Loose Parts Resources
In this blog post you will discover what loose parts are and why you need them in your classroom. You will also find a list of over 150 loose parts resources you can use to set up age appropriate investigation areas and learning invitations in your early years setting.
Have you ever stood in front of a newly set-up play space thinking,
Is this enough?
Is it purposeful?
Are the kids going to do anything with it?
Loose parts play is one of the most powerful ways to engage children in creative, open-ended learning. But building a collection that’s both intentional and manageable can feel overwhelming. With so many materials, ideas, and different ways to set things up, it’s easy to feel stuck. Or worse - your beautifully arranged learning invitation gets ignored entirely while children flock to the block corner for the hundredth time. Sound familiar?
What teachers really need is a simple way to curate an inspiring and functional loose parts collection. One that sparks children’s imagination, meets curriculum goals, and doesn’t require hours of prep.
Loose parts are open-ended materials that can be used in countless ways in early childhood classrooms, helping children develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking through play.
In this post, you’ll learn what loose parts are, how they support early learning, and how to curate a meaningful loose parts collection - without breaking the bank or losing your mind.
If you’re new to this concept, you might like to start by reading my guide to Loose Parts Play, where I explain exactly what loose parts are and how they support learning in early childhood classrooms.
Whether you’re searching for a loose parts resources list, natural loose parts resources, or ideas for using loose parts outdoors, this guide will help you curate, organise, and use these open-ended materials effectively in your play-based classroom.
Not Sure What Materials to Use?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by what to collect or where to start, I have a FREE guide that will give you a clear, simple starting point.
You’ll find ideas for materials, how to use them, and even ideas for how to build your collection over time.
👉 Download the free Loose Parts Guide here
What are Loose Parts?
In 1971, architect Simon Nicholson developed the theory of loose parts. This term describes any open-ended materials which encourage creativity and exploration in children. Children can manipulate and use loose parts during investigative play experiences. The key is the open-ended nature of loose parts.
Loose parts can be natural like shells or man-made like buttons. They can be very small like beads or very large like tyres. Loose parts can be new or old, recycled or intentionally purchased.
Loose parts should be thoughtfully added to your investigation areas. Teachers very often add printed learning provocations to the loose parts to suggest possible learning scenarios. By observing your children, you will gain insights into their individual learning interests and needs. Your observations should then guide which loose parts you should add to your investigation areas.
Loose parts are suitable for individuals, small groups and the whole class. They can be offered inside the classroom and outside in the playground.
The main thing to remember about loose parts is that they can be used in a variety of ways and for numerous purposes. Your loose parts collections can be completely random, or you can curate collections around specific themes. For example, items could be all the same colour, all come from the kitchen, are all soft materials or are all found outside.
Loose parts can and should be added to any learning invitation for children to practice and build on their developmental skills.
Loose parts are open-ended materials that foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and deep learning across all areas of early childhood education. Whether used in loose parts art, loose parts patterns, outdoor classrooms, or numeracy provocations, they support imaginative play, cognitive development, and critical-thinking skills in young children.
Simon Nicholson believed that “the richness of an environment in terms of its loose parts determines the creativity and inventiveness of the people using it.” This idea—that the environment is a key driver of learning—continues to influence play-based educators around the world.
Maria Montessori also championed the use of hands-on, open-ended materials, emphasising that children thrive when they are given the freedom to manipulate, explore, and discover using their own ideas.
The Reggio Emilia approach takes this further by viewing materials as a ‘third teacher’ - inviting children into meaningful, self-directed exploration.
👉 As teachers, it’s our job to carefully curate a collection of loose parts that sparks curiosity, supports the curriculum, and reflects the children’s interests.
Benefits of Loose Parts to Learning
Including loose parts in your learning provocations will help you to create rich learning experiences. Loose parts play develops skills across the whole curriculum – literacy, maths, art, science, and more.
In fact, studies show that when young children are engaged in open-ended, hands-on learning experiences, they demonstrate higher engagement, longer attention spans, and increased cognitive flexibility (Harvard Center on the Developing Child, 2021).
If you are interested in providing learning provocations which teach early literacy and numeracy skills and concepts, you might like to check out my loose parts play mats. They are sure to get your students engaged and learning with loose parts! Best of all? These hands-on activities are LOW PREP!
Just print the mats and add your loose parts for instant educational learning invitations.
