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Encouraging open-ended learning using loose parts
Loose parts encourage open-ended learning. Today I got out the bottle tops providing children with opportunities to extend their ideas through art and creative expression.
I started by making a picture of Mauao and then the ideas started flowing. JJ had the idea to create a rainbow, Archie a sunshine and Tully some stars. Tyler made the Mount Hot Pools and as a bee landed on our work Ollie and Albie made some colourful flowers for the bee to land on. The boys discussed their mural and had a lot of ideas and stories to tell. Imaginative ideas were flowing with some great real-life experiences coming into their storytelling too.
They then incorporated their toys into the picture making it come to life. They were all so proud of their work and were very keen on keeping it there all day for everyone to see. This is creative literacy learning at its best as the boys tell stories through their pictures, linking their thoughts and ideas to real-life past experiences as well as imaginative learning. They are also learning about colors and counting as they match and sort bottle tops into sizes and colors. Awesome learning through play!