Loose Parts Nature Play: Big Ideas from Simple Materials

A bowl becomes a nest. A collection of leaves becomes a pretend lunch. A few wooden blocks become a bridge, then a house, then something only its young builder can explain.

Simple materials can leave plenty of room for big ideas. When children can move, combine and rearrange objects, they get to decide what those objects might become. This is the invitation behind loose parts play.

At Nurso Nature Play in Brisbane, our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach celebrates children as curious, capable learners. Open-ended materials offer a way to make room for their thinking, creativity and discoveries.

What are loose parts?

Loose parts are movable materials that children can use in different ways. They might include large leaves, sturdy containers, wooden blocks, fabric pieces or other carefully selected objects.

There is no single correct arrangement or finished product. A container might be used for collecting, building or pretend cooking. Its purpose can change as the child's idea develops.

The materials do not need to be expensive or elaborate. A small, thoughtfully chosen collection often gives children plenty to investigate without overwhelming the space.

A Reggio Emilia-inspired way to explore

The Reggio Emilia approach values children's many ways of expressing and developing ideas. Talking is one possibility; building, arranging, drawing and moving are others.

Loose parts can offer children materials for those different forms of expression. A child might construct a home for an imaginary creature, arrange objects into a pattern or use a piece of fabric to act out a story.

Adults can listen to what children say and notice what they do. Which materials do they choose? What keeps their attention? What changes when another child contributes an idea? These observations help adults respond thoughtfully.

Why take loose parts play outdoors?

Outdoor spaces bring changing light, textures, sounds and room to move. A breeze might shift a fabric roof. Uneven ground might prompt a child to rethink a building's base. A fallen leaf might become the starting point for a new design.

These encounters give children practical problems to explore. They can try an arrangement, notice what happens and make adjustments. Carrying containers, placing blocks and sorting materials also offer opportunities to practise coordination through purposeful play.

When children work together, the materials can become a meeting point for ideas. Building a shared structure might involve explaining a plan, making space for someone else's suggestion or deciding how to use a favourite object.

Try a simple invitation at home

Choose a comfortable outdoor spot and offer a few suitable materials. You could begin with:

• Several large, clean leaves from a known non-toxic plant.
• Sturdy bowls or containers without sharp edges.
• A few smooth wooden blocks.
• A short piece of fabric without loose cords.

Place them where your child can reach them, then allow time to explore. You do not need to announce a project. Your child may begin collecting, arranging or inventing something you had not imagined.

Select materials for your child's age and abilities. Avoid small objects for children who mouth materials, inspect items for damage and supervise the experience.

Support the idea without taking it over

A comment such as “You found a way to make it balance” can acknowledge a discovery. If your child welcomes conversation, try “Tell me about what you're making.” Quiet attention can be just as useful as a question.

There is no need to turn every moment into a lesson or photograph every creation. Sometimes the most valuable thing an adult can offer is time for an idea to unfold.

For more hands-on outdoor exploration, discover our Nature Play sessions at The Nurso. Planning a celebration? Explore our kids' Nature Play parties for a nature-inspired way to play together.