Looking for an engaging, hands-on way to teach 2D shapes? These Loose Parts Shape Mats are perfect for early childhood educators wanting to bring a play-based approach into their classroom math activities.
Encourage creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor development - all while covering those essential geometry concepts with these Reggio-inspired, nature-themed mats.
SAVE MONEY and COVER MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Grab the BUNDLE of 100 Loose Parts Play Mats HERE!
Engaging and Educational
With 25 stunning, real-life nature photo mats, your students will be immersed in their hands-on learning. They will be able to identify and construct numerous 2D shapes using everyday loose parts like stones, counters, or even play dough.
Designed to inspire exploration, these mats help children create, recognise, and describe both familiar and uncommon 2D shapes in a playful, inquiry-driven way.
Why You’ll Love These Loose Parts Shape Mats:
Play-Based and Hands-On: Encourage tactile, multi-sensory exploration as students explore with loose parts to build and learn about 2D shapes.
Low-Prep, Easy to Use: Simply print, grab some loose parts, and you're ready to go! These mats make it easy to teach essential 2D shape concepts without hours of preparation.
Aligned with Curriculum: Fully linked to the Australian Curriculum (ACARA) to help you meet key content descriptors while at the same time making learning fun and meaningful.
ACARA Content Descriptors Taught with These Math Shape Mats:
AC9MFSPO1: Sort, name, and create familiar shapes; recognise and describe familiar shapes within objects in the environment.
AC9M1SP01: Make, compare, and classify shapes, identifying similarities and differences.
What’s Included in This 2D Shape Maths Resource :
25 labelled shape mats featuring the following 2D shapes: rectangles, square, triangles, circle, oval/ellipse, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, decagon, dodecagon, trapezoid, parallelogram, diamond/rhombus, heart, star, crescent, and arrow.
List of 60 loose parts ideas: Stones, counters, play dough, and more!
2 learning prompts to stimulate rich mathematical discussions and hands-on learning.
A Printable Information Poster listing all the skills and knowledge supported by these Loose PartsPlay Mats.
16 Shape Challenge Task Cards to extend the learning and get your students really thinking.
4 Student Recording Sheets to encourage documentation and a way for you to collect evidence of learning.
2 styles of teacher observation checklists so you can easily document all that learning during loose parts play.
Instructions for tile printing to customise the print size for your classroom needs.
A document wallet label to print and help you keep all these resources organised.
Use These 2D Shape Printables Over and Over
These Loose Parts Shape Mats are ideal for:
small group math rotations
independent work
early finishers
soft start stations or morning tubs
busy bags
play based math centres or investigation areas
How to Use These Loose Parts Shape Mats:
Small Group Rotations: Set up a play-based activity using these mats during math rotations to keep students engaged while reinforcing key shape concepts.
Independent Work: Let students explore shapes at their own pace, using the mats and loose parts to create, compare, and classify different shapes.
Early Finishers: Keep fast finishers focused and challenged with shape-building tasks that encourage creativity and deeper thinking.
Math Centres or Busy Bags: These mats are perfect for math centres or as a take-home activity in busy bags, ensuring continuous learning in a hands-on way.
Loose parts play opens the door to a whole new level of engagement in the classroom. When students are having fun, they’re learning more deeply.
These Loose Parts Shape Mats encourage children to explore 2D shapes in a hands-on, play-based environment that fosters creativity, fine motor development, and problem-solving.
Print, grab your loose parts, and get ready for a classroom full of engaged, curious learners!
SAVE MONEY and COVER MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Grab the BUNDLE of 100 Loose Parts Play Mats HERE!
Use these line and pattern mats with loose parts (stones, counters, play dough, math manipulatives etc) for children to explore and make patterns.
These beautifully designed loose parts mats encourage exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Perfect for early childhood classrooms, these mats support foundational math concepts in a sensory, hands-on way.They make it easy for children to explore early math concepts like pattern-making and also help to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and the arts as a way of communicating ideas.
These Reggio inspired nature themed mats are the perfect base for your next play based learning invitation.
They feature real-life nature photos, making them visually engaging and the perfect complement to any classroom décor.
SAVE MONEY and COVER MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Grab the BUNDLE of 100 Loose Parts Play Mats HERE!
What's Included:
25 unique line mats featuring nature-themed backgrounds, designed for loose parts provocations.
60 loose parts ideas to inspire children’s creativity and exploration during play.
2 learning prompts that encourage pattern-making and reflective thinking.
