WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.180 I love hearing what other educators, favorite strategies are for engaging 00:00:06.210 --> 00:00:08.610 children and nurturing their curiosity. 00:00:09.120 --> 00:00:13.080 And this should really be the first consideration for any teacher. 00:00:13.379 --> 00:00:15.690 Is how do you get your children to be curious? 00:00:15.720 --> 00:00:21.450 Because once we hook children in to loving learning, the rest is easy. 00:00:21.960 --> 00:00:26.550 On this podcast, I have now interviewed so many amazing educators 00:00:26.550 --> 00:00:28.500 and I've certainly noticed a theme. 00:00:28.890 --> 00:00:33.960 Obviously they all value curiosity, but overwhelmingly they favorite strategy 00:00:33.960 --> 00:00:37.379 for sparking curiosity is loose parts. 00:00:38.040 --> 00:00:42.240 Just think about my interview with Ash Sharp from Play More or 00:00:42.270 --> 00:00:46.780 Marcus Veerman from Nudel Pod or Dr. Claire Warden or Veronica 00:00:46.800 --> 00:00:48.900 Green from Cultivating Confidence. 00:00:49.500 --> 00:00:52.710 I leave all these links in the show notes for you so that you 00:00:52.710 --> 00:00:54.330 can check out those episodes. 00:00:54.960 --> 00:00:59.430 But this is also the exact same response I received from Janelle 00:00:59.570 --> 00:01:00.350 McArdle. 00:01:00.670 --> 00:01:05.790 Janelle is an experienced early childhood educator in Queensland, Australia, and 00:01:05.790 --> 00:01:10.140 she shares her knowledge and expertise, including resources for teachers on 00:01:10.140 --> 00:01:14.430 her website My Teaching Cupboard, and she also has a Facebook group. 00:01:14.430 --> 00:01:15.990 I called my teaching cupboard. 00:01:15.990 --> 00:01:20.520 And I will share how you can access all her resources at the end of this episode, 00:01:20.580 --> 00:01:21.660 so stick around. 00:01:22.260 --> 00:01:27.750 But without further ado, let's hear what Janelle has to say. 00:01:27.970 --> 00:01:31.230 My favourite strategy for nurturing curiosity in 00:01:31.230 --> 00:01:33.310 children is using loose parts. 00:01:34.150 --> 00:01:38.980 Loose parts are everyday objects like stones or shells or counters 00:01:39.020 --> 00:01:43.840 or even wooden blocks that children can use in so many different ways. 00:01:44.819 --> 00:01:48.599 What makes them so special is that they're completely open ended. 00:01:48.899 --> 00:01:52.349 There's no right or wrong way to use them and they're really 00:01:52.359 --> 00:01:54.439 cheap or sometimes even free. 00:01:55.055 --> 00:01:58.415 You probably already have some items you can use for loose parts in your 00:01:58.415 --> 00:02:02.605 classroom, like the collage trolley, that's a good place to source them. 00:02:03.615 --> 00:02:07.085 When you provide children with loose parts, you're essentially giving them 00:02:07.085 --> 00:02:12.195 the freedom to explore and create and problem solve in their own way 00:02:12.205 --> 00:02:14.374 and at their own developmental level. 00:02:14.834 --> 00:02:15.755 They might build a tower. 00:02:16.670 --> 00:02:20.560 They might sort them or create a pattern or even pretend that a 00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:22.710 pine cone is a tiny little animal. 00:02:23.360 --> 00:02:26.370 The possibilities are endless with loose parts. 00:02:27.210 --> 00:02:31.420 They're fantastic for nurturing curiosity because they spark a child's 00:02:31.420 --> 00:02:37.030 imagination and encourage children to ask questions like, what can I do with this? 00:02:37.240 --> 00:02:39.310 Or what happens if I try this? 00:02:40.400 --> 00:02:45.390 That process of exploration and discovery is where true curiosity lies. 00:02:46.720 --> 00:02:51.610 As an educator I love observing how children interact with loose parts 00:02:51.610 --> 00:02:55.529 because it gives me a glimpse into their thinking, their creativity 00:02:55.530 --> 00:02:57.850 and where they are developmentally. 