Curious young minds are developing their creativity and critical thinking skills through Sonas’ innovative, travelling Loose Parts Van.
The van, which visits each of the 16 Sonas centres, carries an assortment of ‘real life’ items that encourage children to use their imaginations and experiment through play.
Using loose parts in a child’s play allows them to take themselves on whatever adventure they wish to go on without limitations. Each child has the right to dream and for this dream to become reality.
Anissa Hamilton, Sonas educator
The Sonas Loose Parts Van is equipped with a variety of items, such as boxes. PVC pipes, cylinders, wooden rings, timber off-cuts, household bric-a-brac, scrap material and recycled material, allowing children to build on their knowledge and learning experiences.
Developed by architect Simon Nicholson in 1972, the Theory of Loose Parts centres around the idea that ‘loose parts’ can improve learning through creative engagement opportunities by tinkering with materials that can be moved, designed, redesigned and explored.
Research has shown that loose parts play benefits children by inspiring them to become creative thinkers, encouraging language development as children communicate their ideas with peers and educators; and helps develop independence through freedom to explore.
Sonas educator Anissa Hamilton is championing the Loose Parts Van, scheduling regular visits of the unique ‘tinker truck’ to different centres across Perth.
“The value of loose parts play is that it allows children to have hands-on involvement in ‘real life’ play with open-ended objects. It promotes collaborative thinking, problem solving and enhances creative though processes to enrich learning environments,” Anissa said.
“This is a great representation of the Sonas philosophy, which is based on the Reggio Emilia-Montessori approach and other theorists.
“The Loose Parts Van is used by the educators and children to support day-to-day learning experiences and project work for youngsters.
“Using loose parts empowers a child’s imagination and, through play, go on adventures without limitations. Each child has the right to dream big and for this dream to become reality.”