Loose Parts Nature Play: Recent Episodes
Dr. Carla Gull
Building creativity one leaf and bolt at a time.
Join Dr. Carla Gull, educator and mother of four boys, as she talks about getting outside and exploring loose parts.
Outside School on Facebook
Outside School Website
Bandana Bears
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
NINPA
Environmental Kinship Guide
Nature-based Early Childhood Assessment & Guidebook
Midwest Early Childhood Educator Conference—Oct 26, 2024
Consulting Services
gesslermegan@gmail.com
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Join me in a recap of the Natural Start Alliance Conference! Unfortunately, we lost a few voices from the field due to technical issues, but I am grateful for ALL that contributed—I enjoyed getting to know you! There are so many doing great work to help connect children and nature!
Natural Start Alliance
Natural Start Alliance Conference
Outdoor Learning School and Store
Outdoor Early Learning Alliance of Oregon
Down to Earth Forest School
Nature Play Sign
Nature-based Early Childhood Program Assessment and Guidebook
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Loose Parts Play Group discussion on the topic
Kara Ketter Autistic Educator
April’s Teaching Tree—NOW Nature Inspired Teacher
Umbrella House
Autumn Treasure Idea
Community Plaything’s Outlast Blocks
Loose Parts STEM Kits from Kaplan
- Nature’s Geometry Toddler
- Container Play Toddler
- Texture Time Toddler
- Light and Color Toddler
- Timeless Treasures
- Inclined to Exploration
- Random Robots
- Nature’s Geometry
Loose Parts Stackable Tray Poly+ from Kaplan
Loose Parts Wooden Stacking Trays from Kaplan
Loose Parts Sorting Trays from Kaplan
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Embracing Fire as a Loose Part
OutsidePlay.org—great tool with examples!
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Learn more about an exciting new product that turns your child from the toy user to the toy maker in this conversation with Marcus Veerman from Nüdel Pod.
Nüdel Pod Kickstarter campaign
Nüdel Kart website
My previous podcast episode with Marcus
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Book: Treasure Basket Explorations
https://amzn.to/48OZsEw
Podcast Episode on Treasure Baskets
https://amzn.to/48OZsEw
Basket Options:
12” by 8” by 5” rope basket
Hyacinth Storage Basket
Round Woven Basket
Rattan Serving Tray
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
I brought a RØDE Reporter microphone to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference and asked people about loose parts! They could share anything they wanted—a thought, a tip, a frustration, a product, etc. It was so great to see and meet all of you! Check it out! I’ve tried to link what I can below.
Hear voices from the following (and more!):
Kaplan Early Learning—Check out the Loose Parts STEM kits I was part of designing!
Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center (check out our Master of Arts in Environmental Education—I direct this!)
Easter Seals Child Developmental Learning Center, Washington, DC
Orange Public Schools, NJ
Eastern Connecticut State University—Child and Family Development Resource Center, lab school
Tacoma PBS Public Television System
Nurtured Inspirations
Arkansas Department of Education
Pacific Primary, San Francisco, CA
Inspire to Impact Consulting, FL
Indian River State College, FL
CTAEYC Board
Bloomsburg University, PA
Interaction Imagination
Institute for Self-Active Education
Dr. Drew’s Discovery Blocks
Kinderoo Children’s Academy
FLAEYC Play Chapter
The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL
That Early Childhood Nerd
Ivy Tech Community College—brown paper bag
Ooey Gooey Inc.
Earth Friends
Cambridge-Ellis School
Cosy Direct
Scholar’s Choice—Tuff Trays
Tinkergarten
Bright Beginnings by Flash Furniture
Becker’s
Kodo Kids
Developing Minds
South Carolina Resource and Referral
Rise Center, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
Discount School Supply
Super Space
Percussion Play
Dimensions Education Programs, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nature Explore
Community Playthings
Constructive Playthings
Amazing Sensory Designs
First Lutheran Preschool, Ellicott City, Maryland
Childcare Resource and Referral, Tennessee
Jurassic Sands
Red Leaf Press
STRIVE Early Education Services
Little Minds Learning Academy, Michigan
Defending the Early Years
Samara Early Learning
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
20% off with code LPIA23 until November 30th, 2023.
Find the book at Redleaf Press: https://www.redleafpress.org/Loose-Parts-in-Action-The-Essential-How-To-Guide-P2795.aspx
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Facebook Post—we chatted about this!
Website
Instagram pages:
@lbo_charlotteb
@littlebarnowls
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
November 3rd—International Stonework Play Day!
Stonework Play website (Diana’s website and link to her book)
International Stonework Play guide
Stonework Play Facebook group
Stonework Play Facebook page
Rocks/Stone Book List by Carla
International Stonework Play podcast past episode with Carla
Social Emotional Learning and Loose Parts podcast episode
Deconstructive Play resources
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
How not to cheat children: The theory of loose parts
Messy Maths
Dirty Teaching
Creative Star Learning—Juliet’s website! A treasure trove of information!
Loose Parts Play Toolkit from Inspiring Scotland
Outdoor Learning and Play Facebook group
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Fascination of Fire Journal by Claire Warden
Handout (with additional links) on Loose Parts Nature Play
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Beyond Ecophobia by David Sobel
ICAN Webinar about Beyond Ecophobia
Magazine Article
Here is a pdf of a synopsis of the article
Look! Don’t Touch! Orion Magazine
Living Loose Parts Resources
Connecting Children to Animals Podcast episode
Worms, Glorious Worms Podcast episode
Animal Homes Podcast episode
Animal Architects Podcast episode
Squirrel Appreciation Podcast episode
Eggs & Nests Podcast episode
Animals in Winter Podcast episode
Animal Play
Loose Parts Nature Play Kits
Adding Plants to an Outdoor Classroom Podcast Episode
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
“Plants remind us to move in nature time” –Ruth Wilson
Naturally Inclusive by Ruth Wilson
Gryphon House
Amazon
Children & Nature Network—Connecting Children of All Abilities to Nature Play and Therapeutic Gardens
“Nature doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t make judgments. Rain falls on every child.”
—Ruth Wilson, author and Children & Nature Network research library curator
Essential Reading List
Research Digest-- Nature’s benefits for children with special needs PlayGarden Toolkit
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College
International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education
Natural Start Alliance
Books:
An Earthworm’s Life by John Himmelman
Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals
Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular by Polly Owen
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Hello, Garden Bugs: A High Contrast Book by duopress labs
How to Say Hello to a Worm: A First Guide to Outside by Kari Percival
The Worm: The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel
This is a Book to Read with a Worm by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen
We Dig Worms by Kevin McClosky
Wiggling Worms at Work by Wendy Pfeffer
Worm Weather by Jean Taft
Yucky Worms by Vivian French
The Worm Project by Illinois Early Learning Project
https://illinoisearlylearning.org/pa/projects/worm-project/
The Worms are Dancing by Alissa Lange, Lynn Lodien, and Anna Lowe in Science & Children
https://www.ecstemlab.com/uploads/4/0/3/5/40359017/langelodienlowe.pdf
Growing Up Wild—Wriggling Worms by Project Wild
https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild/growing-wild/resources/wiggling-worms
Earthworm Digging Activity for Kids by Tinkergarten
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/friends-in-low-places
The Adventures of Herman by University of Illinois Extension
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/worms/
Invasive Worms—Asian Jumping Worm https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/invertebrates/asian-jumping-worm
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Celebrating Special Days with a Loose Parts Mindset—link to the Exchange Article
Additional related podcast episodes:
Natural and Loose Parts Valentines
Autumn Treasures
Fall Fun!
Ice as a Loose Part
International Stonework Play Day
Global School Play Day
Cardboard as a Loose Part
International Mud Day
Rube Goldberg Machines
Loose Parts Inspired Books—list of related books
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Indiana Children and Nature Network Webinar Recordings
Types of Risky Play—Sandseter
What to Say Instead of Be Careful—Backwoods Mamma
When You Want to Say Be Careful—Child & Nature Alliance of Canada
Busting the Myth that We Have to Bubble Wrap Our Kids
Adventures in Risky Play—Rusty Keeler
Thank you, Dr. Joanna Spotts!
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Book: When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski
LPNP Podcast Episode—my reaction to the book
Remake Learning
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
The Fred Rogers Archives
Primanti Bros. Sandwiches
How Not to Cheat Children: The Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson
A special thanks to SLB Radio for audio help!
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Book: When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski
Pictures from the Pittsburgh Trip!
The Mattress Factory
Pittsburgh Children’s Museum
SLB Radio
Museum Lab
Carnegie Science Center
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Falling Water
Remake Learning
Light Painting
ExQuotient
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Indiana Children and Nature Network
ICAN Play 30 and Seasonal Book Chat
Book Pick: The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson
“For most of us, knowledge of our world comes largely through sight, yet we look about with such unseeing eyes that we are partially blind. One way to open your eyes to unnoticed beauty is to ask yourself, "What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?” ― Rachel Carson
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” ― Rachel Carson
“It is not half so important to know as to feel.” ― Rachel Carson
“The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil. Once the emotions have been aroused - a sense of the beautiful, the excitement of the new and unknown, a feeling of sympathy, pity, admiration or love - then we wish for knowledge about the object of our emotional response. Once found, it has lasting meaning.” ― Rachel Carson
“Many children... delight in the small and inconspicuous.” ― Rachel Carson
“It is more important to pave the way for the child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts he is not ready to assimilate.” ― Rachel Carson
“The lasting pleasures of contact with the natural world are not reserved for scientists but are available to anyone who will place himself under the influence of earth, sea, and sky and their amazing life.” ― Rachel Carson
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder … he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” —Rachel Carson
Discussion Questions:
What is a sense of wonder?
How do we regain the sense of wonder in ourselves?
How do we share the sense of wonder with our children?
How can we share and rediscover the sense of joy and wonder with children?
What other resources help you with wonder?
What’s the difference between wonder and curiosity?
If you want to witness a natural display of a sense of wonder, just observe a child. A child’s whole world is viewed through the eyes of wonder and excitement. A child has no judgements of why things are so, but rather a child is in awe of life and views life through innocence, purity and curiosity. –Mary Paleologos
Join us!
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023
8 PM – 9 PM, Eastern Time
Spring ICAN Play 30 and Balanced and Barefoot Book Chat
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Join Marcus Veerman to discuss loose parts and the Nudelkart!
Nudelkart
Resources and Manuals
Playgroundideas.org
Theory of Loose Parts: How Not to Cheat Children
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Listen to Ronnie Green share about dealing with behaviors around loose parts. Find her at:
Cultivating Confidence: Early Years Consultancy
Additional resources shared in this episode:
Michelle Thornhill Schema and Loose Parts
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
Why Get Outside with Tweens and Teens
- Less screen time
- Physically active
- Mental health
- Decreased stress
- Experience awe and wonder
- Healing power of nature
- Skill building
- Career exploration
Challenges and Opportunities
- More reliance on technology
- Seeking more independence
- Often more influenced by peers
- Developing identity
- Expanding independence
Tips for Getting Outside
- Increase adventure
- Bring along friends
- Let them plan
- Involve food!
- Family traditions
- Follow their interests
- Connect with groups
- Include technology
- Find ways to serve!
- Consider safety
Indiana Master Naturalists
The STEM Connection
Citizen Scientist Projects for Teens
Indiana Children and Nature Network—Tweens and Teens 3 webinars available!
Part 1--The STEM Connection and Indiana Master Naturalists
Part 2--Joe Pounds and Authentic Engagement
Part 3--Tips and Resources with Dr. Carla Gull from ICAN
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
- Get to know our own emotions—Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown, on HBO Max
- Recognize inherent aspect of loose parts to allow children to work out issues and meet needs.
- Specific “kit” around SEL topics—emotions, faces, etc.
- Include books around SEL in other kits, such as I’m Done in a beaver kit, Let’s Make Faces by Hanoch Piven and How are you peeling? in an emotions kit, Be a Tree in a tree kit or just on its own (see book list below).
- Create a “calm down” kit.
- Include lots of options for interacting with animals and dramatic play—puppets, costumes, fabrics, stuffed animals, plastic animals, etc.
- Tinkergarten—lots of videos, blogs, and other resources
- SEL theory
Loose Parts Nature Play Kits Podcast Episode
Loose Parts Nature Play SEL Kits Handout
Deconstructive Play Handout
Nature/Loose Parts Connected SEL Book Suggestions from Megan Gessler
*Some of Carla’s favorite books for Loose Parts that were on Megan’s list
| Developing Kinship and Empathy | Growth Mindset | Becoming Agents of Change | | A Friend to Nature Listen Stick and Stone Peace is an Offering You are never alone Here and now Outside In Wonder Walkers | Beautiful Oops Whistle for Willie Going Places The Magical Yet Flight School I am the Storm Be a Maker Ada Twist, Scientist Rosie Revere, Engineer You are a Beautiful Beginning Made by Maxine Boxitects Maybe Jabari Tries The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do | Say Something I am Courage I am One The Most Magnificent Thing What Do you do with an Idea? Chance? Problem? The Fort Seeds and Trees *Iggy Peck Architect Lala’s Words Change Sings Tree Lady |
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
The Nature Pyramid
Experience Nature:
Find a place in the park (or nature) that speaks to you. Close your eyes. Focus on the feeling of the air . . . the sounds and scents around you. When you open your eyes, notice the small details—a drop of dew, light, and shadows. Describe your experience for someone who has never been here—what did you feel, hear, smell, and see . . . Was there something you could taste? (Amy Ireland, for Kenai Fjords National Park Explorer Journal)
Also, it’s a mountain goat on the Explorer pin, not a bison! (though I did see a bison at another place)
Bonus Quote (not on the podcast episode, but in the booklet):
“What we do not see, what we do not hear, what we do not touch, we can never really know.” St. Lawrence Island Yupik Elder
National Parks Service Jr. Ranger Program
Kenai Fjord National Parks Jr. Ranger Program (They even have an app!)
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Getting Started with Loose Parts
- Recognize it is already happening!
- Play! Start playing with some items and see how else they may be used.
- Start with what you have
- Classroom Sort/Beautiful Stuff Project
- Let go of the control and let it happen
- Start with a book or prompt then get out of the way—already had some in the classroom—yes!
- Study the children/Invitations/Loose Parts Starts
- Involve CHILDREN!
- Study and READ (and LISTEN) about loose parts! Exchange articles, professional development books, etc.
- Network—Loose Parts Play group!
- What 3 things will you do in the next few weeks? Report back!
