Magnification is another one of those non-physical loose parts I share from time to time. According to Simon Nicholson, concepts that people can choose to engage with in an environment are indeed loose parts. Peppering your play environment with objects like magnifying glasses, loupe magnifiers, and microscopes allows kids to bump into this concept and discover it for themselves as they play and explore.

Picture little Margrethe, rummaging through a tote of odds and ends in the dramatic play area, as she discovers a piece of glass with a handle and holds it up to her eye. Everything looks bigger. She’s delighted. Then she flits about the room holding it in front of baby doll faces, sensory play goo, other people’s eyes, and more. She’s discovered magnification. Her interest in the concept may be fleeting, or it may be something that holds her attention for days and sparks many questions and other self-led research. Loose parts are powerful.

Magnification

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