Pacific Play Space

Pacific has a new play space where the students will be able to engage in using loose parts.

In 1972, architect and artist Simon Nicholson developed the Theory of Loose Parts: materials which can be moved around, designed and redesigned and tinkered with; creating infinitely more opportunities for creative engagement than static materials and environments.

During Term 4 we will gradually introduce each class to our new play space and facilitate student learning around the use of loose parts. The provision of resources will provide opportunities for the students to discover, create, imagine and improvise.

Benefits of loose parts as an everyday resource:

• Portable – this is appealing to children and allows them to have ownership over their play experiences
• Open- ended – they are inherently flexible and can be used in endless ways
• Sensory- perfect to learn about textures, weights, patterns
• Encourages imagination and creativity
• Developmentally appropriate
• Develops skills and competency – encourages problem solving, co-operation, decision making, fine and gross motor skills, independence and widens vocabulary

“When students interact with loose parts, they enter a world of ‘what if’ that promotes the type of thinking that leads to problem solving and theoretical reasoning. Loose parts enhance children’s ability to think imaginatively  and see solutions, and they bring a sense of adventure and excitement to play”

~ Daly and Beloglovsky 2015

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5