4 student recording sheets to document children’s learning and creations.
2 teacher observation checklists to track student progress and development.
Instructions for tile printing the mats, so you can adjust the print size to suit your needs.
Document wallet label for easy organization and storage.
Key Features of this Loose Parts Resource
Nature-Themed Design: Each mat showcases stunning real-life nature photos, helping students connect with the environment as they learn.
Flexible Use: Ideal for math centers, fine motor activities, or morning tubs, these mats are versatile and can be used in many different classroom setups.
Play-Based Learning: Perfect for Reggio-inspired educators, the open-ended design encourages children to explore, experiment, and think critically while creating patterns and designs.
ACARA-Aligned: Linked to the Australian Curriculum Version 9, these mats support early math and visual arts concepts, making them a valuable tool for preschool to grade 2 classrooms.
What are the learning benefits?
Math Skills: Children develop pattern recognition, sorting, and early algebraic thinking by using loose parts to create and continue patterns.
Fine Motor Development: Handling small objects and arranging them into patterns builds hand strength and coordination.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: Open-ended exploration with loose parts allows children to use their imagination and engage in critical thinking.
Visual Arts: These mats also introduce basic visual arts concepts such as color, shape, and composition, allowing students to express their creativity.
Perfect for:
Hands-on math centers
Fine motor skills development
Small group rotations
Independent work
Busy bags and morning tubs
Soft start activities
Early finishers
Numeracy centers
Assessment support
Whether used in small group rotations, independent work, or investigation areas, these mats provide an open-ended learning experience that sparks curiosity and discovery.
Linked to ACARA Content Descriptions
Foundation Level
AC9MFA01: Recognise, copy, and continue repeating patterns represented in different ways.
AC9AVAFD01: Use play, imagination, arts knowledge, processes, and skills to discover possibilities and develop ideas.
AC9AVAFC01: Create artworks that communicate ideas.
AC9AVAFP01: Share their artwork with audiences.
Year 1 and Year 2
AC9M1A01: Recognise, continue, and create pattern sequences with numbers, symbols, shapes, and objects.
AC9M1A02: Recognise, continue, and create repeating patterns with numbers, symbols, shapes, and objects.
AC9M2A01: Recognise, describe, and create additive patterns that increase or decrease by a constant amount.
AC9AVA2D01: Experiment and play with visual conventions, processes, and materials.
AC9AVA2C01: Use visual conventions and materials to create artworks.
AC9AVA2P01: Share artworks and/or visual arts practice in informal settings.
Why Teachers Love These Loose Parts Mats
The real-life nature backgrounds create an immersive, calming environment for students.
Versatile for a wide range of classroom activities, from math explorations to fine motor development.
Easy to set up in small group or independent learning sessions, making it a convenient tool for busy educators.
Aligned with ACARA, making it easier for teachers to integrate the mats into their curriculum and learning outcomes.
With this product, you can provide an engaging, hands-on learning experience for your students that supports both academic and creative development. Whether you’re focused on early math skills or fostering creative thinking, these loose parts mats are the perfect addition to any play-based learning classroom.
5 Star Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The children enjoyed using a range of materials to follow the patterns on these mats. They were engaged and it was such a simple yet effective fine motor activity.”
"Perfect addition to our loose parts center! Kids have used as mats and also on the light table."
"I use these mats as a station for 'soft start,' first thing in the morning and my kindergarteners love it! The pictures are beautiful and there are so many different designs to choose from.”
"My students loved these activities and were completely engaged.”
“Great resource, my students love it and so easy to prep!”
SAVE MONEY and COVER MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Grab the BUNDLE of 100 Loose Parts Play Mats HERE!
Use these Loose Parts Number Mats with loose parts like stones, counters, play dough or math manipulatives to make setting up your next hands-on math exploration easy and educational. They are perfect for teaching number concepts to 20 through loose parts play.
Address Multiple Skills
Specifically designed for early childhood classrooms, these Reggio-inspired mats encourage creativity, critical thinking, and purposeful math talk - all while developing fine motor skills and foundational math skills at the same time!
Whether you're working on number recognition, pattern creation, or exploring quantities on ten frames, these mats are your go-to resource for educational and engaging play-based learning activities.
SAVE MONEY and COVER MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Grab the BUNDLE of 100 Loose Parts Play Mats HERE!