Podcast episodes to Help:
Hesitant Children—Kids Aren’t Playing
30 + Approaches to Loose Parts
7 Loose Parts Myths Exchange Article
Rethinking Loose Parts: Four Key Principles Beyond the Stuff Exchange Article
Finding Loose Parts
Autumn Treasures
Blog Posts
Professional Development Books
Read aloud loose parts books
Video from Gryphon House—junk jar, STEM bins, kits--measurement
Professional Development Opportunities with Me!
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Why Have Kits?
Grab and go
Organized materials
Find your stuff
Versatile
Accessible for more people
How to use: storytime, grab one for a hike, follow children’s interests, family days, check out at your center, send home kits, children’s free choice, rotate
Types of Kits:
Book extensions: Not a Stick, Mama Built a Little Nest, An Egg is Quiet, A Nest is Noisy
Animal focus: Woodpecker’s Wham, squirrels, beaver, insects, bird nests, spiders
Building: wooden blocks, mini bricks, cardboard tools
Play: stick play, mud kitchen, music and movement, water play, dramatic play, fort play
Natural phenomena: wind, natural loose parts, sound, gardening, senses
Art: nature play dough, watercolors or painting, paper, small loose parts, chalk, ephemeral art
General outdoor tools: tweezers, magnifying glasses, binoculars, twine, buckets, etc.
Academic/curricular: measuring, stonework play (literacy), numeracy, map making, animal architects, faces/emotions, shapes
What to Include: books, pictures, tools, “sparks” or ideas for play, puppets, materials, interesting combinations, natural items
Type of Bags/Containers: clear plastic bags, muslin drawstring backpacks, backpacks, reusable grocery totes, IKEA bags, crates, baskets, dishpans, wagon
Labels: stencils, laminated tags/pictures, fabric labels, numbered system, have children decorate, wooden laser engraved labels
Storage: hooks on a wall at child height, cart, rod with s hooks, large tubs, cubbies, outdoor shed
Funding: grants, use what you have, donations, special fundraiser, collect nature, garage sales
Tips:
- Supplement with nature found outside—use your space and nature!
- Keep an Inventory/Master List to find your materials
- Consider a checkout system for families
- Regularly purge and evaluate bags and materials
- Allow children to choose what kits to take outside each day
- Use a materials list for each bag to visually help keep everything together
- Group connected items together
- Involve children in creating kits customized for their play!
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Chelsea Forest School Stick Play http://www.chelseaforestschool.ca/index.php/en/risk-assessments/
Patrick Dougherty
http://www.stickwork.net/featured
Backwoods Mama: What to Say Instead of Be Careful
https://www.backwoodsmama.com/2018/02/stop-telling-kids-be-careful-and-what-to-say-instead.html
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network
https://www.bopn.org/post/the-importance-of-stick-play
Weapon Play
https://seecstories.com/2018/11/08/weapon-play-in-early-childhood-how-to-be-developmentally-appropriate-and-responsive-to-current-events/#:~:text=Weapon%20play%20is%20just%20one,were%20pretending%20to%20shoot%20things.
https://portland.momcollective.com/ages-stages/weapon-play/
Tinkergarten Stick Activities
- Follow the Arrows: https://tinkergarten.com/activities/follow-arrows
- Bundle of Sticks: https://tinkergarten.com/activities/pick-up-sticks
- Pickup Sticks: https://tinkergarten.com/activities/pick-up-sticks
- Build a Dam: https://tinkergarten.com/activities/build-a-dam
- Build a Wall: https://tinkergarten.com/activities/great-wall
- Go Fish: https://tinkergarten.com/activities/go-fish
Books:
Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
https://amzn.to/3xjSEhY
Not a Stick
https://amzn.to/3DP2ji5
The Clever Stick
https://amzn.to/3KoibdR
A Stick Until
https://amzn.to/3Koog9Y
Twig
https://amzn.to/376BJEZ
Max Found Two Sticks
https://amzn.to/3r8WG92
Stick Man
https://amzn.to/3NSS5lf
The Stick by Clay Rice
https://amzn.to/35PYFYv
Stick! By Irene Dickson
https://amzn.to/3JlWB8c
Mattland (going to break stick)
https://amzn.to/3Jk0Ml9
A Stick is a Wonderful Thing—poem
https://amzn.to/3jfhwiH
The Stick Book: Loads of things you can make or do with a stick Schofield and danks
https://amzn.to/3JkIct2
6 Sticks By Molly Coxe
https://amzn.to/3Jl3k2g
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Exchange Article Link: https://bit.ly/264-Gull Fire podcast episode: https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/fire-as-a-loose-part
Rethinking Nicholson’s Intent podcast episode: https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/rethinking-nicholsons-intent
Color Exploration podcast episode: https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/color-exploration
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
https://amzn.to/3u8UAqI
Roxaboxen: https://amzn.to/3qjTdEx
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Elementary STEM Con 2022 Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms on Gryphon House
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms on Amazon
Simple Machines Outdoors Podcast Episode
Rolling into Physics: Ramp Investigations Podcast Episode
Simple Machines Options on Amazon
Book:
A Stick Until
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms on Gryphon House
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms on Amazon
Light Painting Podcast Episode
Light and Reflection as a Loose Part Podcast Episode
Aff Links:
You Are the Light book
Prisms
White Umbrella
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Natural Start Alliance Holiday Book Fair
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
On Gryphon House
The Girl with the Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn Lee
Outside, You Notice by Erin Alladin
Reading Guide
What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures by Heather Montgomery
Be a Tree by Maria Gianferrari
Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer
Many are affiliate links—thanks for helping me buy more books at no cost to you!
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
https://amzn.to/3jGVdmX
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
November 3rd, but can be done anytime!
https://nurtureinnature.com.au/international-stonework-play-day/
Rocks as a Loose Part—Book list!
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/11/rocks-as-loose-part.html
A Savior is Born: Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas
https://amzn.to/3GiIOOO
He is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter
https://amzn.to/304tINw
Storytelling Campference—it was great!
https://lpnp--nurtureinnature.thrivecart.com/campference-all-access-package/615c66de557f5/
Holiday Book Fair with Natural Start Alliance—will have a free recording and list later
https://naturalstart.org/bright-ideas/holiday-book-fair-0
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
TikTok video on Stonework Play
https://www.facebook.com/carla.gull/videos/4836000479764746
What Can You Do with a Rock? By Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Kathie Kath
https://amzn.to/31wr1Vf
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
https://amzn.to/3jGVdmX
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
When classes are studying fairytales, we take it outside to create our own shelters to protect the pigs from the wolf! Move beyond the straw, sticks, and bricks for student choice and voice in their building options. The larger space and outdoor environment give us plenty of room to build, additional opportunities (up in a tree!), and less mess for cleanup.
Loose Parts Nature Play: Architecture
Pictures of the Three Little Pigs Outdoor STEM Challenge
The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
https://amzn.to/3jGVdmX
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Leaf Man (aff links)
https://amzn.to/3ntc8dD
What’s in your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures
https://amzn.to/3jDnavF
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
https://amzn.to/3jGVdmX
Beautiful Stuff: Learning with Found Materials
https://amzn.to/3pQCqcq
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Why aren’t children connecting to nature?
http://www.nwf.org/Be-Out-There/Why-Be-Out-There.aspx
Why should children connect with nature?
Quotes http://www.childrennatureandyou.org/quotes.html
Join an online challenge or group
Seasonal photo challenges http://www.goexplorenature.com/2012/12/2013-winter-nature-photo-scavenger-hunt.html
Weekly topic challenges
http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/
Outdoor family communities
http://www.childrenandnature.org/movement/naturalfamilies/
State Programs
DNR—Get Up and Go Outside
http://www.in.gov/dnr/kids/5991.htm
DNR Kids Page
http://www.in.gov/dnr/kids/5991.htm
Hoosier Outdoor Child
Indiana Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
Patch Programs—challenge, encouragement
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2418.htm
National Programs
National Parks—build them into vacations
http://www.nps.gov/index.htm
NP Webrangers
http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/
NP Junior Ranger Programs
http://www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.cfm
No Child Left Inside
http://www.eenc.org/index.php/in-the-news/no-child-left-inside
Websites
http://www.childrenandnature.org/
http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/
Outdoor study challenges
www.goexplorenature.com
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Exchange Article Link:
https://bit.ly/260-Gull-Rosengarten-Goldstein
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
https://amzn.to/2UoE2ws
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Share Tree Climbing Toolkit
Risk benefit
Consider your risk tolerance
What to Say Instead of Be Careful
July/Aug 2021 Commonly Asked Tree Climbing Questions in Exchange
Animal architects—build like the animals—podcast episode
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
https://amzn.to/2UoE2ws
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms
https://amzn.to/2UoE2ws
Definitions of Loose Parts in Early Childhood Outdoor Classrooms:
A Scoping Review
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1225658.pdf
Nurture in Nature
https://nurtureinnature.com.au/
Nicholson’s Theory of Loose Parts
https://media.kaboom.org/docs/documents/pdf/ip/Imagination-Playground-Theory-of-Loose-Parts-Simon-Nicholson.pdf
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
10 Amazing Animal Architects:
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/g518/8-amazing-architects-of-the-animal-kingdom/slide-4
Types of Bird Nests:
http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/birdnests.html
Animal Architects Podcast Episode:
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/animal-architects
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Animal Architects
IJECEE Animal Architect Book Review:
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/8._book_and_resource_review_-_animal_architects.pdf
Architecture Podcast Episode:
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/architecture
Connecting Children to Nature Podcast Episode:
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/connecting-children-to-animals
Dreaming Up:
https://amzn.to/3eodzqE
I’m Done:
https://amzn.to/3tlTi9d
Mama Built a Little Nest:
https://amzn.to/3xPqg5l
We Build our Homes:
https://amzn.to/3xSh9Rc
A Nest is Noisy:
https://amzn.to/3xRmA2P
Animal Architects:
https://amzn.to/3tplisq
Roberto: The Insect Architect:
https://amzn.to/3vQDLjz
Seaver the Weaver:
https://amzn.to/3h5xi00
Connecting Animals and Children in Early Childhood:
https://amzn.to/3tnS65g
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Early Educators’ Perspectives on Tree Climbing
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/6._gull_et_al_0.pdf
Father’s Perspective on Tree Climbing
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/fathers-perspectives-on-tree-climbing
Tree Climbing
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/tree-climbing
What to Say to Kids Instead of Be Careful
https://www.backwoodsmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/What-to-Say-Instead-of-_Be-Careful_.pdf
Book Pick:
Adventures in Risky Play: What is your Yes?
https://amzn.to/3gPv5Wn
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Children usually prefer play that stimulates their curiosity and gives free rein to the imaginations and creativity. Incorporating loose parts into the environment will enhance their natural curiosity. –Lisa Daly and Miriam Beloglovsky
Tinkergarten Color Activities
Frozen colored water on white sheet
Chalks/water/paintbrushes on dark sheet and other options
Skittles and water
Natural egg dyeing
Milk, food coloring, dish soap
Shaving cream and food coloring
Colored ice, salt, pipettes https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/ice-as-a-loose-part
Clear cup and food coloring—wanted to put it on the overhead projector
Light and color
Blacklights
Light table—transparent colored fabrics, papers, etc. https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/light-painting
Tissue paper that bleeds colors https://amzn.to/2NWZxS7
Watercolors on snow or ice
Transparent colored dividers
Self serve jars of colored water (Umbrella House—Tammy Lockwood)
Paint in a plastic baggie
Colored water spraying on white sheet
Collage
Color wheel: create out of found items/collage
Color sets/sorting—Grapat
Natural color wheel with colors we find in nature
Lights/flashlights with colors
Paint Swatches
Pipettes coffee filters https://amzn.to/3sIlyCX https://amzn.to/3rbzVzu
Glue/salt
Marbling
Liquid water colors https://amzn.to/3bacUaE
Principles:
- Allow experimentation. Get rid of the “recipe”.
- Pause for observation, wonder, and awe.
- Follow the child’s lead. I wonder if . . .
- Ask children how they might extend and explore this more. What might they use next time? What other ways might they mix and explore colors?
- Leave materials out, if possible, to allow for additional experimentation.
- Document the experience with photos, journaling, and capturing the inquisitiveness.
- Be open to color exploration in other aspects.
- Let the learning emerge rather than telling how it should happen.
Japanese Suminagashi: https://amzn.to/2MLxhS8
Color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment. –Claude Monet
I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way. –Georgia O’Keefe
Book Picks:
Mix It Up! https://amzn.to/2NWpzVB
Mixed: A colorful story https://amzn.to/3sJBTHK
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Those who do not think outside the box are easily contained. –Nicolas Manetta
Makerspace Classes—Trina Deboree
https://trina-deboree.mykajabi.com/msreg
Tips for Parents on Teenagers and Creativity:
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/creativity-and-critical-thinking/development-milestones/creative-development-adolescents.html
Light Painting
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/light-painting
Fire
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/fire-as-a-loose-part
Tinker Cart
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/tinker-carts
Rube Goldberg Machines
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/rube-goldberg-machines
Exploring Creativity and Loose Parts as Adults
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/exploring-creativity-and-loose-parts-as-adults
Book Pick:
Wreck this Journal by Keri Smith
https://amzn.to/3dhVv1e
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
52 Things Outside in Winter:
https://52thingsoutside.org/winter/ Book Pick Snowflake Bentley: https://amzn.to/3rCXMbg Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/loosepartsplay?listId=3JS6DYBFWMX0 Blog Post: https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2021/01/winter-wonderland-books.html IJECEE: https://naturalstart.org/research Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Article: https://bit.ly/256BRAP Exchange: https://www.childcareexchange.com/ Definitions of Loose Parts in Early Childhood Outdoor Classrooms: A Scoping Review - https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/6._gull_et_al._formatted_draft_v2.pdf Loose Parts Nature Play Podcast - http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ 30 Plus Approaches to Loose Parts Blog Post - http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/05/30-plus-ways-to-approach-loose-parts.html Approaches to Loose Parts Podcast Episode - http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/approaches-to-loose-parts-play Loose Parts and Intelligent Playthings Categorized by Schema - https://brucecounty.on.ca/sites/default/files/Loose%20Parts%20By%20Schema_0.pdf Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Math and Loose Parts on Amazon
Book Pick:
Messy Maths
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Special episode for the Environmental Education Association of Indiana’s Vision 2020 virtual conference!
http://eeai.org/2020-Conference
Listen to a special guest, Indiana Master Naturalist, Jim Carpenter, read his nature poetry. I was mesmerized! Hope it brings you back to dipping your toes in the water too!
