Sometimes, the simplest resources can create the biggest learning opportunities! Our tyres have become a much-loved part of our outdoor environment.
As a loose-parts resource, they can be moved, rolled, stacked, lined up, climbed over, and transformed through the children’s imaginations. One day they might become an obstacle course, and the next they could be a car, a house, a balancing challenge, or part of a construction project!
Through playing with the tyres, our tamariki are developing so many important skills. They are using their gross motor skills as they lift, push, pull, climb, and balance.
They are also exploring early mathematical concepts as they compare sizes, experiment with position and space, and work out how many tyres they need for their creations.
What we love most is seeing the tamariki work together. There are lots of opportunities for communication, problem-solving, negotiation, and teamwork as they share ideas and figure out how to bring their plans to life.
Loose parts encourage tamariki to lead their own learning. There is no right or wrong way to play with a tyre.
By providing open-ended resources like these, we are supporting creativity, curiosity, and exploration while allowing the children’s interests and ideas to guide the learning.