I have always noticed when my kids have a novel nondescript object (stick, box) to play with it tends to capture their imaginative states for longer periods of time. Living by the beach both my kids seem to find driftwood, shells, sticks and existing sand castle, holes, and sand mounds to play in and around for hours on end. This is what perked my interest in the idea of what I would later find to be labeled as the “Theory of loose parts”.
Read this Article First- the-theory-of-loose-parts
Then this more serious article by Ruth Wilson, Ph.D.–
Why Children Play Under the Bushes
The theory of “loose parts” first proposed by architect Simon Nicholson in the 1970’s has begun to influence child-play experts and the people who design playspaces for children in a big way. Nicholson believed that it is the ‘loose parts’ in our environment that will empower our creativity.
Blogs reviewing the power and scope of Loose Parts.
Loose Parts Outside for Adventurous Play!
10 Reasons to Love Loose Parts
Loose parts storage for playgrounds
THE THEORY OF LOOSE PARTS: THE RIGHT TO BE CREATIVE
Resource materials/ readings
loose-parts-manualloose-parts-by-schemaloose-parts-manual
Book- Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children
Article- Children’s Outdoor Play & Learning Environments: Returning to Nature
Building Momentum in Schools 