Loose Parts Nature Play

Embracing Fire as a Loose Part OutsidePlay.org—great tool with examples! --- 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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Learn more about an exciting new product that turns your child from the toy user to the toy maker in this conversation with Marcus Veerman from Nüdel Pod. Nüdel Pod Kickstarter campaign Nüdel Kart website My previous podcast episode with Marcus --- 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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Book: Treasure Basket Explorations https://amzn.to/48OZsEw   Podcast Episode on Treasure Baskets https://amzn.to/48OZsEw   Basket Options: 12” by 8” by 5” rope basket Hyacinth Storage Basket Round Woven Basket Rattan Serving Tray --- 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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/  

I brought a RØDE Reporter microphone to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference and asked people about loose parts! They could share anything they wanted—a thought, a tip, a frustration, a product, etc. It was so great to see and meet all of you! Check it out! I’ve tried to link what I can below.   Hear voices from the following (and more!): Kaplan Early Learning—Check out the Loose Parts STEM kits I was part of designing!  Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center (check out our Master of Arts in Environmental Education—I direct this!) Easter Seals Child Developmental Learning Center, Washington, DC Orange Public Schools, NJ Eastern Connecticut State University—Child and Family Development Resource Center, lab school Tacoma PBS Public Television System Nurtured Inspirations Arkansas Department of Education Pacific Primary, San Francisco, CA Inspire to Impact Consulting, FL Indian River State College, FL CTAEYC Board Bloomsburg University, PA Interaction Imagination Institute for Self-Active Education Dr. Drew’s Discovery Blocks Kinderoo Children’s Academy FLAEYC Play Chapter The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL That Early Childhood Nerd Ivy Tech Community College—brown paper bag Ooey Gooey Inc. Earth Friends Cambridge-Ellis School Cosy Direct Scholar’s Choice—Tuff Trays Tinkergarten Bright Beginnings by Flash Furniture Becker’s Kodo Kids Developing Minds South Carolina Resource and Referral Rise Center, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Discount School Supply Super Space Percussion Play Dimensions Education Programs, Lincoln, Nebraska Nature Explore Community Playthings Constructive Playthings Amazing Sensory Designs First Lutheran Preschool, Ellicott City, Maryland Childcare Resource and Referral, Tennessee Jurassic Sands Red Leaf Press STRIVE Early Education Services Little Minds Learning Academy, Michigan Defending the Early Years Samara Early Learning --- 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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

20% off with code LPIA23 until November 30th, 2023. Find the book at Redleaf Press: https://www.redleafpress.org/Loose-Parts-in-Action-The-Essential-How-To-Guide-P2795.aspx --- 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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Facebook Post—we chatted about this! Facebook Website   Instagram pages: @lbo_charlotteb @littlebarnowls   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

November 3rd—International Stonework Play Day! Stonework Play website (Diana’s website and link to her book) International Stonework Play guide Stonework Play Facebook group Stonework Play Facebook page Rocks/Stone Book List by Carla International Stonework Play podcast  past episode with Carla Social Emotional Learning and Loose Parts podcast episode Deconstructive Play resources   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

How not to cheat children: The theory of loose parts Messy Maths Dirty Teaching Creative Star Learning—Juliet’s website! A treasure trove of information! Loose Parts Play Toolkit from Inspiring Scotland Outdoor Learning and Play Facebook group   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Fascination of Fire Journal by Claire Warden Handout (with additional links) on Loose Parts Nature 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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Beyond Ecophobia by David Sobel ICAN Webinar about Beyond Ecophobia Magazine Article Here is a pdf of a synopsis of the article Look! Don’t Touch! Orion Magazine   Living Loose Parts Resources Connecting Children to Animals Podcast episode Worms, Glorious Worms Podcast episode Animal Homes Podcast episode Animal Architects Podcast episode Squirrel Appreciation Podcast episode Eggs & Nests Podcast episode Animals in Winter Podcast episode Animal Play Loose Parts Nature Play Kits Adding Plants to an Outdoor Classroom Podcast Episode   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/    

