The Power of Playing with Loose Parts
Table of Contents
You might have heard your child’s ECE teacher mention loose parts, but what does that actually mean?
Sometimes, the most powerful learning comes not from expensive toys or flashing gadgets, but from the simplest, everyday objects around us. At Treetops Early Learning Centres, we believe that children don’t need toys that tell them how to play – they need the freedom to discover how to play for themselves.
Think about it: how often have you bought a shiny new toy, only for your child to lose interest within a couple of hours? Yet give them a cardboard box, an empty toilet paper roll, or a pile of stones – and they’ll play for hours on end. That’s the beauty of loose parts play.
Loose parts are open-ended materials that children can move, arrange, combine, and reimagine in countless ways. They might include natural items like sticks, shells, and stones, or everyday objects such as fabric, wooden blocks, cardboard tubes, and bottle tops. With no fixed purpose, these materials invite curiosity, creativity, and experimentation.
At our Treetops childcare centres in East – and South Auckland, loose parts play is a key part of our teaching philosophy – and a powerful tool in early childhood development.
Why Loose Parts Matter in Early Learning
Incorporating loose parts into play nurtures a wide range of developmental skills:
- Creativity and Imagination
Children build, explore, and invent their own stories – developing creative thinking and problem-solving along the way. - Social Skills and Communication
Loose parts play encourages tamariki to share ideas, take turns, and collaborate with others. - Confidence and Independence
With no “right” or “wrong” way to play, children are free to take risks, experiment, and gain confidence in their own ideas. - Physical Development
Handling and manipulating a variety of objects strengthens both fine motor and gross motor skills.
Encouraging Loose Parts at Treetops
Our early learning teachers thoughtfully curate the environment with a variety of loose parts to inspire children every day. At our East Auckland and South Auckland centres, you might see tamariki:
- Building imaginary worlds with fabric, crates, and sticks
- Making music from shells, empty yoghurt tubs, and stones
- Creating with ribbons, pegs, and cardboard
- Designing obstacle courses with planks, tyres, and boxes
This hands-on, imaginative style of play aligns beautifully with New Zealand’s Te Whāriki early childhood curriculum, which values exploration, communication, and a child’s right to learn through play.
Loose Parts Play: A Perfect Fit for Busy Families
In today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world – loose parts play offers a calming, enriching alternative. Our learning environments are designed to help children slow down, explore their interests, and connect meaningfully with the world around them.
Many parents have shared how their children have become more focused, curious, and confident after engaging in loose parts play at Treetops. It’s a beautiful way for children to develop essential life skills – while having fun at the same time.
Age-Appropriate Loose Parts You Can Use At Home
Loose parts play looks different at each stage of early development. Here’s a guide to help you choose age-appropriate loose parts for your child, from toddlers to preschoolers.
Child Safety: Always supervise your child during loose parts play. Be mindful of small items or sharp edges that could pose a risk – especially for younger tamariki who are still exploring with their mouths. Children are quick and curious, so it’s important to stay one step ahead to ensure safe, enjoyable play.
1–2 year olds
Focus: Sensory exploration, grasping, stacking, and mouthing-safe items.
- Large fabric pieces like scarves
- Wooden spoons or soft utensils
- Cardboard boxes (no sharp edges)
- Plastic containers with lids
- Large smooth stones (supervised use)
- Large pinecones
- Big pegs or clothespins
- Silicone muffin trays or cupcake holders
- Sponges and soft brushes
3–4 year olds
Focus: Sorting, stacking, building, imaginative play.
- Cardboard tubes and egg cartons
- Shells, large pebbles
- Ribbons, string, and soft rope
- Wooden blocks
- Natural items like sticks, leaves, and flowers
- Plastic bottle caps
- Washed smooth-edged tins
- Cloth napkins or tea towels
- Old pots and pans
- Pegs, scoops, and funnels
4–5 year olds
Focus: Complex imaginative play, designing, problem-solving, role play.
- Feathers, beads, and buttons
- Pipe cleaners and washi tape
- Corks, rubber bands, and string
- Mini crates
- Measuring cups and kitchen tools
- Washed plastic containers or tins for building
- Small boxes for constructing “machines” or homes
- Large fabric offcuts for costumes or forts
- Nature items for pattern-making and storytelling
Final Tip for Parents
Encourage your child to take the lead in loose parts play. Provide a selection of materials in baskets or trays and watch their creativity unfold. There’s no “wrong” way to play – just opportunities to explore, imagine, and discover.
For parents interested, Dr Vicki Hargraves wrote a blog where she discusses her findings from research on open-ended loose part play materials.
Come and Experience It for Yourself
With over 21 years of experience, Treetops Early Learning Centres have helped hundreds of children thrive through meaningful, play-based learning. Our centres in East Auckland and South Auckland are proud to offer a nurturing, imaginative environment where loose parts play is part of everyday learning.
Book a tour today and discover how loose parts can spark a lifelong love of learning in your child.