00:03:01.964 --> 00:03:04.063 So thanks for sharing that Janelle. 00:03:04.373 --> 00:03:06.793 Janelle is of course spot on. 00:03:07.034 --> 00:03:10.483 Loose parts are just such an indispensable resource. 00:03:10.784 --> 00:03:14.053 And as Janelle said, they don't have to be expensive. 00:03:14.353 --> 00:03:18.953 Almost any packaging from empty cereal boxes to milk jug lids, 00:03:18.974 --> 00:03:22.394 to chocolate wrappers, empty egg cartons, scraps of fabric, 00:03:22.394 --> 00:03:26.803 bits of yarn, and even those ribbons you get, when you receive a posy of flowers. 00:03:27.254 --> 00:03:28.933 Anything can be a loose part. 00:03:29.714 --> 00:03:35.504 Loose parts are open-ended materials that children can manipulate, move, combine 00:03:35.504 --> 00:03:42.103 and transform in multiple ways that offer numerous developmental benefits. 00:03:42.524 --> 00:03:45.644 They promote creativity and imagination. 00:03:46.034 --> 00:03:50.774 When children encounter materials without a predetermined use, they invent their 00:03:50.774 --> 00:03:53.264 own purposes and their own scenarios. 00:03:53.714 --> 00:03:58.183 Therefore strengthening their creative thinking and we need more of that. 00:03:58.813 --> 00:04:00.914 It develops problem solving skills. 00:04:00.914 --> 00:04:05.684 Where children have to figure out how to stack or balance or combine loose parts. 00:04:06.014 --> 00:04:10.423 It requires them them to experiment and test theories and adapt their approaches. 00:04:10.993 --> 00:04:13.574 It also enhances their mathematical thinking. 00:04:13.904 --> 00:04:18.644 Children naturally explore mathematical concepts like sorting and classifying 00:04:18.644 --> 00:04:23.834 and patterning and spatial relationships when they work with diverse materials. 00:04:24.524 --> 00:04:27.404 And it also builds fine and gross motor skills. 00:04:27.674 --> 00:04:31.544 They manipulate objects of different sizes and weights and textures, and this 00:04:31.604 --> 00:04:33.884 all develops those crucial motor skills. 00:04:34.773 --> 00:04:38.223 It also encourages collaboration because children have to work 00:04:38.223 --> 00:04:42.183 together with loose parts, practicing their negotiation skills. 00:04:42.453 --> 00:04:45.633 Sharing ideas and building on each other's creations. 00:04:46.203 --> 00:04:50.494 It supports language development as children describe their creations 00:04:50.494 --> 00:04:55.593 and processes, they develop vocabulary and communication skills. 00:04:56.463 --> 00:05:00.003 But loose parts are not just for the early childhood classroom. 00:05:00.753 --> 00:05:05.313 In K to two classrooms, you can start with a collection of natural materials, 00:05:05.313 --> 00:05:08.943 things like pine cones, stones, sticks, shells, all those kinds of stuff. 00:05:09.604 --> 00:05:13.354 Then you can add domestic items like fabric scraps, and bottle tops 00:05:13.383 --> 00:05:15.333 and buttons and cardboard tubes. 00:05:16.023 --> 00:05:20.494 But here's the thing, rotate those materials regularly to maintain interest. 00:05:20.674 --> 00:05:23.044 Don't put everything out all at once. 00:05:23.614 --> 00:05:27.453 And also create a dedicated, loose parts area with low 00:05:27.453 --> 00:05:29.433 shelves and labeled containers. 00:05:29.643 --> 00:05:31.473 So the kids can access them easily. 00:05:31.804 --> 00:05:34.953 And document those children's creations with photographs 00:05:34.953 --> 00:05:36.783 before they get dismantled. 00:05:37.323 --> 00:05:41.283 But in the upper primary grades three to six, you can introduce loose 00:05:41.283 --> 00:05:45.424 parts with more complex materials, like mechanical parts and mechanical 00:05:45.453 --> 00:05:47.433 tools and recycled electronics. 00:05:47.973 --> 00:05:51.633 You can connect loose paws to the curriculum using natural materials, 00:05:51.633 --> 00:05:53.403 for example, in your science units. 