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Simple Machines Outdoors Podcast:
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/simple-machines-outdoors
Rube Goldberg Machines Podcast Episode:
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/rube-goldberg-machines
Ramp Investigations Podcast:
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/rolling-into-physics-ramp-investigations
Natural Start Alliance Conference:
https://naturalstart.org/nature-based-early-learning-conference
Tinkergarten:
https://tinkergarten.com/activities
Books, Materials and Resources on Amazon
Book Pick:
Cultivating Outdoor Classrooms:
https://amzn.to/2FCaYKG
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Jean Lomino
https://forestteacher.org/
Building Observation Skills with Sit Spots
https://www.oraeyc.org/single-post/2017/12/11/Build-Childrens-Observation-Skills-with-Sit-Spots
Merry Lea NBECE Regional Network:
https://www.goshen.edu/merrylea/nature-based-early-childhood-education-regional-network/
Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature
https://amzn.to/2DF0Xev
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
- Note the children’s interest.
- Have children show/explain the interest.
- Facilitate brainstorming for extension or IRL options.
- Group/categorize ideas.
- Make the ideas visual.
- Do it! PLAY!
- Celebrate and document!
Go Wild! 101 Things to Do Before you Grow Up
https://amzn.to/2WJgJf1
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Find items mentioned at:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/loosepartsplay?listId=ZKLGAJ3PMEFW
Grab and go sets/STEM Bins
Individual sized containers
--small tackle boxes
--clear pencil boxes (back to school time)
--mesh bags
--individual plastic bags
--canvas bags when not under COVID issues
Fill the bins
--Break down larger sets
--Consider manipulatives
--use what you have
--rocks
--random stuff
--theme based
--small world items
--arts and craft products
--small cups
--dollar store craft items
--combination of materials
Rotate
--keep the same items with the same child over several days
--rotate out over 72 hours to lessen chance
Clean
--involve children in the cleaning process
--develop a process to do it quickly and efficiently
Store
--accessible
--cart
--at students’ desks
Extensions
--paper to sketch/write about what was done
--planning/report sheets
--writing extensions with space for drawing
--examples of art/design/buildings/structures
--reused and combined in many ways
--challenge and extend prompts
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Handwashing Options from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/loosepartsplay?listId=3S3JLZKB1BQ13
Information and tips from Juliett Robertson:
https://creativestarlearning.co.uk/early-years-outdoors/hand-hygiene-outdoors/
Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/creativestar/outdoor-nurseries-forest-kindergarten/hand-hygiene/
Spatap: https://spatap.com/
Tippy Tap videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gPbKvem-vg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4d1nLpqx0M&fbclid=IwAR2qbq-cwAGxv5G80ywHDnFDpiq6s-PBF1qz6fy55Get2bL5AQ0vXntuXVU
CDC suggestions: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/hand/handwashing.html
Quote: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it best, so here’s a direct quote: “Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs.”
https://www.hap.org/blog/2016/11/handwashing
Book pick:
Hey, Water! By Antionette Portis
https://amzn.to/3fwXiNM
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Slate School Education Idea Lab
https://www.facebook.com/SlateSchool/
NINPA
https://www.facebook.com/naturepreschools/
NAEYC Leadership Institute
https://www.naeyc.org/virtual-institute
Ooey Gooey Lady
https://www.facebook.com/pg/OoeyGooeyLady/videos/?ref=page_internal
Play Empowers
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1723076201149669&id=326622114128425&__xts__[0]=68.ARADM3Va87XC1jIHlTzOUpXX2757wZl5QxQZcDZLWUTzKrjlXAuYmT_aZT_DAV5yYWs0aG3QNJ9LGjwpowK1A_thmw2NlEFF4mxJLqDKeQxqDUBrcbpbD5QFX2rHNVLkHEXMwOuHJLOYaApH--MB3awuNuQiiVZcc6e5AyJw5cxAqxZPSQShQ1ba_wPxEkXx3AyIzQV7Ttegztwxw1aGOTqTaOgOl6yCHu6eJNSKoaTNpnHbFZO7D0Ibauc4QW42aHLE9KnbvY5z4nFAfjCgnfKrqGxmqBvrSHyaLyuePMLkQBDxckfbpUnZ5mfMmdtZHXbn1hduqchfOqcH0rSHzEre_Q&__tn__=-R
Rob Fox—Active Childhood UK
https://www.facebook.com/groups/545063349033409/
Transforming Challenging Behavior Conference
https://www.challengingbehaviorconference.com/
Low Cost:
Marc Armitage
Nikki Buchanan
7 Day Loose Parts Challenge
STEM Conference
Nature Preschool Conference—online
https://naturalstart.org/nature-based-early-learning-conference
Quote:
One quality of leaders and high achievers in every area seems to be a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. --Brian Tracy
Book pick (aff link):
Cultivating Outdoor Classrooms
https://amzn.to/30f17CB
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes (Netflix)
Cas Holman, Art of Design (Netflix)
Architecture Loose Parts Post:
https://www.facebook.com/TheVeryYoungExplorer/posts/1110289942676462
Building with Index Cards, Toothpicks, Playdough, and Tape:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/permalink/3201233149898283/
Books about Fort Building:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2019/01/fort-building-story-books.html
Den Making Podcast Episode:
https://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/fabric-as-a-loose-part-den-making
Book and product picks (aff links):
Rigamajig: https://amzn.to/2XCTq6w
Rigamajig Jr.: https://amzn.to/2XzTJih
Iggy Peck Architect: https://amzn.to/2X7wSKR
(great bridge!)
Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion (early chapter book): https://amzn.to/2zLsqcG
Building Up: https://amzn.to/2XcRqlj
(Loved the real life pictures of buildings, the architect profiles, and GREAT quotes by the architects!)
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Disclaimer: I am not your licensing agent or your state governing agency— please find your recommendations locally and see what might work for your space, students, and families.
Picture of preschoolers in socially distanced chalk squares while outside:
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/497617-viral-photo-shows-preschoolers-confined-to-chalk-squares-for
Find recommendations at:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html
WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1
Boulder Journey School
Virtual Dialogue Series: http://educators.boulderjourneyschool.com/virtualdialogue.html
Info for Parents: http://educators.boulderjourneyschool.com/covid-19-updates.html
Book for children around COVID 19: https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/09-04-2020-children-s-story-book-released-to-help-children-and-young-people-cope-with-covid-19
Story on social distancing for younger children: https://www.facebook.com/hilltoptotsdaynursery/videos/2520699654864442/
Another book on wearing masks: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NTFy4pzReQvUEC8waH31aijzZSX8NOLe/view
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Challenge: Find one small area of your loose parts that needs a storage revamp this week and work on it. Share your success in the LPP group!
Intaking Donations Podcast Episode:
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/intaking-loose-parts
Provoking Play, Inviting Wonder
Called it organized hoarding
https://provokingplayinvitingwonder.com/2018/10/05/loose-parts-series-day-5-collecting-and-storing-loose-parts/
Fairy Dust teaching—more on displaying in class
https://fairydustteaching.com/2016/10/12-ideas-for-storing-loose-parts/
Loose Parts Toolkit
- 26-29
https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Loose-Parts-Play-Toolkit-2019-web.pdf
Nature Explore Storage Options:
http://shop.natureexplore.org/s.nl/sc.1/category.1517/.f
Pinterest Storage Options:
https://www.pinterest.com/outsidemichiana/loose-parts-play-how-to-store-and-display/
Book Pick (aff link)
Playing It Up with Loose Parts
https://amzn.to/35Mg9R6
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Beavers in Spring blog post:
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2014/04/beavers-in-spring.html
http://www.beaversww.org/beavers-and-wetlands/about-beavers/
http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3381.htm
http://www.nationaltrappers.com/beaver.html
Book Pick (aff ink):
I’m Done!
https://amzn.to/2L6RxZV
Beaver Skull Replica
https://amzn.to/3caTEYF
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Austin, TX Loose Parts Lending Kits:
http://www.austintexas.gov/page/loose-parts-lending-kits-program
Wrap Up Report:
https://pardpartnerships.wufoo.com/forms/pdqthsb0s3s6m4/
How to Start a Toy Library:
https://www.shareable.net/how-to-start-a-toy-library-12-quick-tips/
Minneapolis Toy Library Q&A:
https://newdream.org/downloads/New_Dream_Step_by_Step_Toy_Lending_Library.pdf
https://www.zeroish.org/2018/01/08/real-life-i-started-a-toy-lending-library/
How Toy Libraries Work: https://www.moneycrashers.com/toy-lending-libraries-exchanges/
Why Every City Needs a Toy Library: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/11/every-city-should-have-toy-library/575272/
USA Toy Library Association: https://www.usatla.org/
Book Pick:
Perfect Square by Michael Hall (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2KIiPpe
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Natural Start Alliance
https://naturalstart.org/
International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education
https://naturalstart.org/research/ijecee/volume-7-number-2
Fathers’ Perspectives on Tree Climbing
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/8._final_gull_goldstein_rosengarten.pdf
Benefits and Risks of Tree Climbing on Child Development and Resiliency
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/6._gull_et_al.pdf
Tree Climbing Podcast Episode:
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/tree-climbing
Rain or Shine Mamma: Tree Climbing
http://rainorshinemamma.com/parents-stop-worrying-and-let-your-children-climb-trees/
Book Pick:
Children’s Environmental Identity Development (aff link)
https://amzn.to/3asHwAj
Book Review:
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/9._book_review_environmental_identity.pdf
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Goals:
https://az.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdpd12.pd.sci.ballgoals/goals-for-the-understanding-of-balls-and-ramps/
Tutorial to make PVC ramps for outdoors: https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/06/loose-parts-nature-play-ramps.html#more
Kodo Kids Simple Machines: RAMP handout
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4211daa00c01182f4ee38d460/files/1b846eb2-f501-4fcd-9a7b-74ab0fd2566c/Kodo_Simple_Machines_downloadable_2.pdf
Meeting Standards: Tinker guide page 25 LEARNING GUIDELINES The Physical Sciences #20. Investigate and describe or demonstrate various ways that objects can move.
https://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Tinker_Kit_Educators_Guide_singles_web.pdf
Infants: https://childhood101.com/baby-play-ideas-vehicles-balls-ramps/
Rube Goldberg machines: http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/rube-goldberg-machines
Brain Game Rube Goldberg clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-qs8DsMoZk
Marble Sand Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lII00_v5khU
KodoKids Webinar:
Tips:
https://www.rampsandpathways.org/ramps-pathways/tips-implementation
Kindergarten Lesson:
https://www.brighthubeducation.com/pre-k-and-k-lesson-plans/127938-learning-with-a-ball-and-a-ramp-kindergarten-science-lesson/
Things that Don’t Roll:
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/activity-plan-4-5-ramps/
Extensions:
https://www.mottchildren.org/posts/camp-little-victors/diy-ball-and-ramp
Vocabulary: https://www.rampsandpathways.org/ramps-pathways/faqs
Tips: http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2014/teaching-stem-with-ramps
Questions to Ask: https://regentsctr.uni.edu/sites/default/files/activity_sheets/Ramps_and_Pathways_Activity_Sheet_2018.pdf
Book Pick (aff links):
STEM Learning with Young Children: Inquiry Teaching with Ramps and Pathways: https://amzn.to/2K97OwW
Mousetrap Game: https://amzn.to/2VuGOxf
Magnetic marble run— https://amzn.to/3afPQ6q
Qbamaze: https://amzn.to/2RGbaLQ
Choke Test Tube: https://amzn.to/2xqakwa
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Slides Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oomMwQiRuRHY94MF5AUexZXDEaZxi51CKdrlO28UuMg/edit?usp=sharing
Creating a Facebook Group--lots of ideas and suggestions beyond the set up
https://www.mitostudios.com/blog/teachers-how-to-create-a-private-school-facebook-group/
Research Paper on Using FB Live
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282251534_FACEBOOK_AS_A_TOOL_FOR_TEACHING_AND_LEARNING
How to go Live:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/facebook-live-guide
Going Live: https://www.campussuite.com/blog/how-to-use-facebook-live-at-school?hs_amp=true
Facebook stands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDIn3AopsTM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR_tntKxQ8E
Paper towel holder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCF-uPQ4zzo
https://simplyfutbol.com/diy-phone-stand/
Examples:
Google spreadsheet of LIVE learning opportunities: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1ktokKTiAJsqRs2hVSS1iDDQf25q-548BmhoAxjHMFPw/htmlview
Preschool Music Time https://m.facebook.com/calvarypreschoolwc/
StoryMakers https://www.facebook.com/makersofstories/videos/217458522836787/
Tinkergarten https://www.facebook.com/tinkergarten/videos/618098505405760/ --note sound quality is bad at beginning and hard to see book illustrations, but has other good ideas.
How to create a private Facebook group:
https://www.mitostudios.com/blog/teachers-how-to-create-a-private-school-facebook-group/
20 Zoom Activities:
https://fdt-freebies.s3.amazonaws.com/Zoom+Activities.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3pPU56ib6GLmbT3tusOv5DWQi8extO5MM-cZv9gEuWkrVRsrWrnlHxcIw
Book Pick (aff link):
A Stick Until
https://amzn.to/34n1ET7
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Gamification TED talk McGonical
https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world?language=en
STEM Teachers Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/STEMteachertribe/
Earlier Grades Option
https://steminspired.wordpress.com/tag/breakoutedu/
Free COVID Resource of Breakout.edu
https://www.breakoutedu.com/covid19
Breakout.edu
https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome
Google Drive on Breakout Games:
https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/0BxZZoj1LsIceWWx0alNHRFRIdHc?usp=sharing
Materials (Aff Links):
Breaking into Break out Boxes Book
https://amzn.to/2UMqM1b
Escape room “game”
https://amzn.to/2JwM0uF
Toolbox
https://amzn.to/2wDyZwR
Locks (I got 8 total)
3 number combo https://amzn.to/39vzJkI
3 number combo https://amzn.to/2ydnpZx
3 number combo https://amzn.to/2yjjWZv
4 letter word https://amzn.to/2UxV49f
4 letter word https://amzn.to/2ymPRZd
4 number combo https://amzn.to/2wN8RiU
5 number combo https://amzn.to/2UJR1p4
Hasp (I got 2)
https://amzn.to/2UNwmjR
Black Light Markers
https://amzn.to/33VtmpM
Black Light Flashlight
https://amzn.to/2QXTcEC
Speed Cube Set
https://amzn.to/2UMzBYZ
Breakout Box List on Amazon Shop:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/loosepartsplay?listId=1BBBIGI9U23RF&ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_list_own_loosepartsplay_dp_eOr3P56pyfdKf
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
https://52thingsoutside.org/
Printables:
https://52thingsoutside.org/printables/
Spring Options:
https://52thingsoutside.org/spring/
- Smell the earth
- Look under a rock / log
- Listen for the sounds of wildlife
- Take a wildflower walk
- Dance in the rain
- Peek in a pond for tadpoles
- Plant a seed
- Observe a sunset
- Discover a rainbow
- Search for a roly-poly
Exploring Sounds in Nature:
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/exploring-sounds-in-nature
Playing in the Rain:
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/playing-in-the-rain
Quote:
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Book Pick (aff link):
A Seed is Sleepy
https://amzn.to/2xibNEc
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Loose Parts Play BINGO printable:
https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1l7uW0EuLCTyFRWtwVBnmxEFv1izfHb9y%2Fview%3Fusp%3Dsharing&data=02%7C01%7C%7C4e013333d1834bce799c08d7ccd7b0c1%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637203099068610858&sdata=ZfivycdLjupoRkQ2AkG7tLWLOq933XMABgXmf%2FiOMGQ%3D&reserved=0
Loose Parts Handout:
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Finsideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com%2F2018%2F12%2Floose-parts-handout.html&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=9kEDwGJF1wMz26HYteMH6gsQgxSZ0PpPf7gyvBnTQNU%3D&reserved=0
Loose Parts Read Alouds:
Rosie Revere Engineer from Space!