What’s Included in This Loose Parts Number Mats Resource:
20 Number Mats: Featuring the numeral, number word, and ten frame for all the numbers from 1 to 20.
6 Font Options to Choose From: Queensland Beginner’s Font, NSW Foundation Font, SA Beginner’s Font, Tasmania Beginner’s Font, Victoria Modern Cursive (also for WA & NT), and a Standard Elementary Font.
3 Printable Learning Prompts: Use for guided math discussions and provocation questions.
8 Student Recording Sheets: Track student progress with multiple styles of recording sheets.
Teacher Observation Checklists: Easily document student learning during loose parts play with two styles of checklists.
Teacher Cheat Sheet of Math Questions to ask during loose parts play.
Teacher Reference List of all the skills and knowledge supported by these Loose Parts Number Mats.
60 Loose Parts Ideas: Comprehensive list of materials to inspire creative play and learning.
Tile Printing Instructions: Customize the printout size of your mats for various classroom setups.
Printable Document Wallet Label: Organize your resources neatly for easy access.
Why Teachers Love These Number Mats
Beautiful Nature-Inspired Design: Each mat showcases beautiful real-life nature photos to help you create calming Reggio-inspired provocations. This ensures they complement any classroom décor, and are especially useful for outdoor nature play.
Supports Correct Numeral Formation: With 6 different fonts, including ALL the Australian Curriculum fonts and a standard Elementary font, these mats ensure your students will learn the correct numeral formation that aligns with your curriculum.
Naturally Differentiated for Student Success: The open-ended nature of these mats invites students to work at their own pace and that will help them feel successful and stay on task without you having to hover over them.
Open-Ended to Foster Creativity: These mats encourage active exploration and allow children to engage use the materials in multiple ways, boosting both engagement and creative thinking during math activities.
Versatile for Any Classroom Setup: Whether you’re using them in small group rotations, independent work, or at numeracy centers, these mats are perfect for hands-on learning, fine motor development, and creative play. They adapt easily to a wide range of activities, from math lessons to art and sensory play.
Effortless Setup for Busy Teachers: With print-and-go convenience, all you need to do is print, laminate, and provide a few loose parts or playdough. You’ll be ready to implement engaging math activities in no time—perfect for busy educators who need flexible, ready-to-use resources.
Linked to ACARA Content Descriptions:
AC9MFN01: Name, represent, and order numbers to at least 20 using physical and virtual materials.
AC9MFN03: Quantify and compare collections up to 20 using counting strategies.
AC9MFN04: Partition and combine collections up to 10 using part-part-whole relationships.
AC9MFA01: Recognize, copy, and continue repeating patterns represented in different ways.
These Loose Parts Play Mats are Perfect for:
Hands-on math centers
Small group rotations
Fine motor skills development
Morning tubs or soft start activities
Busy bags
Early finishers
Numeracy centers
Assessment support
5-Star Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"My students loved using this resource for one-to-one correspondence practice, counting on, and many more math skills.”
"A brilliant resource to invite Kindergarten children to start exploring numbers!"
Purchase your Loose Parts Number Mats today and provide an enriching, play-based learning experience that helps students build foundational math skills through sensory exploration and creative play.
SAVE MONEY and COVER MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Grab the BUNDLE of 100 Loose Parts Play Mats HERE!
These Loose Parts Alphabet Mats are designed to blend sensory learning and play-based literacy activities. They will encourage both creativity and deep learning.
Whether you’re struggling to find an activity that holds students’ attention or you just need a simple, low-prep activity for small group literacy rotations, these mats give you an easy, versatile solution.
Use the alphabet mats with loose parts (stones, counters, play dough, math manipulatives etc) to teach letter identification and letter formation in a sensory, hands-on way – all while keeping your young students motivated and focused!
SAVE MONEY and COVER MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Grab the BUNDLE of 100 Loose Parts Play Mats HERE!
Make Literacy Fun with Loose Parts Play
I created these alphabet mats because I noticed my students needed a more tactile, open-ended way to explore letters. While worksheets served a purpose, they didn’t spark that curiosity or engagement I was looking for in my classroom.
The nature-themed visuals also bring a calming, Reggio-inspired feel to the classroom.
With All Australian Fonts and USA Font
With six font variations included, it’s easy to meet your curriculum’s expectations for handwriting and letter formation because you can print exactly the right version to fit your needs.