00:05:53.854 --> 00:05:58.773 You can create engineering challenges using loose parts, like building 00:05:58.773 --> 00:06:02.973 bridges with straws or pop sticks that need to hold a certain weight. 00:06:03.544 --> 00:06:07.653 You encourage students to document their own thinking process 00:06:07.953 --> 00:06:09.573 and their design decisions. 00:06:10.143 --> 00:06:14.313 And of course create yourself, a materials library where students can 00:06:14.343 --> 00:06:16.713 access these items for their projects. 00:06:17.343 --> 00:06:23.043 And let me end with seven tips to help you bring loose parts into your space. 00:06:23.883 --> 00:06:25.533 Numer one is start small. 00:06:26.103 --> 00:06:29.223 Begin with just a few categories of materials rather than 00:06:29.283 --> 00:06:32.343 overwhelming children with everything and the kitchen sink. 00:06:33.053 --> 00:06:37.173 Number two is to source materials thoughtfully, engage 00:06:37.203 --> 00:06:38.883 families in collecting items. 00:06:38.933 --> 00:06:40.463 You can visit thrift stores. 00:06:40.703 --> 00:06:43.223 You can get local businesses and donations. 00:06:43.734 --> 00:06:48.324 Three is consider storage solutions, use clear storage containers, and 00:06:48.324 --> 00:06:50.454 label them with words and pictures. 00:06:51.084 --> 00:06:52.734 Connect the curriculum. 00:06:52.763 --> 00:06:56.574 Use loose parts to make abstract concepts tangible. 00:06:56.873 --> 00:07:00.594 Creating number patterns or building story scenes. 00:07:01.314 --> 00:07:04.854 Five is to ask questions: what would happen 00:07:04.854 --> 00:07:05.244 if? 00:07:05.393 --> 00:07:06.893 How else can you use this? 00:07:07.133 --> 00:07:08.724 What does this remind you of? 00:07:09.023 --> 00:07:13.824 Because loose parts, dovetail so naturally with inquiry and questioning 00:07:14.033 --> 00:07:16.074 to take children's thinking further. 00:07:16.734 --> 00:07:22.854 And six is to value the process over the product, focus on the thinking and 00:07:22.854 --> 00:07:27.153 the learning that's happening rather than creating a permanent artifact. 00:07:27.183 --> 00:07:29.283 It doesn't matter what the product looks like. 00:07:29.703 --> 00:07:34.443 It's the creation, the process and the thinking behind it, that matters. 00:07:35.013 --> 00:07:38.553 And finally document the learning, take photographs, 00:07:38.553 --> 00:07:42.363 record children's explanations and display your documentation 00:07:42.573 --> 00:07:44.523 to make your learning visible. 00:07:45.273 --> 00:07:46.893 So that's it for today. 00:07:47.793 --> 00:07:52.143 I hope you found some interest here and to make your week ahead, really focused 00:07:52.143 --> 00:07:54.453 on bringing loose parts into your space. 00:07:55.383 --> 00:07:59.283 And then step back and observe, and you will be pleasantly surprised as 00:07:59.283 --> 00:08:03.933 to how loose parts can make learning concrete for children of any age. 00:08:04.413 --> 00:08:09.123 Now, if you want to get in touch with Janelle, go to my teaching cupboard.com. 00:08:09.183 --> 00:08:12.873 I will put the link in the show notes for you as well as where you 00:08:12.873 --> 00:08:14.943 can sign up for her Facebook group. 00:08:15.393 --> 00:08:20.493 If you found some value and I'm sure you have in this episode, can you 00:08:20.493 --> 00:08:22.443 do me a favor right now, please? 00:08:22.863 --> 00:08:26.143 Click on the share button and share it with a friend or colleague so 00:08:26.143 --> 00:08:29.223 that more people can listen to blooming curious, because that's 00:08:29.223 --> 00:08:31.983 the only way this show can grow. 00:08:32.583 --> 00:08:34.023 Thanks for listening today. 00:08:34.233 --> 00:08:35.703 I'll see you again next week. 00:08:35.733 --> 00:08:39.363 And then remember curiosity is not just a trait. 00:08:39.603 --> 00:08:41.683 It's a superpower take care. 00:08:41.884 --> 00:08:42.493 See you around.