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorytimefromspace.com%2Frosie-revere-engineer-2%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=U%2B0kIfrOCYQOfLawhRrMVbqxRbfE1kvI30YUJJu%2B5o0%3D&reserved=0
Stonework Play:
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnurtureinnature.com.au%2Finternational-stonework-play-day%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=ztacWpuOPGO7FyNeefNbGquIzGcCBBUg3gpi%2FVK0FOc%3D&reserved=0
KOOP Adventure Play:
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKOOPAdventurePlay%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=ALJtX%2FX3or2RH7w3803oo07VvRO8bljydmUTtHDFV1Y%3D&reserved=0
Tinkergarten DIY section:
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftinkergarten.com%2Factivities&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=EYNAAvyjfjXTcV4aVUo6tbK%2FlYrqrb8XORv9jYvTCbM%3D&reserved=0
Loose Parts at Home:
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Floosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com%2Floose-parts-at-home&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=cwlzpuqMgiNx7RfnEHM%2BVvS8qvNHWdtno0AfrkaN4rg%3D&reserved=0
Rocks as Loose Parts:
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Floosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com%2Frocks-as-a-loose-part&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=3kdw6PoBMFFmNeE5qXa2WYlcVuJQs015mVTuqVEyZk0%3D&reserved=0
Other podcast episodes to look up: Cardboard, Tinkering, Electricity,
Fire, Ice, etc.
Loose Parts Inspired Toys
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Finsideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com%2F2016%2F04%2Floose-parts-inspired-toys.html&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=f0g3FAcA%2B3eyWr32ZLDs8pizVO50Q7otGXxrifeggSg%3D&reserved=0
3 Weeks of Maker Stations:
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1T4CZCt8hJqYLVT5ZVYpR7SgHLWDWaaUO%2Fview%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2u61Y3wbuja0woOAy65eku0_LnQZq5qrN9r01qOZyXXczp_O7xaWCg0dE&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=ejKdlps0gF2KAZpB28nNQa2qoiy5edkpKnmeq3ZF1QE%3D&reserved=0
Ronnie’s Preschool Newsletter:
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ronniespreschool.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=bWAWojsx9pIpQFuFUAV%2F%2Fh3idK8jGo2nWeg0HRUrEhE%3D&reserved=0
It’s Not a Box
Video: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DPMCKXaFsmCA&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=f2cL%2F8uhzA8HmlMG8niVH8CZCsnZb5ciqT7VyzorRiE%3D&reserved=0
On Amazon (aff link): https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F33pggRF&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=RN1UHo4EfX9Vxk%2FCsZwbWu0SGGJ1AKTZzc0KuQjzzY0%3D&reserved=0
It’s Not a Stick
Video: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DJUMYdMUNG6w&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=7ZHGGETt1QExpSJxl6SMAqg%2BmMjYm%2FJNy9iSJ8LaSS8%3D&reserved=0
On Amazon (aff link): https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3b5Ds9R&data=02%7C01%7C%7C99f3e0e492f44ed141ec08d7ca1d70f7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637200100099600441&sdata=RLBR6fsTXbphxx%2FSvWrEdEIH1t55qXgbGyi1U%2FwYqpw%3D&reserved=0
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Animal and Bird Sounds:
allaboutbirds.org or https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.in.gov%2Fdnr%2Fkids%2F5914.htm&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cdb54f35a8c20474bb9a708d7c49be1cd%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637194046087829604&sdata=A3ORjMa0OeN5MnNb8a8PpNRSTrqMwLFJDYvs4SCvAfY%3D&reserved=0
Stainless Steel Bucket (aff links):
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2vdz8GA&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cdb54f35a8c20474bb9a708d7c49be1cd%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637194046087829604&sdata=caOCndE68hRGbMqvr19%2FuMOr3suCrPl9Qyb4ENEgzLU%3D&reserved=0
Wooden Mallets:
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Nature’s music is never over; her silences are pauses, not
conclusions. –Mary Webb
The Listening Walk
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Max Found Two Sticks
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F335l5PD&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cdb54f35a8c20474bb9a708d7c49be1cd%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637194046087829604&sdata=Sqbwatq3WykZUmLxqntjueQYLAClwvDe3XByMQabSe4%3D&reserved=0
Listen, Listen (bonus pick—I forgot to talk about it!)
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2wIgwil&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cdb54f35a8c20474bb9a708d7c49be1cd%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637194046087839609&sdata=RdpK6Z804e67vfHZ%2B7%2FQkallXt1alWQ49VbZd%2B46AlU%3D&reserved=0
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Useful Tools (aff links):
Inexpensive Glue Gun: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F38jLFWc&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=I6VEkDSg2SlgdxmoLXHbD2OihLuEJI8vDicmYWXsTHM%3D&reserved=0
Popsicle Stick Easy Cutter: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2x573BO&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=8LbCnvfxgdU26qShGYm4jO36ka%2B3c3Etp9XKNVV39rQ%3D&reserved=0
Klever Kutter: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2TfNWO4&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=4ojizjn1HVu0ulnAqAHRs4qRELltI5XlZJnzPbeuB1s%3D&reserved=0
Makedo Classroom Set: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2uR3uhS&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=0qru1oZFYQt6Op0T17Ohxd1nn%2B2T4JYkHHFl1Z17iwY%3D&reserved=0
Makedo for Home: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2IdNQ39&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=Ro6x34jQzLci8IRiw%2BhMiZMpvdwOli0X4gOCpOeJM0A%3D&reserved=0
Sunprint Kit: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2VGKs8H&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=tPQEmoP0B0W4avJy%2F7iwzj40ZDuFmiHSU%2FFvUdCW4b0%3D&reserved=0
Jumbo Craft Stcks: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2wpQOic&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=nn7dhFlZt6DOrgz55hoqI2fZ5v6VI33h81fU16TAj4E%3D&reserved=0
Craft Sticks: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3cAjHZU&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=2fXRjoLuEqGgPpep%2FGLPzkZOpJn97ipv9bLIDi9cmf0%3D&reserved=0
Clipboards: https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F38gyDJf&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=IBOm8CtYaLKw3zwJ3mFmcU2X7Q8vLB8erIWoHvOYYWk%3D&reserved=0
To invent you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. –Thomas Edison
Tinkering areas provide opportunities to pull apart, to investigate,
to plan, to rebuild, and to construct. It may include screw drivers,
goggles, keys, padlocks, old clocks and machines. This area promotes
the language of skill, higher order thinking, and the conceptual
understandings the children discover as they tinker. --The
Walker Learning Approach
What Do You Do With An Idea? is an award winning book that has
universal appeal as a we get and share ideas, wrestling with the
opposition of others, and how we can protect and feed our own unique
ideas. This book inspires us to the change the world with our ideas.
Not exactly tinkering in the illustrations, but gives us confidence
and shows perseverance in coming up with an idea and making space for
it in our lives.
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2vy64JY&data=02%7C01%7C%7C03f4ebe7c340498ecdd308d7bf228f68%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637188027456642303&sdata=9VauXC2Sgp%2BuCvBseEA%2FK%2FTg1ubSi7I3EsIFCAAmWak%3D&reserved=0
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Chelsey Bahe Take ‘Em Outside:
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTake-Em-Outside-595238427269256%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C651d5baa68ed4cbdf81808d7b6f67c1c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179042063813203&sdata=CLXWAxsazXwEAccjr4%2BB1KoqNLEa6c%2BCgpngaNGyXqw%3D&reserved=0
Tinkergarten Parts and wholes lesson:
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftinkergarten.com%2Factivities%2Fparts-and-wholes&data=02%7C01%7C%7C651d5baa68ed4cbdf81808d7b6f67c1c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179042063813203&sdata=OHOfaB5xeam7mxlzPnN5kuYeNM2Ij7XSm7w5nKCC0Ek%3D&reserved=0
Tips from Tinkergarten on destructive play:
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftinkergarten.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-destroying-stuff-is-good-for-our-kids&data=02%7C01%7C%7C651d5baa68ed4cbdf81808d7b6f67c1c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179042063823197&sdata=lXCZVRzHy5y%2FL%2B%2FOpiwfK30yZo%2BeqZaGR2ZMUT6xWbk%3D&reserved=0
Developmental Need: Dissecting flowers (loose parts and botany):
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheVeryYoungExplorer%2Fposts%2F1004259716612819&data=02%7C01%7C%7C651d5baa68ed4cbdf81808d7b6f67c1c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179042063823197&sdata=%2Bi%2FIAEpDxQB4Rxt0UV9Lu2mluX4f0sYBUClR2YkdmxE%3D&reserved=0
STEM: taking apart an old electric appliance (hand-held vacuum cleaner):
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheVeryYoungExplorer%2Fposts%2F1003608160011308&data=02%7C01%7C%7C651d5baa68ed4cbdf81808d7b6f67c1c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179042063823197&sdata=Yl2siVbtHGGr7vLKmO2aSFVcI0ElogntB8Z7WFSJ6FY%3D&reserved=0
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Post from Reggio Inspired Early Childhood Educators
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Post from Loose Parts Play
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“Being destructive for the child in a play context is just as much
about tearing up old ideas and notions as it is about tearing up a
leaf into tiny, tiny strips...and both should be encouraged.”
--Marc Armitage
Book Pick:
Salad Pie: Maggie is enjoying her time alone in the park making “salad
pie” until Herbert shows up. He tries to add to her salad pie, but
she doesn’t want his help. He persists, saving her and the salad at
the bottom of the slide. Thanks, Kimberly G.!
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Hosting a Global School Play Day
February 3rd, 2021
1st Wednesday of February
https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalschoolplayday.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc2572290ca2b4865b59808d7b6f35575%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179028528333445&sdata=EaLW0IN5Y72rwPc3PWB1ZVTqloPpaiHhdAlBTl19gS4%3D&reserved=0
The Why Behind Global School Play Day
https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fteachingexperiment.com%2F2019%2F03%2Fcelebrate-global-school-play-day%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc2572290ca2b4865b59808d7b6f35575%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179028528333445&sdata=trqsR3N9e%2BCrhHchtmKlFX2iLlolzBWB%2Bp5SXlZPTWc%3D&reserved=0
Educator Tips:
https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1oOTo2qjNNhJTfX-92PEcBMsf9m5LF-BAoBLp-GdmMrc%2Fedit&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc2572290ca2b4865b59808d7b6f35575%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179028528333445&sdata=vpZzwUzJKg99uZNR1kmHz4tq3BtuRsMQgPszArLqUk8%3D&reserved=0
Timeline of what needs done, student expectations, reflection,
sharing play information with families
Educator Reflections:
https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1tguFGQSmPOI0RoKz7Uu1d07Rk94j01732r_en0dWvEU%2Fedit&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc2572290ca2b4865b59808d7b6f35575%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179028528333445&sdata=3J5P%2F%2BkULoYF8LHwYPUE%2F%2BrpKZpuUHiFbmmAO2q%2Bgtk%3D&reserved=0
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Research and Videos on Play:
https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F19e4ver2kMxeEgWJsSXgG6lwFmbKxObepYbZcx5wVXio%2Fedit&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc2572290ca2b4865b59808d7b6f35575%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179028528333445&sdata=bS0h0rZCKDDrAo6G%2BmC52pWq82gTRfLDHrY1f3jJ5Rg%3D&reserved=0
International Play Association
https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ipausa.org%2Fpdf%2FPlayDayBooklet.pdf&data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc2572290ca2b4865b59808d7b6f35575%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637179028528333445&sdata=FbFaCmseQ3%2F4ZmjGtT6iN35%2FCOiyvRHKjQdt%2F2SURkk%3D&reserved=0
Checklist, play resources
Quotes
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a
year of conversation.”
-Plato
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious
learning. But, for children, play is serious learning. Play is really
the work of childhood.” –Fred Rogers
Book (aff link): Let the Children Play
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Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Willows for Sale—Rusty Keeler
https://earthplay.net/product/spring-willow/
Patrick Dougherty:
http://www.stickwork.net/
Quote
I think that part of my work’s allure is its impermanence, the life
cycle that is built into the growth and decay of saplings. My focus
has always been the process of building a work and allowing those who
pass to enjoy the daily changes or drama of building a sculpture as
well as the final product. However, the line between trash and
treasure is thin, and the sculptures, like the sticks they are made
from, begin to fade after two years. Often the public imagines that a
work of art should be made to last, but I believe that a sculpture,
like a good flower bed, has its season.
– Patrick Dougherty (source)
Sticks are something we all have in common. Everybody knows sticks –
the twigs and branches picked up on grandfather’s farm; the branches
woven in grandmother’s basket. Somewhere threaded in all the public
mass is a common thread, and that thread is the human spirit.
--Patrick Dougherty
Books (aff links)
Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty--I think I absolutely love this
because I was able to work side by side with Patrick on one of his
creations. I enjoyed the process and love his whimsical stick work.
Since we have ample sticks, this is great eye candy as we get started
with outdoor creations. Read about our adventures here.