Included Fonts:
Queensland Beginner’s Font
New South Wales Foundation Font
South Australia Beginner’s Font
Tasmania Beginner’s Font
Victoria Modern Cursive (also for WA & NT)
Standard American Elementary Font
Save Time with This Low-Prep Resource
Tired of complicated prep and set-up for every activity?
No more scrambling for last-minute activities! These mats are ready to print and go. They’re so versatile!
I’ve used them in small group rotations, literacy centers, morning tubs, and for early finishers. You’ll save valuable planning time while still offering your students a fun, meaningful, standards-aligned activity.
What’s Included in These Loose Parts Alphabet Mats
This product comes with six font versions (all Australian fonts and an American elementary font), giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your students.
Here’s what’s inside:
26 Alphabet Mats featuring real-life nature photos.
60 Loose Parts Ideas to inspire creative letter formation.
2 Learning Prompts to scaffold student thinking.
4 Student Recording Sheets for easy documentation of progress.
2 Teacher Observation Checklists to help track learning outcomes.
Display Poster explaining the educational value of alphabet loose parts play.
Organisational Document Wallet Label to keep your resources neatly stored.
The learning prompts, poster and alphabet mats are in A4 size. Print them in colour and at a high quality as the pictures are stunning real life nature photos.
Linked to ACARA Content Descriptions:
form most lower-case and upper-case letters using learnt letter formations (AC9EFLY08 )
recognise and generate sounds (phonemes) in spoken words (phonological awarenesss) (AC9EFLY09)
recognise and name all upper- and lower-case letters (graphs) and know the most common sound that each letter represents (AC9EFLY11)
Perfect for Cross-Curriculum Learning
These alphabet mats are not just for teaching letters!
They help develop fine motor skills, foster creative problem-solving and build concentration and sustained focus. Oh, they are also great for developing visual art skills too!
They provide a sensory-rich experience that keeps little ones engaged and learning.
Turn literacy time into a playful, sensory experience that meets your curriculum goals and supports deeper learning with these Loose Parts Alphabet Mats. You’ll love all the ways you can use them throughout the day and your students will love the hands-on fun.
SAVE MONEY and COVER MORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Grab the BUNDLE of 100 Loose Parts Play Mats HERE!
📌 If you’re looking for structured ways to incorporate loose parts in literacy and numeracy, check out my best-selling Loose Parts Play Mats Bundle!
💡 Includes loose parts alphabet mats, number mats, shape mats, and pattern mats at a discount - you’ll have everything you need to support curriculum-linked play-based learning.
Loose parts play is also cross-curricular/integrated because so many skills will be present in any single learning experience. Some educators think the word “play” suggests otherwise but so much learning really does happens when children explore loose parts.
Through loose parts play, children naturally engage in spatial awareness, language development, critical thinking, social skills, creative expression, and sensory exploration. It’s a holistic type of play that nurtures both the heart and the mind.
Providing opportunities for your children to play with loose parts allows them to consolidate their thinking and extend their learning through a developmentally appropriate pedagogy. Loose parts play has benefits, both for the child and the teacher. You can read more about the Benefits of Loose Parts Play HERE on this blog post.
According to the Walker Learning Approach, “sustained shared thinking” occurs when children and educators engage in meaningful, extended conversations during play.
Loose parts provide the perfect context for this kind of thinking - rich, imaginative, and driven by children’s interest.
You will notice your children will use loose parts to..
…make, build, experiment, invent, combine, redesign, pull apart and put back together, carry around, manipulate, put into patterns, sort, measure, use as visual representations - and sometimes, they’ll do all of those in the same 15-minute session.
Whether it’s using seed pods to represent families in dramatic play, popsicle sticks to build imaginary traps for dragons, or cardboard boxes transformed into an outdoor café - loose parts support the magic of loose parts learning.
OVER 150 Engaging Loose Parts Ideas for Your Classroom
Loose parts can be sourced from the natural world or man-made. They can be large or small. To promote scientific and mathematical thinking, quality loose parts will have differing attributes of size, colour or shape.
I have compiled a comprehensive list of over 150 different loose parts you can use in your classroom so you can easily get started with loose parts play.
If you would like a copy of this list, you can download a printable version HERE in my FREE Resource library.
Whether you’re building a loose parts kit from scratch or refreshing your current materials, this loose parts resources list will help you find the perfect mix of textures, shapes, and possibilities.
The goal? A flexible, inspiring play-based classroom where children can experiment, discover, and create in endless new ways.
