
Store bought toys, like plastic animals, are indeed loose parts. A green purchased plastic platypus is as much a loose part as a pine cone picked up off the lawn.
The variety of plastic animals available is huge, but quality varies. Opt for quality if you have a choice–low quality critters may be inexpensive, but they rarely stand up to the often harsh world of children’s play.
Plastic Animals At Play









Small World Play
Plastic cows, chickens, and other critters support the narratives children create in their small world play, where they often take on human traits. These anthropomorphic scenarios allow children to imagine unique to them human interactions or recreate things they have experienced.

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Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.
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In-Person And Online Training
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Support The Site
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Thanks To Our Patrons
This post was made possible by patrons like these, who generously fund our work:
Supporters
Lissadell Greene Stephanie Goloway
Lagina Kozak Michelle Hankins
Marie Messinger Tamara L. Lakin
Fans
Jen Flemming Lizz Nolasco Anuradha Badri
Susan Warner Kelly Sigalove Shawn Wolf
Vittoria Jimerson Codee Gilbert Wendy Tedford
Monica Morrell Pam Soloman Melissa Franklin
Teresa Watson Erika Felt Autumn Peele
Melissa Taylor Jahmeela Robinson
Amber Maurina Terra Calamari Anne Jackson
Lagina Kozak Samantha Yeager-Cheevers
Elizebeth McCoy Sammy Cousens Ellen Cogan
In-Person And Online Training
Learn how to book an in-person or online training for your organization on these early learning topics.
Support The Site
I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees
by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.
Thanks To Our Patrons
This post was made possible by patrons like these, who generously fund our work:
Supporters
Lissadell Greene Stephanie Goloway
Lagina Kozak Michelle Hankins
Marie Messinger Tamara L. Lakin
Fans
Jen Flemming Lizz Nolasco Anuradha Badri
Susan Warner Kelly Sigalove Shawn Wolf
Vittoria Jimerson Codee Gilbert Wendy Tedford
Monica Morrell Pam Soloman Melissa Franklin
Teresa Watson Erika Felt Autumn Peele
Melissa Taylor Jahmeela Robinson
Amber Maurina Terra Calamari Anne Jackson
Lagina Kozak Samantha Yeager-Cheevers
Elizebeth McCoy Sammy Cousens Ellen Cogan
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