Not a Stick
https://amzn.to/2UI7dJc
Stick and Stone
https://amzn.to/2Sjw2cR
Stick by Irene Dickson
https://amzn.to/2UDzpNf
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Videos
Power of Optics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nCIzPuLYJA&t=20s&fbclid=IwAR2-luECIUMuMf65yJbdUtbDZC_YnpyEnBFCyYD4DPGHYUa93tZPqG2ZQfo
Lesson Plans: https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Fdrive%2Ffolders%2F0B5hu1j8ysFLfOThybWNuMER5bXM%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR17BM98yiV-mQHAJzZdzpTdju1H8iBXXK7ihhq22E2_NQw5nhJgPLc_3cI&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190832173&sdata=sQxOejPqaFffa0lSG1CU4B2fCGVKPd9nn2Q5QZ3aeB4%3D&reserved=0
Great resources
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getcaughtengineering.com%2Fbrainy-zany-contraptions-stem%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1PoonI9LA8kMCgF4h6SK0yRluq45AqASxOj74OU9J7nIb-0ZcXFUmsDh8&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190832173&sdata=CpwBLQz82PfB%2FWiEH45mCkyTP%2B7Nw3OYYMYVOn4hm8E%3D&reserved=0
8th grade contraption
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D6KQCW6mAT6o%26fbclid%3DIwAR0Dx_VRsWOYeAwc9HyBMsgdbwbRR7pVe-WAWIopn1tTKbxfhMURkGyiVvw%26app%3Ddesktop&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190832173&sdata=mkRSv4eqOvNyUqzmpWOzoW5LbQ3EyTuNMF4HuOHTLkY%3D&reserved=0
OK GO called ‘This Too Shall Pass. https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DY8cuuP4Jmio&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190832173&sdata=RKlFUvseb0WYlxkPzIROH%2BZXg7U3pu3fjYAM8MSTrbY%3D&reserved=0
Simple instructions for children
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fboyslife.org%2Fhobbies-projects%2Fprojects%2F159359%2Fhow-to-make-a-rube-goldberg-machine%2F&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190832173&sdata=mRS8fhjFzS%2FtH4Hu4NSRIJW2kZtn6GWoO%2F%2FZEq8g5%2Bk%3D&reserved=0
Mousetrap (aff links):
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F31eWas1&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190832173&sdata=GJPZVwnk3yQKzGor1R26g%2BPvGKpPp4ru66Oorvr4wF0%3D&reserved=0
Supplies:
Thicker popsicle sticks
Keva Planks
Balls
Plastic portion cups (3 oz)
Paper cups
Index cards
Dominoes
Magnets
Blocks
1 inch wooden cubes
Tin cans (smooth edge)
Shoe boxes
Paper towel rolls
Tape
Marbles
Recycled materials
Anything else within reason (stacked books, rulers, etc.)
1000 Colored wooden dominoes
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Other options
Hape Dynamo Dominoes
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2UlDwxr&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190842176&sdata=bEHmp4yCqVXZ408HR3aHZXuUykrSZ7xcpS%2BHEHlOu18%3D&reserved=0
Lakeshore Kits K-2
Lakeshore Kits 3-5
LEGO Chain Reactions
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2tlYsJu&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190842176&sdata=BYLDrbyEAIS%2BBQgSLFMdlnAUsgH6%2BxVPwo4TTrGrzXM%3D&reserved=0
Keva Contraptions:
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F38Vwymx&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190842176&sdata=XyDvrVxOaXCe4e31z%2Fhnxbxy66R3Xq%2FSk0ucPdrwVnE%3D&reserved=0
Adults:
Mechanical Model Marble Run Kit
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F36Fne4U&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190842176&sdata=yNtdpaLlXr7U8AusayLj1Z%2FEhZCsEuAi5RrU3EGtFAg%3D&reserved=0
Quote: “Many of the younger generation know my name in a vague way and
connect it with grotesque inventions, but don't believe that I ever
existed as a person. They think I am a nonperson, just a name that
signifies a tangled web of pipes or wires or strings that suggest
machinery. My name to them is like a spiral staircase, veal cutlets,
barber's itch—terms that give you an immediate picture of what they
mean.”
― Rube Goldberg, Inventions: The Legendary Works (A) of America’s (B)
Most Honored (C) Cartoonist
Books
Just Like Rube Goldberg:
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2UqjfXB&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190842176&sdata=4r6giXL17RlrtPiQEIWgZxwKaGYl5LWQXOB4ysdMnBo%3D&reserved=0
Build Your Own Chain Reaction Machines
https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2uR76jC&data=02%7C01%7C%7C11b92a3d37bd49a5b26a08d7a8b7b012%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637163379190842176&sdata=CqGx0NnzSNxic%2BhF%2B6tjaBw1gUHljtvux32rMdq%2Bho0%3D&reserved=0
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Squirrel Appreciation Day—January 21
https://nationaltoday.com/national-squirrel-appreciation-day/
Squirrel facts—Wellfield Botanic Gardens
https://www.facebook.com/WellfieldBotanicGardens/photos/a.123076787741389/2596797693702607/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/WellfieldBotanicGardens/photos/a.123076787741389/2597453073637069/?type=3&theater
Pictures of Taking a Squirrel Walk
https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/posts/1465010006989143?__xts__[0]=68.ARB-_wyeGKuVkqV2zAy6uh465lPOGQVs8KG1gOBo4tzuup9FbjQiHj7WxKPPkBlQRxvXYARkjInhjCpQLMcljANq0rh6tSC17U9KLRLufdytcCijvfSM3YAKKMaBPDTMXZgLmukZm3ZVHvB33I4BUoFTcPC2vBU6v75kHJ43cdDKm-842dK45qC19EGqGj0WHkALEJm7mutZWfdrIdHG2Hg6y02Ranm1E9X_Hwv1MpTqe_Hvs18vSMDrJePr9xzUxgs9grhup2q6Qj76oWeY6-3UTlSOCCo1lMso_GKTiO-Eh6eIUSQ9pHwX-TTz-tsp5i2vfQk1FItv5sFiow5T6PWO9Q&__tn__=-R
Live animals always trump anything else! Take time to watch and observe.
Nature of Teaching
https://ag.purdue.edu/extension/nature/Pages/default.aspx
Animal Play Podcast Episode
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/animal-play
Connecting Children to Animals Podcast Episode
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/connecting-children-to-animals-0
Animals in Winter
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/animals-in-winter
Squirrel Wisdom
Prepare.
Be Resourceful
If you have more than you need, share.
Grab opportunities.
Have fun!
May contain aff links at no cost to you
Books
Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep
https://amzn.to/2sJEnMK
Nuts to You
https://amzn.to/2txfK6D
Squirrels by Brian Wildsmith--didn't realize this was so hard to get!
https://amzn.to/2TL6ruf
Folkmanis Puppets
Gray Squirrel https://amzn.to/2RyY9ms
Red Squirrel https://amzn.to/2TJLu2Z
Flying Squirrel https://amzn.to/2RIn8DV
Chipmunk https://amzn.to/2v5WSMa
Flying Squirrel Costume
https://amzn.to/36cvx80
Indiana DNR Information Sheets
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3357.htm
Nature Preschool Ideas & Community Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NaturePreschool/
Adorable Squirrel Photos:
https://mymodernmet.com/dick-van-duijn-cute-squirrel-pictures/
Sneaky Snacky Squirrel
https://amzn.to/38w8Xca
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
NGSS Standards:
https://www.nextgenscience.org
Resource on Paper Circuits:
https://www.makerspaces.com/paper-circuits/
Energy Stick (aff links):
https://amzn.to/2G9Gqgq
Energy Ball:
https://amzn.to/2G9C0G5
Squishy Circuits:
https://amzn.to/2G65p4f
https://amzn.to/3amd1gR
Electronic Components Kit:
https://amzn.to/2uiX9Li
Battery Holders:
https://amzn.to/3amdijT
https://amzn.to/38nerpn
Button Batteries:
https://amzn.to/38pJj8Y
LEDs:
https://amzn.to/2Rxsbap
Alligator Clips:
https://amzn.to/30FkP8J
Wire Stripper/Cutter:
https://amzn.to/37hVFjm
Little Bits:
https://amzn.to/2Rx27fG
Circuit Blocks/Electronic Blocks:
https://amzn.to/2G5GTQq
Snap Circuits:
https://amzn.to/2RxzCym
https://amzn.to/37ei29k
Conductive Copper Tape:
https://amzn.to/2sD8mWC
Making and Tinkering with STEM (aff links)
https://amzn.to/39HILwi
Rosie Revere Engineer:
https://amzn.to/2NJJy6O
Rosie Revere Engineer Project Book:
https://amzn.to/2G7Whfk
Bird LEGO kit:
https://amzn.to/2RAdqn3
Tinkering Books:
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2019/09/books-for-tinkering.html
Electricity is just organized lightning. –George Carlin
What is a soul? It's like electricity - we don't really know what it is, but it's a force that can light a room. --Ray Charles
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Standards Met:
https://www.nextgenscience.org/topic-arrangement/3forces-and-interactions
Cain’s Arcade
http://cainesarcade.com
Abstract on Netflix with Cas Holman
https://www.dwell.com/article/interview-toy-designer-cas-holman-rigamajig-1f60ac26
https://www.netflix.com/title/80057883
Kristin Fontichiaro’s website
http://fontichiaro.com
Rigamajig:
https://www.rigamajig.com
Cardboard as a Loose Part podcast episode
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/cardboard-as-a-loose-part
STEM groups
https://www.facebook.com/groups/STEAMCafe/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/STEMteachertribe/
I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright. -- Henry David Thoreau
(Aff Links) Awesome Dawson:
https://amzn.to/2SOCPMe
Low Temp Hot Glue Gun
https://amzn.to/2QpIneq
Rigamajig
https://amzn.to/36pxBur
Rigamajig Jr.
https://amzn.to/2QLK44L
Klever Kutters
https://amzn.to/2MVl6yV
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Engineering Design Process
https://www.teachengineering.org/k12engineering/designprocess
Intaking Loose Parts Process
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/intaking-loose-parts
Fontichiaro’s website:
http://www.fontichiaro.com/activelearning/page/3/
Making and Tinkering with STEM webinar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65X2bEYCAIs
Making and Tinkering with STEM (aff links)
https://amzn.to/39HILwi
Klever Kutters
https://amzn.to/2MVl6yV
Makedo
https://amzn.to/2T3Zq7N
Low Temp Hot Glue Gun
https://amzn.to/2QpIneq
Fraidyzoo
https://amzn.to/2STPH3u
Making Makers
https://amzn.to/35qqGzM
MAKE: Tinkering
https://amzn.to/2ujTtJr
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Our relationships with other-than-human beings can have a profoundly positive impact on our health, our spirit, and our sense of inclusiveness in the world.
--Richard Louv
Play is a form of enchantment, bringing us out of ourselves and offering a deeper understanding of another creature, an expanded experience, and, when we reenter ourselves, maybe even greater wisdom.
--Richard Louv
Animal Play:
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/animal-play
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/03/16-ideas-for-animal-play.html
Connecting Children to Animals:
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/connecting-children-to-animals-0
Coyote’s Guide to Connecting to Nature
https://amzn.to/2p5g4XZ
Our Wild Calling
https://amzn.to/2Q0zJTM
Environmental Education Association of Indiana
http://eeai.org
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Intaking Loose Parts
- Ask! Be specific. Advertise.
- Designate a collecting place.
- Inspect for safety hazards and applicability.
- Clean.
- Sort.
- Containerize. Make it visual.
- Store.
- Rotate.
- Consider your maintenance plan.
We believe that every child knows how to play, and needs only time, space, opportunity and maybe a little support in order to do so. Climbing trees, making box forts, loitering in hammocks—these are the experiences every child needs and deserves.
-Morgan Leichter-Saxby and Suzanna Law
The New Adventure Playground Movement
https://amzn.to/32ylh8i
Pop Up Adventure Play
https://popupadventureplaygrounds.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/popupplay/
Smooth Edge Can Opener
https://amzn.to/33A9pUu
Fish Bowl Organizers
https://amzn.to/36QWj7B
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
"Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life."
John Muir
First Aid Kit:
https://amzn.to/33q2opo
Clipboards:
https://amzn.to/32tGPDb
Fundanas:
https://www.fundanabandanas.com
Wagon:
https://amzn.to/2PTnloE
Lugable Loo:
https://amzn.to/33qljjV
Stainless Steel Buckets:
https://amzn.to/2CmF3c6
Go Find It:
https://amzn.to/33oQGLN
Go Find It Too:
https://amzn.to/36JzfHB
Play the Forest School Way:
https://amzn.to/36HPFAg
(aff links)
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Scrapstore Playpod
https://youtu.be/nqi1KyJJeKg
More natural options from Evergreen Canada:
https://youtu.be/MDl5T51zhh0
Temporary and Mobile Nature Play options:
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/nature-play-fun-creating-temporary-and-mobile-nature-play-spaces
Outdoor Classrooms:
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/outdoor-classrooms
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/loose-parts-in-outdoor-classrooms-0
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/adding-plants-to-an-outdoor-classroom-0
Outdoor Classroom Day https://outdoorclassroomday.com/resources/lesson-ideas/
7 November 2019, 21 May 2020
PLT Green Schools Initiative== https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/creating-an-outdoor-classroom-things-to-consider/
http://www.schoolyards.org/pdf/OutdoorClassroomUsersGuide.pdf
Children fund raised: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/connections/articles/view/crystal-dozier-outdoor-classroom
We could never have loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it. –George Eliot
Books (aff links):
Playing it Up with Loose Parts
https://amzn.to/2Bs7VPE
Nature Play at Home
https://amzn.to/35N54ix
Asphalt to Ecosystems Design ideas for schoolyard transformation
https://amzn.to/2B7RDeL
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
The First Days of School (Wong and Wong):
https://amzn.to/35pa0cW
Fabrics in an Outdoor Classroom Podcast Episode (Gull—that’s me!):
http://loosepartsnatureplay.libsyn.com/fabric-as-a-loose-part-den-making
Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens: The Handbook for Outdoor Learning (David Sobel):
https://amzn.to/2nFig7O
Preschool Beyond Walls: Blending Early Childhood and Nature-Based Learning (Larimore):
https://amzn.to/33hj2a0
A Forest Days Handbook: Program Design for School Days Outside (Minnucci):
https://amzn.to/31byAek
“Children are born naturalists. They explore the world with all of their senses, experiment in the environment, and communicate their discoveries to those around them.” ~ The Audubon Nature Preschool
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Loose Parts Inspired Books
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2016/04/loose-parts-books.html
Marc Armitage’s Dump Challenge
https://m.facebook.com/marc.armitage.at.play/posts/tackle-the-great-adult-dilemma-embrace-the-dump-a-challengeplay-playing-playwork/2169568523152250/
30 plus Approaches to Loose Parts
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/05/30-plus-ways-to-approach-loose-parts.html
Book Pick: This is Sadie
https://amzn.to/32E8ulj
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Definitions of Loose Parts in Early Childhood Outdoor Classrooms: A Scoping Review
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/6._gull_et_al._formatted_draft_v2.pdf
A Whole Other Magic by Gigi Joob
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1999090101?ref=myi_title_dp
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Definitions of Loose Parts in Early Childhood Outdoor Classrooms: A Scoping Review
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/6._gull_et_al._formatted_draft_v2.pdf
A Whole Other Magic by Gigi Joob
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1999090101?ref=myi_title_dp
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Embracing Diversity in Children’s Nature Books
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/9._book_reviews_formatted_0.pdf
Natural Start Alliance:
https://naturalstart.org/
Book Picks (Aff links):
Amy’s Light
https://amzn.to/2Xn5Oth
Because Your Mommy Loves You
https://amzn.to/2IwsIGj
Bringing the Outside In
https://amzn.to/2Xn5P0j
Daniel Finds a Poem
https://amzn.to/2XtPSW2
Fort Building Time
https://amzn.to/2XtXPKQ
Hiking Day
https://amzn.to/2N2QM80
I Am the Rain
https://amzn.to/2IAsqyl
If You Love Honey: Nature’s Connections
https://amzn.to/2N1kie9
John Denver’s For Baby
https://amzn.to/2X4z5cZ
John Denver’s Sunshine on My Shoulders
https://amzn.to/2XqIQl2
Sometimes Rain
https://amzn.to/2WUVo4y
Stick!