Natural Loose Parts
Natural resources are perfect for outdoor classrooms, sensory play, and imaginative play. Think about using…
Rocks
Gum nuts
Pine cones
Leaves
Seed pods
Dried beans
Unshelled nuts
Flowers
Bark pieces
Shells
Sea glass
Feathers
Straw
Moss
Driftwood
Sticks and twigs
Tree cookies
Dried corn kernels
Peach pits
Pine needles
Sand, water, and mud for sensory exploration
These items encourage children’s exploration of the natural world and bring the beauty of loose parts into everyday learning. Plus, natural objects are often free and easy to gather on nature walks!
Reused and Recycled Loose Parts
Collected from everyday objects and commonly found around the home or school recycling bins.
Lids
Bottle caps
Marker lids
Bread clips
Rubber bands
Boxes
Wood offcuts
Old picture frames (glass and backs removed)
Containers
Wheels
Cotton reels
Ribbon spools
Cardboard tubes
Corks
Plastic bottles and containers
Glass jars
Aluminium foil pieces
PVC pipes
Cardboard boxes
These man-made materials are perfect for developing problem-solving skills, design thinking, and spatial awareness. Don’t forget to check with parents, local businesses, and thrift stores - your next loose parts treasure might be something they’re throwing away!
Loose Parts Materials to Buy
Great for filling out your loose parts collection with bright colours, fun textures, and variety.
Collage trolley items
Pipe cleaners
Pom poms
Cotton wool balls
Ribbons and lace
Wool and threads
Sequins and glitter
Clothes pegs
Pop sticks
Match sticks
Mirrors
Beads and buttons
Glass gems
Play dough tools and mini rollers
Many of these small loose parts can be found cheaply in craft stores, $2 shops, or repurposed from art projects. They offer children opportunities for fine motor skills development, creative expression, and colour sorting.
Loose Parts Toys
These store-bought items support constructive play and fine motor development while still offering open-ended learning opportunities.
Blocks
Lego and Duplo
Mobilo
Gears
Junior engineering sets
Dominoes
Dice
Animal figurines
Cars
Marbles
Balls
Hoops
Building blocks in various shapes and textures
Loose parts toys can be combined with natural or recycled materials to create rich, layered learning invitations. Try pairing wooden blocks with leaves or pinecones for contrast and creativity.
Outdoor Loose Parts
Perfect for gross motor play, construction, sensory exploration, and dramatic play in outdoor spaces.
Tyres
Crates
Wood pallets
Rope and chains
Wooden planks
Guttering and pipes
Wooden spools
Buckets
Pots and pans
Baskets
Balls
Hoops
Chalk
Tarps and fabrics
Blankets and sheets
Pillowcases
Plant pots
Plastic bottles for water play
Loose parts play outdoors gives children the space to test big ideas and build large-scale creations. Water play, fort building, ramps, and mud kitchens are all enriched when loose parts are on hand.
You don’t need to compile a huge collection of loose parts in order for your children to have educational and effective loose parts play experiences.
One of the benefits of loose parts play is that you can use the same materials with a range of developmental abilities. Loose parts are open-ended resources so they never become outdated or below a child’s developmental level. They will never be too difficult or too easy for your children to use. The same materials can be used in a variety of ways over and over and for an extended period of time.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to stock your classroom with loose parts. Free loose parts can be found everywhere and are the best types of loose parts to add to your investigative play experiences.
Materials like rocks and sticks can be collected easily. Items like empty cereal boxes and yoghurt containers (the ones filling up your recycling bin) are perfect for loose parts play.
You won’t be worrying about using these free loose parts either. They can be damaged or lost by the children without you stressing about how much money these resources cost you. As teachers, we need to be mindful that our focus is on the play and the learning and NOT on the loose parts we have managed to accumulate.
The magic of loose parts is in their potential. One day a handful of buttons becomes a galaxy of stars. The next, a treasure basket of seed pods transforms into dragon eggs hidden in the outdoor garden.
The continuous use of loose parts in your learning environment builds creativity, independence, and curiosity in children - as well as joy in teaching.
How to Use Open-ended Loose Parts in Learning Invitations
Loose parts can and should be added to any learning invitation for children to practise and build on their developmental skills.
They’re not just a nice extra! They’re a powerful way to teach through creative play.
Whether you're focusing on literacy, maths, science, or the arts, loose parts allow children to make sense of concepts in their own terms. You’ll see children sorting by different shapes, creating repeating patterns, or using natural materials to tell stories - all without a single worksheet.
