Simon Nicholson’s theory of Loose Parts (1971) recognises the benefits of providing a wide range of transient loose parts and resources that bring a wide range of play opportunities to encourage a children’s development through play, the more stuff in the play space, the more imagination and creativity.

This in turn provides for a highly flexible environment with loose parts and resources that can be changed, moved around which allows children to play autonomously. Children will develop resilience, self-confidence, independence, self-worth and creativity etc through playing in a flexible environment. Change from the usual and discovering new and interesting things promotes independence and allows the child to escape reality.

So this springtime why not introduce some spring themed loose parts into   your play space for example, Flower pots, Wooden scraps, Candlesticks/tea lights, Wooden pegs, Corks, Clothespins, Bubbles wrap, Buttons, PVC pipe parts, Milk caps, bottle caps, Lace, Thread, Ribbon, Twine, Egg cartons, Cardboard, Feathers, Seeds, Acorns, pinecones, twigs, flowers.