In the context of loose parts, ‘loose’ refers to the item’s open-ended flexibility and freedom of use. However, a common misunderstanding is that ‘loose’ strictly means movable, perhaps because many popular loose parts like pinecones, seashells, and stones are mobile. While it’s true that many loose parts are portable, this narrow interpretation misses the broader essence of loose parts theory.

What Does ‘Loose’ Mean?

Again, ‘loose’ refers to the item’s flexibility and freedom of use. These are materials that children can manipulate, repurpose, and use creatively in countless ways. A loose part’s flexibility comes from its ability to invite imaginative interaction, not just from being physically movable.

For example, a cardboard box is a ‘loose’ loose part because one day it is the cave of a scary bear, the next day it’s a time machine, the day after that it’s a race car, and the following day it’s an x-ray machine, not because it can be picked up and carried across the room.

The confusion may come from focusing too heavily on the word “loose” itself. Many classic examples of loose parts—sticks, rocks, blocks, and other portable materials—are easily moved, reinforcing the misconception that all loose parts must be mobile. In the article, The Theory Of Loose Parts, Simon Nicholson made it clear that loose parts are environmental variables with which people could interact; mobility never comes up.

On the other hand, many store-bought toys come with so much baggage that they are much less ‘loose’ than natural objects, like pinecones, or items saved from the recycling bin, like cardboard boxes.

Visualize a Batman action figure. Because the character comes with so much baggage (movies, cartoons, comic books, video games, T-shirts, toothbrushes, and more), most preschoolers would struggle to pretend that Batman action figure was the Hulk or Wonder Woman. The same kids would be perfectly able to use a generic rectangular wooden block as a standard for Batman one day and Wonder Woman the next. The block is looser than the action figure.

Can Loose Parts Be Stationary?

Absolutely! Stationary objects that inspire open-ended play and creativity are indeed loose parts. Remember, the ‘loose’ is about open-ended flexibility and freedom of use, not mobility.

Within this category, I see two distinct types of stationary loose parts:

Those That Don’t Move

This category includes stationary loose parts like boulders, stairs, hills, doorways, tree stumps, or playground slides that remain fixed in place while offering opportunities for imaginative play and exploration.

Those That Move

Some stationary loose parts have built-in movement—swings, teeter-totters, trees, or shorelines that shift with the tides, for example.

Whether they stay absolutely still or have some intrinsic motion, stationary loose parts provide opportunities for dynamic interactions–for flexibility and freedom. They can be used in multiple ways, even though they remain anchored to a specific spot. Both types contribute significantly to open-ended play and exploration by encouraging children to think creatively about how they interact with their environment.

The Broader Truth About Loose Parts

Loose parts, whether movable or stationary, inspire play because they encourage:

• Open-ended exploration
• Creative thinking
• Self-directed play

By embracing the full range of loose parts—including stationary objects—we can create richer play environments that encourage diverse ways of engaging with the world.

flexibility and freedom Wrap-Up

The beauty of loose parts lies in their versatility and the flexibility and freedom they offer children to experiment, explore, and engage.

You’ll find my ever-growing collection of loose parts ideas here, loose parts handouts here, and may enjoy browsing these related posts:

• Loose Parts Play
• Avoid Making Loose Parts Less Loose
• Create A Loose Parts Mindset | 3 Tips
• A Systematic Review of Research into the Impact of Loose Parts Play on Children’s Cognitive, Social and Emotional Development
• 4 Kid Approved Ways To Use A Slide That Don’t Involve Sliding

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