Synopsis

This comprehensive literature review from the Journal of Intelligence (2023) synthesizes existing research on how preschool children’s indoor loose parts play (LPP) supports cognitive development. The authors highlight that loose parts—open-ended, manipulable materials like cardboard, shells, fabric, or natural objects—stand out because children can combine them in endless ways, blending object/exploratory play, symbolic/pretend play, and constructive play within a single session. Through these experiences, children strengthen core cognitive skills: executive function, cognitive self-regulation, reasoning, problem-solving, spatial thinking, and symbolic representation. The review shows that materials with rich affordances encourage divergent thinking, creativity, and flexible problem-solving far more effectively than fixed toys, laying foundational skills for later learning in STEAM and beyond.

Despite strong theoretical support and widespread enthusiasm among educators, empirical evidence specifically linking indoor loose parts play to cognitive outcomes in children under age 6 remains surprisingly limited. Most existing studies focus on outdoor play or physical/social benefits, leaving a clear research gap around indoor LPP, age-related differences, socio-economic influences, and cultural variations. The authors conclude that loose parts play has powerful untapped potential to foster lifelong learning skills and urge policymakers, educators, and researchers to prioritize high-quality indoor LPP environments—while calling for more rigorous studies to document its cognitive impact fully. For anyone passionate about play-based learning, this paper is a compelling call to action.

Preschool Children’s Loose Parts Play and the Relationship to Cognitive Development: A Review of the Literature

Here’s a PDF of the review:

Cankaya, Ozlem, Natalia Rohatyn-Martin, Jamie Leach, Keirsten Taylor, and Okan Bulut. 2023. “Preschool Children’s Loose Parts Play and the Relationship to Cognitive Development: A Review of the Literature” Journal of Intelligence 11, no. 8: 151. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11080151

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