In their book, Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children, Lisa Daly and Miriam Beloglovsky offer this observation:
"Young children are often quick to pick up on new sounds in their environment, and they typically enjoy and are intentional in making music. They differentiate between musical sounds and adapt them to create a specific rhythm or pitch. They move their bodies as they explore sound, thus realizing that touch and movement changes the sound they produce. Children are fascinated by all types of sounds, from water flowing in a water wall to the sound they make when banging a pot or a pan. Sound gives children the opportunity to develop listening skills, understand scientific concepts, and explore their own sound and music-making abilities. Sound offers children a vehicle for self-expression.
"Loose parts provide children with multiple opportunities to create sound and music. They support the whole child and children's desire to use language and body movement to express their ideas. Creating a sound garden invites exploration. Banging on a variety of pots, pans, bells, and metal trays allows children to release their emotions... ."
Loose parts are natural or synthetic, found, bought, or upcycled materials — acorns, hardware, stones, aluminum foil, fabric scraps, for example — that children can move, manipulate, control, and change within their play. Loose parts are alluring and beautiful. They capture children's curiosity, give free reign to their imagination, and encourage creativity.
With more than 550 color photographs of many kinds of loose parts in real early childhood settings, classroom stories, and a dynamic overview, this book provides inspiration and information about the ways loose parts support open-ended learning, enhance play, and empower children. With loose parts, the possibilities are endless.
Comments (3)
Displaying All 3 CommentsHouse of Neuville Jewels
Dallas, Texas, United States
We would have large group time every day, and some days it would be the day for parade day, which usually starts by putting out musical instruments in the circle and then allowing children to spontaneously choose their instrument and parading around the classroom usually ensued. Sometimes a song is chosen to sing or the children request a song from their favorites that can be played along with the instruments and the parade. It gets loud and very celebratory, but it worth it!!! An intro to the musical instruments early on in the year can be accomplished by passing each instrument around the circle, so that each child could hold and play the instrument, and then pass it on. Lots of language happens with this activity and exploration!
Choices for Children
south lake tahoe, ca, United States
Lisa's book sounds amazing!
As a multilingual parent I can share my daughter's experience in learning French and Spanish vocabulary revolved around sounds and rhythm. I used to sing to her in French when she was a baby and now she knows all those words and can apply them in the right context.
The sound garden sounds appealing and great to keep bears a way too:)
Creative minds cdc
San jose, Ca, United States
Loved the book Loose Parts,it feels like it feeds my soul as a teacher! Great pictures!
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