https://amzn.to/2Fqbloq
The Snowy Day
https://amzn.to/2WYIBhp
Under One Rock
https://amzn.to/2WZTuzJ
Water is Water
https://amzn.to/2XtXEPG
What’s in the Garden?
https://amzn.to/2FmNu9u
When the Snow Falls
https://amzn.to/2WYNebp
Where’s Rodney?
https://amzn.to/2N4FiB1
Wild Ones: Observing City Critters
https://amzn.to/2XtPE18
Other Resources:
Black Faces, White Spaces
Building Cultural Empathy and Celebrating Diversity in Nature-based Early Childhood Education—
https://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/building-cultural-empathy-and-celebrating-diversity-nature-basedearly-childhood
Diverse Book Finder—
https://diversebookfinder.org/
Forest Kindergartens: A Multicultural Perspective—
https://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/forest-kindergartens-multicultural-perspective
Hashtag— #WeNeedDiverseBooks
Outdoor Afro: Where Black People and Nature Meet—
http://outdoorafro.com/
The Nature Book Nook Book—
https://www.facebook.com/naturebooknook/
Nature-inspired Children’s Book and Storytelling Facebook group—
https://www.facebook.com/groups/naturechildrensbooks/
The Ultimate List of Diverse & Inclusive Books to Support Nature-based Learning
https://www.wonderkin.com/blog-home/diverse-and-inclusive-books-to-support-nature-based-learning
Urban Environmental Education
https://naaee.org/eepro/resources/urbanenvironmental-education
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Playing in the Rain:
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2014/08/playing-in-rain.html
Tinkergarten Umbrella/Rain activities:
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/clouds-rain-and-meatballs
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/secret-hideaway
Gearing Up for the Rain:
https://tinkergarten.com/pages/wet-winter
Quotes:
"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain."
- Author Unknown
"A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods"
- Rachel Carson
"Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about Learning To Dance In The Rain."
- Vivian Greene
Book Picks (aff links):
The Big Umbrella
https://amzn.to/2WRRUio
I Am the Rain
https://amzn.to/2Wk3f6w
Sometimes Rain
https://amzn.to/2Kz3clg
Water is Water
https://amzn.to/2EUSDFu
Rain by Manya Stojic
https://amzn.to/2ET0fbh
Puddle Jumpers by Anne Margaret Lewis
https://amzn.to/2I4o4iJ
Raindrops Roll by April Pulley Sayre
https://amzn.to/2EW9VlF
Mushroom in the Rain
https://amzn.to/2EWgQLn
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
NAI—National Association of Interpretation:
https://www.interpnet.com/
Region 4: http://nairegion4.weebly.com/
CIG Training:
https://www.interpnet.com/NAI/interp/Certification/Overview/nai/_certification/NAI_Certification.aspx?hkey=fa8b1be4-ee12-436d-ac61-7cdd7efd3926
2019 Region 4 Conference:
http://nairegion4.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/3/5/8935383/nai_region_4_2019_workshop_booklet_final.pdf
Interpretation Information and Quotes:
https://www.nps.gov/idp/interp/101/FoundationsCurriculum.pdf
Book Pick (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2W7G1EK
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Simple Machines Outdoors!
Pictures;
https://www.facebook.com/loosepartsnatureplay/posts/354046738501089?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBqVeFmKtVAY8Vmu6rOaxkzOCegTf9ZPcyA_7Q9KgXMByf6V6fYn_pByDkguaJgYtfGc2Oa4rZ19iN36OXZbrQbSSx9CLE1ky0G6FqIEDav0EwHuZtHetA8vw-5z2UJEHuAxIdbNOrSqFIz0WGWsYyuMXY_GQVln0zf5FxQwmoICm7Fg0MLvIOCmYSKItcUpevHbHVQnWhCHjATgxt13Omna12hg9YApluv6sDG3zqebx-692e6cw_al4eGqZ1Y6QH2SmyV9dU247Q3GZdNlJ5yZ7cPkXW6DhorGFTgz80UGYS66_womputbmxJfq0sJOdDRQJHxT2wqbVFHi9XY_Y&__tn__=-R
Pulley Play:
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/pulley-play
Balancing gnomes:
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/balancing-gnomes
Great resource:
https://www.mass.edu/stem/documents/preschoolcurricular/CEES%20Curriculum%20Simple%20Machines.pdf
PBS video—a little outdated, but still good info and examples.
https://www.pbs.org/video/science-trek-simple-machines/
Quotes
“Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” — Roger Lewin
Books (aff links):
And Everyone Shouted “Pull”!
https://amzn.to/2VACfEn
Pulleys:
Fort Building Time
https://amzn.to/2LUmjbR
Andrew Henry's Meadow
https://amzn.to/2VAkOE6
Pigs from A to Z
https://amzn.to/2E5DEbm
The Day the Babies Crawled Away
https://amzn.to/30jsxVK
A Big Ball of String
https://amzn.to/2YnITL6
Albert's Alphabet
https://amzn.to/2LCkIqD
The Fort on Fourth Street: A Story About Six Simple Machines
Learning Resources Simple Machine Set
https://amzn.to/2VD0xxu
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Simple Machines Outdoors!
Pictures;
https://www.facebook.com/loosepartsnatureplay/posts/354046738501089?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBqVeFmKtVAY8Vmu6rOaxkzOCegTf9ZPcyA_7Q9KgXMByf6V6fYn_pByDkguaJgYtfGc2Oa4rZ19iN36OXZbrQbSSx9CLE1ky0G6FqIEDav0EwHuZtHetA8vw-5z2UJEHuAxIdbNOrSqFIz0WGWsYyuMXY_GQVln0zf5FxQwmoICm7Fg0MLvIOCmYSKItcUpevHbHVQnWhCHjATgxt13Omna12hg9YApluv6sDG3zqebx-692e6cw_al4eGqZ1Y6QH2SmyV9dU247Q3GZdNlJ5yZ7cPkXW6DhorGFTgz80UGYS66_womputbmxJfq0sJOdDRQJHxT2wqbVFHi9XY_Y&__tn__=-R
Pulley Play:
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/pulley-play
Balancing gnomes:
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/balancing-gnomes
Great resource:
https://www.mass.edu/stem/documents/preschoolcurricular/CEES%20Curriculum%20Simple%20Machines.pdf
PBS video—a little outdated, but still good info and examples.
https://www.pbs.org/video/science-trek-simple-machines/
Quotes
“Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” — Roger Lewin
Books (aff links):
And Everyone Shouted “Pull”!
https://amzn.to/2VACfEn
Pulleys:
Fort Building Time
https://amzn.to/2LUmjbR
Andrew Henry's Meadow
https://amzn.to/2VAkOE6
Pigs from A to Z
https://amzn.to/2E5DEbm
The Day the Babies Crawled Away
https://amzn.to/30jsxVK
A Big Ball of String
https://amzn.to/2YnITL6
Albert's Alphabet
https://amzn.to/2LCkIqD
The Fort on Fourth Street: A Story About Six Simple Machines
Learning Resources Simple Machine Set
https://amzn.to/2VD0xxu
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Indiana Master Naturalists
https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/6321.htm
ANROSP
https://anrosp.wildapricot.org/
NAI Region 4
http://nairegion4.weebly.com/
Book Pick (aff link):
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
https://amzn.to/2LmdUxl
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Kinderforest
--Merry Lea Kinderforest:
https://www.goshen.edu/merrylea/2018/05/kinderforest-in-review/
Nature Days in K-3 Classrooms
https://naaee.org/eepro/learning/webinars/nature-days-k-3-classrooms
What to Say Instead of “Be Careful” by Backwoods Mama
https://www.backwoodsmama.com/2018/02/stop-telling-kids-be-careful-and-what-to-say-instead.html
Quote:
“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it. Perhaps this is what Thoreau had in mind when he said, “the more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core, and I think the same is true of human beings.” -David Sobel, Beyond Ecophobia
Books (aff links):
A Forest Days Handbook by Eliza Minnucci
https://amzn.to/2PmDyAl
Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens: The Handbook for Outdoor Livingby David Sobel
https://amzn.to/2XpDP8o
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Life Cycle Sets:
Ladybug
Butterfly
Frog
Oak Grove Curiosities
Egg Collection
Nesting Time Scavenger Hunt
Beginning Birding Resources Podcast
Connecting Children to Animals
Books:
A Nest is Noisy
Burrows, Nests, and Lairs
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2016/01/burrows-nests-lairs-book-review.html
Animal Architects
An Egg is Quiet
Mama Built a Little Nest
This posts contains affiliate links. Thanks for helping out at no extra cost to you.
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Tim Gill’s benefit/risk assessment of fire: https://timrgill.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/woodcraft-fire-rba.pdf
Types of Risky Play:
https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/features/risky-play-for-children-why-we-should-let-kids-go-outside-and-then-get-out
Primitive skills: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQSPVzMq6f_KRb1XMhatepw
Playwork Principles: http://www.playwales.org.uk/eng/playworkprinciples
Solo stove: https://amzn.to/2IgKOfz
Kelly Kettle: https://amzn.to/2FWcweQ
Book Pick:
Claire Warden’s book, "Fascination of Fire"
https://amzn.to/2K8nLGH
(affiliate links may be present)
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Quote:
The best play objects for babies are those which allow them to be as active and competent as possible at every stage of development. –Magda Gerber
Book Pick!
Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play for Infants and ToddlersBy Miriam Beloglovosky and Jenna Daly
This follow up book looks specifically at the younger crowd. It focuses on different schema in children's play centered on object exploration, assembly exploration, instrumental exploration, locomotion, and action. Each schema topic has several subtopics, such as throwing, trajectory, pretending, constructing. Once again, great visual ideas throughout the book.
Choke tube (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2CN1jwn
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Quote:
The best play objects for babies are those which allow them to be as active and competent as possible at every stage of development. –Magda Gerber
Book Pick!
Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play for Infants and ToddlersBy Miriam Beloglovosky and Jenna Daly
This follow up book looks specifically at the younger crowd. It focuses on different schema in children's play centered on object exploration, assembly exploration, instrumental exploration, locomotion, and action. Each schema topic has several subtopics, such as throwing, trajectory, pretending, constructing. Once again, great visual ideas throughout the book.
Choke tube (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2CN1jwn
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
6 Plus Ways to Celebrate a Natural Easter:
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/03/6-plus-ideas-to-celebrate-natural-easter.html
Natural Dyed Eggs:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/03/natural-dyed-eggs.html
Easter Nature Walk:
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/04/easter-nature-walk.html
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/03/an-easter-nature-walk_29.html
Easter Garden:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/03/easter-garden.html
Patti Rokus/Rocks Tell Stories website:
https://rockstellstories.com
Book Pick (aff llink):
He is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter
https://amzn.to/2FifHPa
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Blog Post: https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/01/mom-i-don-like-nature-anymore-5-tips-to.html
Book Pick (aff link):
The Stick Book: Loads of Things You Can do With a Stick
https://amzn.to/2VVvGI4
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Blog Post: https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2019/03/exploring-creativity-and-loose-parts-as.html
Ronnie’s Preschool:
https://www.ronniespreschool.com/
Book Pick:
The Organic Artist: Make your Own Paint, Paper, Pigments, Prints and More from Nature:
https://amzn.to/2EwRK4M
The Fiber Nest’s Patreon link:
https://www.patreon.com/thefibernest
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Maple Sugaring Blog Post:
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/02/maple-sugaring.html
Woodland Indian Educational Programs:
https://www.facebook.com/WoodlandIndianEDU/
Spiles and tubing: https://amzn.to/2EweYcG
Maple Sugaring Starter Kit: https://amzn.to/2BTzMsR
Books (aff links):
The First Peoples of Ohio and Indiana:
https://amzn.to/2E6OUDB
Maple Syrup from the Sugar House:
https://amzn.to/2Th0qFL
Curious George Makes Maple Syrup (only $3.99):
https://amzn.to/2TgILOE
Logan Learns All About Maple Syrup:
https://amzn.to/2EwNV0U
Maple Moon: https://amzn.to/2Ue9wAJ
Maple: 100 Sweet and Savory Recipes Featuring Pure Maple Syrup:
https://amzn.to/2EwqZyK
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Loose Parts Options
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/04/loose-parts-imagination-creativity.html
Loose Parts Toolkit by Inspiring Scotland:
https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Loose-Parts-Play-web.pdf
Andrew Henry's Meadow is classic I had not encountered before. Andrew feels a little left out as a middle child (I am one, too!) and sneaks out to the meadow and starts building. Other children start joining him. He builds them interesting houses. Soon, the parents are looking for the kids and the children are looking for the adults. Everyone ends up happy and Andrew is allowed to continue working on his creations in the basement. Thanks for the suggestion, Sherah and Tessa!
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Nature and Loose Parts Valentines
#loosepartslove
Books: https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/01/nature-and-loose-parts-valentine-books.html
Valentine’s Day Nature Activities:
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2016/02/valentines-day-nature-activities.html
Valentine’s Day Pinterest Board:
https://www.pinterest.com/outsidemichiana/valentines-day/
Book Picks (aff links):
· Heart Stones--Have you ever found a heart shaped stone? So exciting to find one! The author shares a collection of 100 heart shaped stones. Great eye candy!
· See a Heart, Share a Heart--This collection of photographed found hearts will get you ready to see hearts all around you. Beautiful coffee table book!
