant guidance is provided to volunteers. Volunteers will receive an induction in to Aberdeen Archives Gallery and Museums. Staff and volunteers to attend a loose parts training session facilitated by Scrap Antics.

A fantastic, enjoyable opportunity to help and make a real difference. All assistance is greatly appreciated.

To volunteer with us/for further details please contact Amy Thomson, Volunteer Liaison Officer at email: amythomson@aberdeencity.gov.uk