In my play-based classroom, loose parts are used in provocations, sensory play areas, dramatic play setups, and even outdoor learning spaces. Sometimes I theme them like all-natural materials, or all one colour. Sometimes I just leave a random mix and see where their creativity takes them. It’s this flexibility that makes loose parts so magical.
You might add small objects to a playdough station, create a nature-inspired mandala using natural loose parts, or provide children with a tray of loose parts alongside a storybook to inspire retelling or imaginative play.
A simple invitation might include:
Bottle caps and wooden blocks beside a road map for imaginative play
Buttons, pom poms, and popsicle sticks with a laminated alphabet mat for letter building
Tree cookies, wool scraps, and sequins for making loose parts faces and exploring emotions
When setting up your provocations, remember to leave space for the children’s own ideas. The best invitations are open-ended and flexible. They invite children to explore through trial and error, and bursts of creative thinking.
Loose parts learning invitations are also a great opportunity to include visual WALT goals or learning intentions, especially when you’re targeting curriculum benchmarks in maths or literacy.
A simple illustrated prompt beside a numeracy mat can give children direction without limiting their creativity.
And don’t forget the power of outdoor learning. Loose parts play outdoors opens up even more possibilities for movement, collaboration, and big-picture thinking. Buckets become cauldrons, crates turn into vehicles, and a patch of grass becomes a world of adventure.
Want help setting up engaging provocations with loose parts?
Read my post: Loose Parts Invitation to Play – How to Set Up an Inspiring Loose Parts Invitation to Play.
Looking for open-ended, curriculum-aligned prompts?
My Loose Parts Play Mats Bundle includes over 100 mats, task cards, challenge prompts, and more—making learning through play simple and effective.
Save money and cover numerous curriculum learning objectives with this Nature-Themed Loose Parts Mats Bundle! Designed with real-life nature photos, this Reggio-inspired bundle includes 100 play mats and heaps of BONUS FREEBIES to help you successfully teach math and literacy concepts through engaging loose parts play activities.
Ideal for Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade, these mats encourage exploration, creativity, and deep learning with low-prep, high-impact activities.
What’s Included in the Loose Parts Mats Bundle:
26 Alphabet Mats in Australian & Elementary fonts
25 2D Shape Mats featuring common and uncommon shapes
25 Line & Pattern Mats for creative pattern exploration
20 Number Mats in both Australian & Elementary fonts
PLUS A FREE SET of 4 Organic Pattern Mats with open-ended designs for flexible use.
Each mat is A4-sized and best printed in colour to highlight the stunning nature backgrounds. I love these stunning images as they really make each provocation visually engaging.
Your Comprehensive Bundle Also Includes:
60 Loose Parts Ideas for endless setup options
16 Challenge Task Cards designed for 2D Shape exploration
8 Teacher Observation Checklists tailored for tracking student progress in numeracy, literacy, fine motor skills, and creativity
20 Student Recording Sheets to document learning and creativity
Teacher Cheat Sheet with Math Questions for guided, purposeful learning
Printable Loose Parts Posters to inspire and inform
Document Wallet Labels to keep all these resources organized and accessible
Whether you're looking to set up small group rotations, morning tubs, tabletop activities, STEM trays, or play-based centers, this bundle makes learning through play easy and effective.
Why Teachers Choose this Loose Parts Bundle:
Easy to Use: Just print, set up, and add loose parts—perfect for busy teachers.
Flexible Learning Opportunities: Use for early finishers, independent work, or as daily soft starts.
Hands-On and Play-Based: Supports age-appropriate multi-sensory learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Aligned with Play-Based Pedagogy: Encourages students to explore loose parts in meaningful ways, helping them to meet benchmarks through exploration and play.
Save 25% by purchasing this bundle and get a full suite of Loose Parts Mats for literacy and numeracy. You’ll be able to use them over and over throughout the whole school year.
This set is one of my best sellers and a teacher favourite for engaging students in playful, curriculum-linked learning.
Low-Prep, High-Impact Activities
With these Loose Parts Mats, setting up engaging learning invitations has never been easier.
Each prompt is designed to be purposeful, helping you inspire creativity while supporting literacy and numeracy outcomes.
Download this bundle and bring some nature-inspired, play-based learning to your classroom!
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Let’s be honest - loose parts play can feel a bit messy, a bit overwhelming, and even a bit intimidating at times. But it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple strategies, you can make loose parts work in your play-based classroom without the chaos.