· Monday Hearts for Madalene--This is a love story shown in hearts made of found and natural objects, such as asparagus, berries, buttons, and bungee cords. Great inspiration for making your own loose parts hearts!
· Botanical Hearts--This coloring book combines flowers in heart designs--perfect for soothing coloring time near Valentine's Day!
· The Day it Rained Hearts--A young girl catches hearts as they pour down outside. She uses these hearts to make Valentines for her animal friends.
· Snowy Valentine--A rabbit searches the forest for a perfect Valentine gift and finds his tracks make a perfect heart! She is delighted with the heart shaped gift.
· Plant a Kiss--A young takes the phrase "plant a kiss" literally! She tends her garden and shares the love she grows with those around her.
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Book Picks:
Over and Under the Snow
https://amzn.to/2Mv0UlY
Stranger in the Woods
https://amzn.to/2FWg6HI
North Country Night
https://amzn.to/2MtZsjL
Secrets of Winter
https://amzn.to/2Tee5KD
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Heuristic Play Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/149534875605443/
Books:
Treasure Baskets by Laura Wilhelm
https://amzn.to/2FxNIeR
Developing Play for the Under 3s: The Treasure Basket and Heuristic Play by Anita M. Hughes
https://amzn.to/2sn6j5l
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Tinkergarten: Wellness
http://blog.tinkergarten.com/blog/2018/12/14/why-winter-is-both-a-perfect-and-dangerous-time-for-wellness
Leah McDermott, Your Natural Learner
#150hoursoutside Project
https://www.facebook.com/groups/150hoursoutside/
Tracking sheets and ideas are available with both projects. I just started a list on the Notes app on my phone.J I always have it with me.
1000 Hours Outside
To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it’s necessary to stand out in the cold. –Aristotle
Book Picks:
Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre
https://amzn.to/2M82Vod
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Find the handout: https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2018/12/loose-parts-handout.html
Quote:
“To me, loose parts aren’t things. It is a way of thinking, an approach. To me everything and anything can be a loose part, even me for the children to use how they see fit in their play space. It is about children using their imagination to create spaces to play using whatever is in their vicinity, the more choice and variety the better.” (Nathan MacGillivray, Play Development Worker)
Loose Parts Toolkit by Inspiring Scotland:
https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Loose-Parts-Play-web.pdf
What is a schema?
https://bit.ly/2AbPQFt
Loose Parts: What does this mean?
https://bit.ly/2SfYf1M
Nicholson’s Theory of Loose Parts
https://bit.ly/2V1be9l
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
One Little Word: Grow
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2012/12/2012-one-little-word-grow.html
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/carla_berkey/grow/
Worm Factory 360:
https://amzn.to/2S6VEaj
One Little Word: Explore
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-one-little-word-explore.html
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/carla_berkey/explore-2013/
One Little Word with Ali Edwards: https://aliedwards.com/projects/one-little-word
How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum by Keri Smith
https://amzn.to/2S5qJeh
May contain affiliate links
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Ice Explorations Facebook Post:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/permalink/2147058781982397/
Frozen Treasures—Tinkergarten
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/frozen-treasure
Ice Mobiles: https://tinkergarten.com/activities/ice-mobiles
Exploring ice in nature—Straits of Mackinac blue ice:
https://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/blue_ice_piling_up_near_michig.html
Videos on Sound/Ice:
https://www.facebook.com/katie.miltenberger/posts/1792868530785181
https://www.facebook.com/nprskunkbear/videos/293512697720537/
Book Picks:
Twelve Kinds of Ice
https://amzn.to/2QS1ZJm
Diamond in the Snow
https://amzn.to/2rxnwIL
Whatever the Weather
https://amzn.to/2QR6VxW
(May contain aff links)
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Book reviews at IJECEE
https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/7._gull_formatted_0.pdf
Learning is in Bloom (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2QPQ3rg
Nature and Young Children (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2QMIeTj
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Blog Post
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/12/light-painting.html
Book Pick
Eric Curry Painting with Light: Lighting & Photoshop Techniques for Photographers, 2nd Ed Second Edition
https://amzn.to/2SmTxyL
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Blog Post
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/12/gifts-of-nature-10-holiday-nature-gift.html
Nature Board Games
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2016/12/board-games-with-nature-twist.html
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedetectives/activities/2016/11/christmas-scavenger-hunt/
See our adventure at
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-natural-christmas-scavenger-hunt.html
Wilder Child Nature Activity Countdown
https://wilderchild.com/2018-outdoor-adventure/
Quote
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. --Norman Vincent Peale
Book Picks
Snow Tree and Night Tree, both help explore the colors and gifts of nature to decorate a tree. In Snow Tree by Caroline Repchuk, animals, such as a raccoon, blue jay, and squirrel, decorate a tree with many colors from nature. Night Tree by Eve Bunting features a family that goes on a hike each year to decorate a tree for the animals with many appropriate edibles for the animals in mind.
Snow Tree (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2P1PcPl
Night Tree (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2KveAMR Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Light and Reflection as a Loose Part
Light and Reflection Blog Post
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2018/02/lights-and-reflection-as-loose-part.html
Light Exploration Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1802686343344084
Cultivating Early Years
Make your own light box
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/posts/1158096984331378
CEY Facebook page light pics
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/posts/1158100287664381
Litebrite
https://amzn.to/2K5cDXd
Tinkergarten Lanterns
https://tinkergarten.com/activities/let-there-be-light
Learn more about becoming a Tinkergarten Leader:
http://bit.ly/LoosePartsTG
Light painting
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/12/light-painting.html
Right brained mom
https://www.facebook.com/rightbrainedmom/
Acrylic mirrors link 12 by 12
http://amzn.to/2F1s27Z
Montessori Nature 10 plus ways to use mirrors
https://www.montessorinature.com/enrich-play-with-mirrors/
NINPA
https://www.facebook.com/naturepreschools/
Making the Most of Light and Mirrors—professional development book
http://amzn.to/2B6oBuy
Quotes
My Shadow Poem by Robert Louis Stephenson
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43196/my-shadow
Video of the poem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlhgRMlQqUs
Maker faire post
https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/09/maker-faire-tinkerers-dream.html
Playtime is precious. Play builds brain pathways for thinking, creativity, flexibility, empathy and many other lifelong skills.
--Heather Shumaker
Books
Shadow by Susy Lee
https://amzn.to/2RRidix
Flashlight by Lizi Boyd
https://amzn.to/2QCSla8
Into the Shadows by Joseph Holeman
https://amzn.to/2T905lM
What makes the shadow? By Clyde Robert Bulla
https://amzn.to/2FmnddO
Light shadows mirrors by Natalie Rosinsky
https://amzn.to/2RNVvaY
This contains affiliate links for your ease of finding books at no additional cost.
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Tinkergarten
http://bit.ly/LoosePartsTG
Lengthy application process
https://tinkergarten.com/pages/training-cycles
Video on others’ experiences:
https://vimeo.com/119725613
Quotes
Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul. –Friedrich Froebel
Almost all creativity involves purposeful play. –Abraham Maslow
Creativity is also the means by which humans of all ages make an impact on the world and other people around them. A lot of heavy stuff is going to go down in our kids’ lifetime, and their generation will need to imagine and implement solutions to big and very complicated problems. –Meghan Fitzgerald.
Research article/Blog post
Why destruction is good for kids
http://blog.tinkergarten.com/blog/2017/5/25/destruction-is-good-for-kids
Tinkergarten:
http://bit.ly/LoosePartsTG
Book Pick
Now by Antoinette Portis
A young girl shares her favorite cloud, tree, and more—all because she is enjoying the moment of NOW!
https://amzn.to/2OzJGn6
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Post: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/02/books-on-boxes-for-loose-parts-play.html
October 6, Day of Play—Cardboard Challenge The date has changed a bit since 2012
https://cardboardchallenge.com/
Cardboard Challenge FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/618600058261581/
Article
Planning a Community Cardboard Challenge
Fontichiaro, Kristin.Teacher Librarian; Bowie Vol. 44, Iss. 4, (Apr 2017): 51-53,63.
Books on Cardboard as Loose Parts (aff links)
Not a Box
What to Do with a Box
A Box Can Be Many Things
A Box Story
Christina Katerina and the Box
A Big Box for Ben
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Blog Post: https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2018/10/nature-play-fun-creating-temporary-and.html
Quote:
“Every child should have mud pies, grasshoppers, water bugs, tadpoles, frogs, mud turtles, elderberries, wild strawberries, acorns, chestnuts, trees to climb. Brooks to wade, water lilies, woodchucks, bats, bees, butterflies, various animals to pet, hayfields, pinecones, rocks to roll, sand, snakes, huckleberries and hornets. And any child who has been deprived of these has been deprived of the best part of education.” — Luther Burbank (American horticulturalist and botanist, 1849 – 1926)
Additional Resources:
Tinkergarten activities: https://tinkergarten.com/activities
Interested in becoming a leader? See: http://bit.ly/LoosePartsTG
Nature Play Poster: https://wilderchild.com/nature-play-poster/
Playwork Principles
http://www.playscotland.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/Documents/playwork-principles.pdf
Pop-Up Adventure Play
https://popupadventureplaygrounds.wordpress.com/welcome/free-resources/
Children’s Books for Outdoor Loose Parts Play https://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/9._loose_parts_book_reviews.pdf
52 Things to Do Outside Before You Grow Up: www.52thingsoutside.org
The Wisdom of Nature
https://cdn-communityplaythings.azureedge.net/-/media/files/cpus/library/training-resources/booklets/wisdom-of-nature.pdf?d=20180819T175256Z
Books (aff links):
Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom
https://amzn.to/2EcbTQI
Children’s Special Places by David Sobel
https://amzn.to/2pIU8OW
Deep Nature Play by Joseph Bharat Cornell
https://amzn.to/2ybxEL3
Go Wild!: 101 Things to Do Outdoors Before You Grow Up by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield
https://amzn.to/2pLyEBe
Learning is in Bloom: Cultivating Outdoor Explorations by Ruth Wilson
https://amzn.to/2pKMUtX
Loose Parts Books by Lisa Daly and Miriam Beglosvky
https://amzn.to/2yacWLA
Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning Natural Environments by Ruth Wilson
https://amzn.to/2E87Epy
Playing It Up with Loose Parts, Playpods, and Adventure Playgrounds Joan Almon, Editor
(You can find this as a pdf online if you look around.)
https://amzn.to/2pKNKqB
Play the Forest School Way by Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton
https://amzn.to/2pKOmMV
Seasons of Play: Natural Environments of Wonder by Rusty Keeler
https://amzn.to/2pNDBsV
The Stick Book: Loads of things you can make or do with a stick by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield
https://amzn.to/2E9q1dF
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Strategies for Cleaning Up with Loose Parts
Marc Armitage:
http://www.marc-armitage.com/
Playing It Up with Loose Parts, Playpods, and Adventure Playgrounds Joan Almon, Editor
(You can find this as a pdf online if you look around.)
https://amzn.to/2pKNKqB
Explore Inspire EC--Shelli Patt
https://www.facebook.com/ExploreInspireEC/
Tinkergarten:
http://bit.ly/LoosePartsTG
Book Pick (aff link):
Clean Up, Up, Up! By Ellen Mayer
https://amzn.to/2RMs0aE
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Blog Post: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/11/rocks-as-loose-part.html
International Stonework PIay Day: http://nurtureinnature.com.au/international-stonework-play-day/
Other Extras: Starting a Rock Collection
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/01/start-rock-collection.html
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/01/rock-grid.html
Sensory Stimulation for Seniors
https://www.facebook.com/groups/178530402911578/
Rock painting controversy:
https://www.npca.org/articles/1771-between-a-kindness-rock-and-a-hard-place
Quotes:
The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. –Chinese Proverb
The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them.
–American Proverb
Everybody Needs a Rock Ten rules for finding the perfect rock, line drawings and simple color
By Byrd Baylor
Find it (aff link):
http://amzn.to/2xXMXoA
If You Find a Rock uses pictures to illustrate the work, talks about different types of rocks you might find, such as a softer chalky rock for drawing. A big mossy rock for resting, one with a line etc. By Peggy Christian and Barbara Hirsch Lember
Find it (aff link):
http://amzn.to/2AgQqQP
If Rocks Could Sing By Leslie McGuirk—a discovered alphabet = a is for addition ( a math equation), b is for bird (bird rock in nest, fun twist on an ABC book. The author shares her process of finding each individual rock by the sea. Imagine the time it took to find just the right rocks over time. I guess the letter K was challenging, but she persevered.
Find it (aff link):
http://amzn.to/2zbXeic
Rocks: Hard, Soft, Smooth, Rough: by Natalie Rosinsky more nonfiction, story of rocks, types of rocks. Still very appropriate and approachable for younger children while still having more in depth information and charts.
Find it (aff link):
http://amzn.to/2AgRiVB
On My Beach There are Many Pebbles (Probably Our Favorite Rock Read Aloud): by Leo Lionni
The author encourages us to take a deeper look at rocks on the beach. Illustrations are drawn. “Most are ordinary but some are strange and wonderful.” Fish, geese, numbers, etc. Makes me want to go explore what shapes and numbers we might find in the rocks.
Find it (aff link):
http://amzn.to/2AhXGMb
Elizabeti's Doll by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen There’s a new baby in the house and Elizabeti decides she wants a doll to take care of as her mother cares for the baby. She looks around the village, and finds a perfect rock to be her doll. She sings to the rock doll as her mom sings to the baby, changes diapers, and loves her special doll. Lots of imagination.
Find it (aff link):
http://amzn.to/2y45mjw
Rhoda's Rock Hunt by Molly Beth Griffin Rhoda’s aunt and uncle take her backpack camping in Minnesota near a stream. She really likes the rocks there because she loves rocks. She found so many special rocks and had to carry her own pack. Lots of great adjectives! She tires of the trip, yet finds a beach full of rocks which makes her happy. She can’t carry them all home, so must make some decisions about rocks and sharing with others.
Find it (aff link):
http://amzn.to/2y3P1LM
A Rock Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas This shows how rocks may be mountains, carved into fountains,
Stepping stones, dinosaur bones, and so much more. We use rocks in lots of ways! Very simple text that is engaging. There are informational pages at the back with info on glowing rocks, chalk, lake skippers, and more. As well as a glossary.
Find it (aff link):
http://amzn.to/2hI9HTt
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Find visuals of fall loose parts fun at:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/10/fall-and-halloween-loose-parts.html
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. –Albert Camus
Book Pick:
Leaf Man, by Lois Ehlert, is a great fall book for imagination and creativity. As the wind blows, Leaf Man travels past ducks, geese, orchards, meadows, and cows. The entire book is made of fall leaves and cut paper. Many leaves are identified in the back. This whimsical book inspires imagination as children will surely look at the potential of fallen leaves in a different way.
