Description
Have you ever wondered why children are drawn to sticks and cardboard boxes? Using hands-on and reflective approaches, explore how the theory of loose parts can enhance creativity and imagination in your setting. In this hands-on, how-to workshop, we will examine various approaches to loose parts as we develop a loose parts mindset, as well as the practical side of implementing loose parts in a variety of settings. Participants will brainstorm resources for building our own loose parts collections. We will also consider how to store and rotate loose parts. We’ll also experiment with seasonal loose parts—be ready to spend time both inside and out as we play, tinker, experiment, explore, and have fun with loose parts!
Location:
Fenner Nature Center – Davis Nature Pavilion
2020 E. Mt. Hope Ave.
Lansing, MI 48910
Dr. Carla Gull, Inside Outside Michiana
Dr. Carla Gull is coauthor of Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms. She has been in education for over 20 years and hosts the Facebook group Loose Parts Play and the podcast Loose Parts Nature Play. She leads professional development and academic research in outdoor classrooms, loose parts, tree climbing, and nature play. She facilitates classes with Tinkergarten, leads local nature and environmental education programming, and consults with Nature Explore. She loves finding frogs and going on adventures with her four boys.