“Loose parts are too messy!”
This is one of the most common concerns I hear from early childhood educators. And it’s valid - especially when small loose parts end up all over the floor or get mixed into unrelated areas.
👉 Solution: Use clearly labelled baskets, jars, and loose parts trays to help children pack up independently. Give visual cues and use real images on your labels so even the youngest children know where things belong. Establish pack-up routines early on, and you’ll be surprised how well they manage it.
“Children don’t know what to do with them.”
Some children need support getting started, especially if they’re used to structured, outcome-based activities.
👉 Solution: Set up gentle provocations or challenges using your loose parts. Add a picture prompt, a laminated task card, or a simple question: “Can you make a house for a bug?” “Can you sort these by colour?” “Can you build a bridge with only three things?” Keep the invitation open-ended, but purposeful.
“I don’t have time to collect loose parts.”
Between planning, teaching, and keeping up with everything else, it can feel like another thing to add to your never-ending list.
👉 Solution: Start small. A handful of seed pods, a tray of bottle caps, or a collection of ribbon scraps is enough to begin.
Ask families to donate materials, check op shops or local Facebook groups, or even set up a treasure basket in the staffroom for contributions. And don’t forget - you can download my free Loose Parts Resources List & Labels to save time and stay organised.
The key is remembering that you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup to get started. It’s not about how your loose parts look. It’s about what children do with them.
Whether they’re used for sensory exploration, imaginative play, or open-ended learning, loose parts can become one of your most powerful teaching tools.
Want more tips on how to guide and support play? Read my blog post: The Teacher’s Role in Loose Parts Play.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loose Parts Resources
What are loose parts resources?
Loose parts resources are open-ended materials that children can move, combine, design and use in many different ways during play. Examples include natural materials, recycled materials and small construction items.
Where can I find loose parts materials?
Loose parts materials can be collected from nature, recycling bins, thrift stores, hardware stores and craft stores. Many loose parts can be sourced for free.
What are examples of loose parts materials?
Examples include bottle caps, cardboard tubes, wooden blocks, pine cones, fabric scraps, buttons, sticks, shells and boxes.
Do you need lots of loose parts to get started?
No. You can start with just a few materials like bottle caps, cardboard boxes and natural materials. Children will use the same materials in many different ways.
Why are loose parts important in early childhood?
Loose parts support creativity, problem solving, social interaction, language development and fine motor skills all through open-ended play.
Start Your Loose Parts Journey Today!
Loose parts are open-ended materials that can be used in endless ways across the early years curriculum. They encourage creativity, problem-solving, imaginative play, and critical-thinking skills. Best of all, they’re accessible, flexible, and developmentally appropriate for every learner in your play-based classroom.
Whether you’re just starting out or already have a well-stocked collection, there’s always something new to discover through the beauty of loose parts.
You don’t need a huge budget, Pinterest-perfect shelves, or hours of prep time. You just need the willingness to observe, listen, and offer children the open-ended resources that let them explore the world on their own terms.
We’ve covered a lot in this blog post…
how to find and organise loose parts resources
where to source natural and recycled materials
ways to align play invitations with curriculum goals
and even how to overcome common loose parts challenges.
My hope is that you now feel inspired and equipped to make loose parts a foundational part of your classroom.
The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a number of resources to help you bring this all to life.
Download your FREEBIES
✅ Educator’s Guide to Loose Parts Play – A practical overview of the theory, benefits, and setup tips.
✅ Printable Loose Parts Resources List & Labels – Over 150 ideas + visual labels to keep your collection organised and classroom-ready.
Looking for ready-to-use activities?
If you love the idea of using loose parts but don’t always have time to create new learning invitations, using ready-made loose parts mats can make this sooo much easier.
👉 Check out my best-selling Loose Parts Play Mats Bundle
With over 100 loose parts mats for literacy and numeracy, task cards, observation checklists, and teacher cheat sheets, this bundle is perfect for setting up meaningful learning invitations without the prep overload.
Gathering materials is often the part that feels the most overwhelming.
Start small.
Be curious.
And watch the magic of loose parts unfold in your classroom.
Your Next Step
Once you have a starting collection, the next step is presenting them in a way that actually works for optimal learning in your classroom.
👉 Read this blog post: The Perfect Loose Parts Setup
And browse all my Loose Parts Resources HERE in one place.