Find it at: https://amzn.to/2xSmp9B
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page Loose Parts Play Facebook Group Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page Loose Parts Nature Play Website
Loose Parts in Education: Rethinking Nicholson’s Intent
Ten Principles from the Theory Beyond the “Stuff”
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2018/09/loose-parts-in-education-rethinking.html
Natural Start Alliance
https://naturalstart.org/
International Nature Pedagogy Association
https://www.naturepedagogy.com/
NINPA
https://ninpa.org/
Brene Brown Curiosity and Creativity
There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period. –Brene Brown
Find Brene Brown on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/2xLVwE6
Marc Armitage—large loose parts outside
https://www.marc-armitage.com/blog-archive/the-ugly-side-of-loose-parts_111s56
Bienenstock water walls
https://www.naturalplaygrounds.ca/workshops/water-walls
Book Pick:
Mattland
https://amzn.to/2NEBW7o
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Last Child in the Woods
“The woods were my Ritalin. Nature calmed me, focused me, and yet excited my senses.”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
“It's a good thing to learn more about nature in order to share this knowledge with children; it's even better if the adult and child learn about nature together. And it's a lot more fun.”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
“Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our chidlren's health (and also, by the way, in our own).”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
“One of my students told me that every time she learns the name of a plant, she feels as if she is meeting someone new. Giving a name to something is a way of knowing it.”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
“and old Indian saying: 'It's better to know one mountain than to climb many.”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
“The physical exercise and emotional stretching that children enjoy in unorganized play is more varied and less time-bound than is found in organized sports. Playtime—especially unstructured, imaginative, exploratory play—is increasingly recognized as an essential component of wholesome child development.”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
Find Last Child in the Woods here (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2KRYv2B
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Check out our research on tree climbing at:
http://naturalstart.org/sites/default/files/journal/6._gull_et_al.pdf
Find our poster session about our tree climbing research at:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/04/out-on-limb-benefits-and-risks-of-tree.html
Go outside and climb a tree today!
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Blogpost: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/11/natural-weaving.html
Article:
Janet L. Ide: Snakes in the Grass: Weaving Success for Everyone
Arts and Activities, Dec. 2000
Nature uses only the longest threads to weave her patterns, so that each small piece of her fabric reveals the organization of the entire tapestry.
–Richard P. Feynman
Book Picks:
Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2jD1GQe
Wood by Andy Goldsworthy (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2I4OfTO
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Loose Parts Toys—links to “toys” mentioned and other materials:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2016/04/loose-parts-inspired-toys.html
Article:
Using Toys to Support Infant-Toddler Learning and Development
Gabriel Guyton, YC Young Children Sept 2011
Quote:
A 'loose parts' toy, as Nicholson describes it, is open-ended; children may use it in many ways and combine it with other loose-parts through imagination and creativity . . . Nature, which excites all the senses, remains the richest source of loose parts. --Richard Louv
Book Review:
When I Build with Blocks (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2HI6ZIv
This book shows the imagination that comes from block building and the diversity of thought as children build. I like how the kids are pictured in costumes as they imagine themselves in the castle, on the pirate ship, and in the haunted house.
I like that there is a plug at the end of the book reminding children to clean up! I think creations can be left out for a short time occasionally; however, I agree with having a general clean up time. Extended periods of play allow for more complex and elaborate creations.
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
The Educator’s Role in Nature Play
Lots of great links to resources in this blogpost!
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/04/nurturing-nature-educators-role-in.html
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” Rachel Carson
Sense of Wonder Book (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2qOkWgR
Sense of Wonder Book (Newer Version—aff link) :
https://amzn.to/2qSKv0u
Fostering a Sense of Wonder During the Early Childhood Years:
http://epa.ohio.gov/portals/42/documents/early_childhood_years.pdf
Learning Is In Bloom (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2HIV1S6
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Fabric as a Loose Part/Den Making
Blog post--fabric as a loose part:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/08/fabric-as-loose-part.html
Fort Making Kit:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2014/02/indoor-fort-making.html
Den Day:
https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/how-you-can-help/events-and-fundraising/den-day?_ga=2.142230896.394748200.1523813998-137447033.1523813998
Loose Parts Toolkit:
https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Loose-Parts-Play-web.pdf
Playworkers Guide to Dens and Forts:
https://islingtonplay.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/den-booklet-web-version2.pdf
Article:
European Early Childhood Education Research Journal
Vol. 18, No. 4, December 2010, 555–566
The influence of the outdoor environment: den-making in three different contexts
Natalie Canning*
Quote:
"The den is the child's sense of self being born," says David Sobel, a developmental psychologist at Antioch New England graduate school. He has researched dens extensively since the 70s, in Devon, England, and the Caribbean. "In the middle childhood, ages seven to 11, a den is the child's chance to create a home away from home that is secret, and becomes a manifestation of who they are. The den," Sobel argues, "is the chrysalis out of which the butterfly is born."
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/apr/15/familyandrelationships.family3
Book:
King Jack and the Dragon
https://amzn.to/2EP1562
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Connecting Children to Animals
NSTA Position Statement on Responsible Use of Live Animals and Dissection in the Science Classroom: http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/animals.aspx
CDC animals in schools: https://www.cdc.gov/features/animalsinschools/
NABT: https://nabt.org/Position-Statements-The-Use-of-Animals-in-Biology-Education
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php
Certified Wildlife Habitat (National Wildlife Federation):
https://www.indianawildlife.org/habitat-programs/wildlife-friendly-certification-program/
https://www.nwf.org/sitecore/content/Home/Garden-for-Wildlife/Create/Schoolyards/Schoolyard-Sign
Monarch Waystation:
https://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/certify.html
Animal Rehabbers in Indiana:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-RehabList.pdf
Blogpost and Podcast—Loose Parts Nature Play Animal Play episode
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/03/16-ideas-for-animal-play.html
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/02/beginning-bird-books-activities-and.html
•Apps—Merlin Bird ID
•Facebook Groups—IN Nature, Birding in Indiana, ICAN Learn Outdoors, Indiana Wildlife Photography, Insect Identification, Hoosier Herpetological Society
David Sobel Article:
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/education-for-life/803
52 Things Outside:
www.52ThingsOutside.org
Growing Up Wild:
http://www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD.htm
Purdue’s Nature of Teaching:
https://ag.purdue.edu/extension/nature/Pages/lesson.aspx
Article:
Scaly, Slimy Fun in Prekindergarten
Eastburn, Mark; Ackerman, Andrea; Jones, Bevan. Science and Children; Washington Vol. 55, Iss. 2, (Oct 2017): 48-55.
Quote:
•Cultivating relationships with animals, both real and imagined, is one of the best ways to foster empathy during early childhood. Children want to run like deer, to slither along the ground like snakes, to be clever as a fox and quick like a bunny. There's no need for endangered species here – there are more than enough common, everyday species to fill the lives of children. And the environmentally correct notion of not anthropomorphizing animals can be thrown out the window.
David Sobel
Resource:
Kauffman Field to Nature of the Midwest (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2GQWPVJ
Identiflier (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2HfbNs2
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Connecting Children to Animals
NSTA Position Statement on Responsible Use of Live Animals and Dissection in the Science Classroom: http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/animals.aspx
CDC animals in schools: https://www.cdc.gov/features/animalsinschools/
NABT: https://nabt.org/Position-Statements-The-Use-of-Animals-in-Biology-Education
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php
Certified Wildlife Habitat (National Wildlife Federation):
https://www.indianawildlife.org/habitat-programs/wildlife-friendly-certification-program/
https://www.nwf.org/sitecore/content/Home/Garden-for-Wildlife/Create/Schoolyards/Schoolyard-Sign
Monarch Waystation:
https://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/certify.html
Animal Rehabbers in Indiana:
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-RehabList.pdf
Blogpost and Podcast—Loose Parts Nature Play Animal Play episode
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/03/16-ideas-for-animal-play.html
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/02/beginning-bird-books-activities-and.html
•Apps—Merlin Bird ID
•Facebook Groups—IN Nature, Birding in Indiana, ICAN Learn Outdoors, Indiana Wildlife Photography, Insect Identification, Hoosier Herpetological Society
David Sobel Article:
http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/education-for-life/803
52 Things Outside:
www.52ThingsOutside.org
Growing Up Wild:
http://www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD.htm
Purdue’s Nature of Teaching:
https://ag.purdue.edu/extension/nature/Pages/lesson.aspx
Article:
Scaly, Slimy Fun in Prekindergarten
Eastburn, Mark; Ackerman, Andrea; Jones, Bevan. Science and Children; Washington Vol. 55, Iss. 2, (Oct 2017): 48-55.
Quote:
•Cultivating relationships with animals, both real and imagined, is one of the best ways to foster empathy during early childhood. Children want to run like deer, to slither along the ground like snakes, to be clever as a fox and quick like a bunny. There's no need for endangered species here – there are more than enough common, everyday species to fill the lives of children. And the environmentally correct notion of not anthropomorphizing animals can be thrown out the window.
David Sobel
Resource:
Kauffman Field to Nature of the Midwest (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2GQWPVJ
Identiflier (aff link):
https://amzn.to/2HfbNs2
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Loose Parts Provocations
Blog Post:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2018/03/provocations-as-loose-parts.html
Additional Information: Provocations and Invitations to Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom: Slide 15 SDAEYC 2014 Barbara Dowling and Sue Parrott
https://www.slideshare.net/VKOR/provocations-and-invitationstolearningintheearly21
Article:
Art at the Heart: Creating a Meaningful Art Curriculum for Young Children
By Kelly Massey in YC Young Children, Nov. 2017
Quote: Be careful what you teach, it might interfere with what they are learning. --Magda Gerber
Children’s Book: Let’s Make Faces (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2q08k60
Resource: Loose Parts 3 (aff link)
https://amzn.to/2q0JcvP
International Mud Day
Blog Post:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/06/international-mud-day.html
Article:
Let’s Get Messy: Exploring Sensory and Art Activities with Infants and Toddlers
By Trudi Schwarz and Julia Luckenbill
YC Young Children
Quote:
The mud will wash off but the memories will last a lifetime. Let them play.
Some people could look at a mud puddle and see an ocean with ships. Zora Neal Hurston
The world is mud-licious and puddle wonderful. –e.e. cummings
Book Pick:
Charlie's House: A young boy in humble circumstances in South Africa builds an even better house and car of mud and scraps after seeing his own house built. His imagination takes him on a ride in the car! Thanks for the suggestion, Tricia L.
Charlie’s House (aff link)
http://amzn.to/2FNJmkO
Resource:
Timbernook—Angela Hanscom, Occupational Therapist
http://www.timbernook.com/2017/index.html
Balanced and Barefoot (aff link)
http://amzn.to/2pq4QcI
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Loose Parts at Home
Blog Post:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/09/incorporating-loose-parts-at-home.html
Loose Parts Inspired Toys:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2016/02/valentines-day-nature-activities.html
Natural Treasures: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2013/08/natural-treasures.html
Research Article:
Let the Children Play: Scoping Review on the Implementation and Use of Loose Parts for Promoting Physical Activity Participation
By: Houser Roach Stone Turner Kirk
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308666102_Let_the_Children_Play_Scoping_Review_on_the_Implementation_and_Use_of_Loose_Parts_for_Promoting_Physical_Activity_Participation
Quote:
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”
Fred Rogers
Book Pick:
Most Magnificent Thing
http://amzn.to/2HNNI8r
The Most Magnificent Thing is about a girl determined to make the most magnificent thing ever! She gets discouraged as it isn't working out exactly as planned. Her dog takes her for a walk and upon her return, she is refreshed and ready to keep working with her bits and parts to make the most magnificent thing! Thanks for the suggestion, Linda and Kristina!
Resource:
Montessori Restore—lovely sets for the home or classroom—beautifully and intentionally designed so the materials encourage the adults to play as well!
https://www.facebook.com/montessorirestore/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MontessoriReStore?ref=hdr_shop_menu
Beginning Bird Books and Activities--lots of great resources
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/02/beginning-bird-books-activities-and.html
Make your own bird guide.
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2014/01/homemade-bird-guide.html
Growing Up Wild http://www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD.htm
Flying Wild
http://www.flyingwild.org/
Check your local parks and Audubon society to learn more.
http://www.audubon.org/ Merlin Bird ID: http://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ Stanley Clark and birding project: Our feathered friends preschool birding curriculum:
https://www.massaudubon.org/content/download/13465/209556/file/PreKTeachingUnit-BIRDS.pdf
Migratory Bird Treaty Act—easy explanation:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/17/drop-that-feather-its-illegal-to-collect-most-bird-feathers/
Cannot keep birds nests, feathers, parts of birds
ARTICLES:
Teaching and learning about birds in the early years – A few ideas to for getting started; Ann Smith 2009 Teaching Science
For the Birds
Jan. 2008, YC Young Children
Russo, Calurciello, and Kelly
QUOTE:
Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird? –David Attenborough
Book PICKS:
April Pulley Sayre
Vulture View
My review: https://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2012/11/vulture-view.html?m=0
Find it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Fy0r28 (aff link)
Woodpecker Wham
My review: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2015/05/woodpecker-wham-book-review.html
Find it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2GkMwtu (aff link)
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
Finding Loose Parts!
15+ Ways to Find Inexpensive Loose Parts
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2018/02/15-ways-to-find-inexpensive-loose-parts.html
Article:
Loose Parts in a Museum Setting Summary:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2017/09/loose-parts-in-museum-setting-article.html
Quote:
“Children learn most readily and easily in a laboratory-type environment where they can experiment, enjoy and find out things for themselves.”
Simon Nicholson
Loose Parts Books:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com/2016/04/loose-parts-books.html
Rosie Revere, Engineer:
http://amzn.to/2BOFWva (aff link)
Beautiful Stuff:
http://amzn.to/2HLDy8L (aff link)
Another book we really liked is Rosie Revere, Engineer. Rosie is a girl who is always squirreling away odds and ends for her engineering projects as a young girl. I can relate to this as my 7-year-old's eyes get so big when he finds a new object to add to his stash. He most recently discovered duct tape (Thanks, Cory and Holly) and is in heaven! Rosie's aunt is Rosie the Riveter whose only regret is not flying, so Rosie the younger sets out to make a flying machine. However, the machine falls flat.
I loved this quote on the page, "With each perfect failure, they all stand and cheer, but none quite as proudly as Rosie Revere." Rosie soon appreciated that we learn from mistakes and can use them to inform future projects. I love all the bits and baubles combined for creations.
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/ Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com