Loose Parts Nature Play Kits: Something for Everyone!

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