The Loose Parts Library

In the classroom, we incorporate loose parts into our project work. Teachers wanted to build our loose parts collection and a dedicated space to organize the materials to support the children’s interests. After some discussion, we decided to create a loose parts library.

Our classroom space needed a few upgrades to create the loose parts library. First, we needed more tables for the children to work on. A teacher in our school offered us two large tables with a smooth hardwood surface and metal legs. With the new tables in place, educators and children agreed that one table would be a workbench, and the other would hold ongoing projects.

Next, we needed to find options for sourcing loose parts within our learning community. We invited parents and other educators to collect recycled materials. We also shared a list of acceptable materials, including guidelines for cleanliness and safety. Faster than expected, boxes of recycled cardboard, plastic, metal, and wood arrived in the classroom. Next, we needed to organize the new collection of materials to build our loose parts library.

Teachers invited the children to organize the materials. As the children sorted materials, they shared project ideas. We have two primary uses for loose parts in our program, teacher invitations, and enhancement of ongoing projects. Listening to each conversation helped educators discover how to organize the materials to support future projects.

After our organization session was complete, we had many loose parts left over, so we organized the loose parts by shape, size, and the type and placed them in clear storage containers. We like this type of container best because they support quick, easy access to materials.

The last part of creating our loose parts library was displaying the items. We utilized a collection of baskets and plastic containers for teachers and children to organize our initial supply of loose parts. The teachers added tape, school glue, hot glue, scissors, string, yarn, and duct tape to the workspace, to complement the loose parts collection.

The loose parts library was popular as children enjoyed the creative freedom. Parents supplied us with new loose parts weekly, so we never ran out of materials. We sourced hot glue sticks in bulk, so the children did not have to worry about using too much glue and could focus on their work. We created a workshop to teach children how to use the hot glue gun safely.

To this day, the loose parts library is the most popular space in our program. The children enjoy the versatility and endless possibilities of loose parts, which anchor their work and play. Utilizing loose parts in our learning community helps support the planet and gives new life to unwanted materials.

What I learned from this experience may benefit your learning community.

We mapped out how the children might use loose parts to create the library that helped us collect, curate, and effectively store materials.

Create a plan for loose parts acquisition by considering these questions. Who are you going to ask to help collect recycled materials? What are your program guidelines for accepting materials? What is your plan for cleanliness and safety? How will you communicate with potential partners to create an ongoing supply of new materials?

Develop a process for curating loose parts. Once parents and teachers donate recycled materials, you will have more than you need. Who can share your extra loose parts? Do you have ample storage space to organize and keep spare loose parts?

How are you going to display the loose parts in the classroom? How are you going to incorporate loose parts into existing projects? Are you going to create a separate maker space in the school?

What is your process for documenting and displaying the loose parts work of the children? What stories can you share with parents and other partners to encourage additional loose parts work and material donations in your classroom?