Loose Parts Play: Wed. 3-4:15

3:00 – 4:15
Loose Parts Play
Wendy Blackwell – national Children’s Museum (Washington, DC)
Tanya Andrews- Childrens Museum of Tacoma,
Jennie Sumrell- Playcore,
Hattie Coppard / Tim Coppard- Snug and Outdoor
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Premise:
It is important for children to be able and shape play space. Modular elements and loose parts provide unique and innovative opportunities in play environments that inspire creativity, imagination, and discovery. Outcomes from Experimental Playground Project in UK create loose parts and modular elements

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Synopsis:

Really interesting session! Great presenters and wonderful product! I want snug! The program started with information all about the developmental importance of loose parts play. Why we need it, what it’s doing, what is a loose part? We then got to hear about several different presenters experiences with loose play. This is another session to download the powerpoint for details - great developmental info. on slides!

Most interesting to hear about was a company called SNug - a brother sister duo of visual artists from England. There passion - how outdoor environments affect behavior. The did an awesome experiment over several years to find out what was the best outdoor play equipment and created Snug! Chicago museum first in US to have it!

Bottom line - loose parts play is critical (we've got it - kevas, fruits and vegetables)

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Jennie Sumrell – Playcore

Playcore’s first time at ACM. Used Loose parts as a teacher. What can you make out of a box? Cozy area

“Loose parts are a critical part on how w stimulate free play”

Free play, guided play, directed play, work. The value of play. These outdoor play experiences are creating outdoor experiences. Think about the whole child – five developmental categories: social/emotional development, physical, sensory, cognition. Think about in product development. Opportunities for sensory dramatic play.

Loose part – anything that can be used or moved. Constructive, dramatic, cooperative, creative. Simple household objects or manufactured objects. Reconnect with nature. Feel and manipulate. Child friendly plants – Robert “? for play”? wwww.natruegrounds.org – will give you list of plants to choose from child friendly and lay value.

Adventure / Junk playgrounds began in 1930s. 1943, during, WWII, kids preferred creating own playscapes. 1,000 in Europe. Play working – major in it. Two in US (Berkely and Huntington Beach). Imagination playground concept is returning. Rich meaningful experiences they will remember. Create, cooperate, plan, organize, translate abstract images, design, discuss, build, promote inclusive learning.

Physical activity – Michelle Obama – Let’ s Move - research, carried out in schools, get physically active during day. Coordination, fine and gross motor skills. Is it age appropriate? Use variety of ways? Multi sensory features – colors, senses? Durability?

Tacoma –
“Playwork primer” – master and communicate through loose parts play
Music exhibit, literacy exhibit (younger children – not enough manipulatives) everyone loved.
October 2010 – Zing power of play (new space in 2012)
Less content focus space (give them “ish” where they can decide what it is), 1,000 sq ft (about half museum). 5 areas shine- light play, action - pretend lay, tadha- block play, squish - senorsy play, whoosh - cause and effect. Try different materials and track user response. Use “play guides”. Imagination playground – staff support training. Younger build horisaontally (spread out). Older child, vertically. Show pictures – with stories to show learning – what will you leanr today?

Tim & Hattie – Snug and outdoor
Visual artists form London, working with schools. Calvin and hobbes cartoon – calvin leaping through air, hero of game, then dad says time for bed, play is finished. Play not about things, about what is in head. Experimental playground using objects (wood palettes in carpet), observed, asked what wants, no one knew, had to have new experience to know. Boxes, traffic cones – have been experimenting for 10 – 12 years. Temporary structures not durable, expensive, etc. Government and arts council funded work. Financially doable, create weatherproof, kidproof, etc. Right size for landscape. 2 to 3 years to hone shapes. Sustainable complexity. Hackney – bein gused for festivals. It’s taken 4 years to get snug developed. Eureka in northern England. Chicago childrens’ museum first place in US.

Jane – Chatanooga on SNUG
Address multiple age groupings, open ended play,layered experiences, parallel, cooperative play
Booth 402

National Children’s Museum
Quality play – will children play without direction from adults? With other children don’t know? Adults complaining children’s didn’t know how to play. Encourgae play without telling them how. Adult s not knowng how to play. “value disorganization and vulnerability as an opportunity”. “Be willing to discuss matters tht go beyond your role.” 130 ways to play – list of book sorgranzion read, ideas, workshops.

Snug – made from _________ (tried foam, carpet, roto molding? – shiny plastic looking) coat foam with polyurethane (can be dragged over rough surface – water proof). Wanted a matte look.

Difference inside play vs. outside play? Importance of adults is most notable. Schools were best – no adult interruption. More creative snug use over time.

Propose ideas on take home cards.

Fall distances in U.S. – imagination playground – got up to 4 ft high no problem! Buy fall protection flooring (1500 ft. of tile). Worthwhile expense and experience. Snug was developed with fall distance in mind – Europe standards are similar. Play guide in space at a all times. A lot of time spent assuring parents.