Loose Part Family Members
Loose Parts Family
Approximate Time Frame: 1 hour
Activity: WONDER
Area of Learning: Creative Expression
One of our favourite elements of Reggio Inspired Philosophy is LOOSE PARTS! Loose parts are materials that can be moved around and explored in a variety of ways. There are no limits to loose part play!
“What would your family look like if they were made of twigs and leaves?”
Build and create members of your own family using materials gathered from your nature walk or any other loose parts you find around your yard. Have fun being creative!
Process
Gather any loose parts that you have been collecting through nature walks or around the house. This could be leaves, twigs, pinecones, acorns, flowers, stems, rocks, grass, wood chips, etc...
Sort the materials into different bowls, mats, or piles.
Notice and talk about the size and shapes of the materials and how they relate to body parts.
Choose a background (outdoor or indoor, table or canvas, etc…)
Build each family member and explore using different materials for each person.
Tell a fun story or two while making your members!
Materials
Loose parts ( leaves, twigs, pinecones, acorns, flowers, rocks, grass, wood, etc.)
Flat surface
Imagination or a current photo to help jog ideas
Mind and body ready for building and creating!
Child role
Gather materials to be used
Sort the materials by shape or size or type
Talk about what makes up each family member’s body and decide what would match
Notice and say something about each family member and how they are unique. What is special about _____?
Take a picture of your creation!
Parent role
Encourage your child to help gather materials
Take time to talk about ways of sorting the materials
Decide on the sequence for building and creating family members
Engage your child in listening to some fun stories about each member as you build
Allow them to lead and explain choices for materials used for creating