“Plants remind us to move in nature time” –Ruth Wilson Naturally Inclusive by Ruth Wilson    Gryphon House    Amazon   Children & Nature Network—Connecting Children of All Abilities to Nature Play and Therapeutic Gardens   “Nature doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t make judgments. Rain falls on every child.” —Ruth Wilson, author and Children & Nature Network research library curator   Essential Reading List   Research Digest-- Nature’s benefits for children with special needs PlayGarden Toolkit   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College   International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education Natural Start Alliance   Books: An Earthworm’s Life by John Himmelman   Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman   Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals   Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular by Polly Owen   Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin   Hello, Garden Bugs: A High Contrast Book by duopress labs   How to Say Hello to a Worm: A First Guide to Outside by Kari Percival   The Worm: The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel   This is a Book to Read with a Worm by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen   We Dig Worms by Kevin McClosky   Wiggling Worms at Work by Wendy Pfeffer   Worm Weather by Jean Taft   Yucky Worms by Vivian French   The Worm Project by Illinois Early Learning Project https://illinoisearlylearning.org/pa/projects/worm-project/   The Worms are Dancing by Alissa Lange, Lynn Lodien, and Anna Lowe in Science & Children https://www.ecstemlab.com/uploads/4/0/3/5/40359017/langelodienlowe.pdf   Growing Up Wild—Wriggling Worms by Project Wild https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild/growing-wild/resources/wiggling-worms   Earthworm Digging Activity for Kids by Tinkergarten https://tinkergarten.com/activities/friends-in-low-places   The Adventures of Herman by University of Illinois Extension https://web.extension.illinois.edu/worms/   Invasive Worms—Asian Jumping Worm https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/invertebrates/asian-jumping-worm   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Celebrating Special Days with a Loose Parts Mindset—link to the Exchange Article   Additional related podcast episodes: Natural and Loose Parts Valentines Autumn Treasures Fall Fun! Ice as a Loose Part  International Stonework Play Day Global School Play Day Cardboard as a Loose Part International Mud Day Rube Goldberg Machines Loose Parts Inspired Books—list of related books   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Indiana Children and Nature Network Webinar Recordings Types of Risky Play—Sandseter What to Say Instead of Be Careful—Backwoods Mamma When You Want to Say Be Careful—Child & Nature Alliance of Canada Busting the Myth that We Have to Bubble Wrap Our Kids Adventures in Risky Play—Rusty Keeler Thank you, Dr. Joanna Spotts!   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Book: When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski LPNP Podcast Episode—my reaction to the book Remake Learning Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms The Fred Rogers Archives Primanti Bros. Sandwiches How Not to Cheat Children: The Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson A special thanks to SLB Radio for audio help!   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/  

Book: When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski Pictures from the Pittsburgh Trip! The Mattress Factory Pittsburgh Children’s Museum SLB Radio Museum Lab Carnegie Science Center Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Falling Water   Remake Learning   Light Painting ExQuotient   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/  

Indiana Children and Nature Network ICAN Play 30 and Seasonal Book Chat Book Pick: The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson   “For most of us, knowledge of our world comes largely through sight, yet we look about with such unseeing eyes that we are partially blind. One way to open your eyes to unnoticed beauty is to ask yourself, "What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?”                        ― Rachel Carson   “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”            ― Rachel Carson   “It is not half so important to know as to feel.”         ― Rachel Carson   “The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil. Once the emotions have been aroused - a sense of the beautiful, the excitement of the new and unknown, a feeling of sympathy, pity, admiration or love - then we wish for knowledge about the object of our emotional response. Once found, it has lasting meaning.” ― Rachel Carson   “Many children... delight in the small and inconspicuous.”  ― Rachel Carson   “It is more important to pave the way for the child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts he is not ready to assimilate.”               ― Rachel Carson   “The lasting pleasures of contact with the natural world are not reserved for scientists but are available to anyone who will place himself under the influence of earth, sea, and sky and their amazing life.” ― Rachel Carson   “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder … he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”            —Rachel Carson   Discussion Questions: What is a sense of wonder? How do we regain the sense of wonder in ourselves? How do we share the sense of wonder with our children? How can we share and rediscover the sense of joy and wonder with children? What other resources help you with wonder? What’s the difference between wonder and curiosity?   If you want to witness a natural display of a sense of wonder, just observe a child. A child’s whole world is viewed through the eyes of wonder and excitement. A child has no judgements of why things are so, but rather a child is in awe of life and views life through innocence, purity and curiosity.                     –Mary Paleologos   Join us! THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 8 PM – 9 PM, Eastern Time Spring ICAN Play 30 and Balanced and Barefoot Book Chat   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Join Marcus Veerman to discuss loose parts and the Nudelkart! Nudelkart Resources and Manuals Playgroundideas.org Theory of Loose Parts: How Not to Cheat Children   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/

Listen to Ronnie Green share about dealing with behaviors around loose parts. Find her at: Cultivating Confidence: Early Years Consultancy   Additional resources shared in this episode: Michelle Thornhill Schema and Loose Parts   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/  

Why Get Outside with Tweens and Teens Less screen time Physically active Mental health Decreased stress Experience awe and wonder Healing power of nature Skill building Career exploration Challenges and Opportunities More reliance on technology Seeking more independence Often more influenced by peers Developing identity Expanding independence Tips for Getting Outside Increase adventure Bring along friends Let them plan Involve food! Family traditions Follow their interests Connect with groups Include technology Find ways to serve! Consider safety   Indiana Master Naturalists   The STEM Connection   Citizen Scientist Projects for Teens     Indiana Children and Nature Network—Tweens and Teens 3 webinars available! Part 1--The STEM Connection and Indiana Master Naturalists Part 2--Joe Pounds and Authentic Engagement Part 3--Tips and Resources with Dr. Carla Gull from ICAN   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: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/