Why Have Kits?
Grab and go
Organized materials
Find your stuff
Versatile
Accessible for more people
How to use: storytime, grab one for a hike, follow children’s interests, family days, check out at your center, send home kits, children’s free choice, rotate
Types of Kits:
Book extensions: Not a Stick, Mama Built a Little Nest, An Egg is Quiet, A Nest is Noisy
Animal focus: Woodpecker’s Wham, squirrels, beaver, insects, bird nests, spiders
Building: wooden blocks, mini bricks, cardboard tools
Play: stick play, mud kitchen, music and movement, water play, dramatic play, fort play
Natural phenomena: wind, natural loose parts, sound, gardening, senses
Art: nature play dough, watercolors or painting, paper, small loose parts, chalk, ephemeral art
General outdoor tools: tweezers, magnifying glasses, binoculars, twine, buckets, etc.
Academic/curricular: measuring, stonework play (literacy), numeracy, map making, animal architects, faces/emotions, shapes
What to Include: books, pictures, tools, “sparks” or ideas for play, puppets, materials, interesting combinations, natural items
Type of Bags/Containers: clear plastic bags, muslin drawstring backpacks, backpacks, reusable grocery totes, IKEA bags, crates, baskets, dishpans, wagon
Labels: stencils, laminated tags/pictures, fabric labels, numbered system, have children decorate, wooden laser engraved labels
Storage: hooks on a wall at child height, cart, rod with s hooks, large tubs, cubbies, outdoor shed
Funding: grants, use what you have, donations, special fundraiser, collect nature, garage sales
Tips:
- Supplement with nature found outside—use your space and nature!
- Keep an Inventory/Master List to find your materials
- Consider a checkout system for families
- Regularly purge and evaluate bags and materials
- Allow children to choose what kits to take outside each day
- Use a materials list for each bag to visually help keep everything together
- Group connected items together
- Involve children in creating kits customized for their play!
Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms
Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/
Loose Parts Play Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website:
http://insideoutsidemichiana.blogspot.com
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