Loose Parts Nature Play

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 ide