What’s that sensory sound?


The sound of natural wooden objects as they tumble together on a table, rumble around in a bowl or shake up inside a bag is quite unique and can’t be imitated by man-made objects. The softness of loose parts made from wood makes a clear but gentle clatter, ideal for children who may appreciate more subtle auditory stimulation.


Extend this sensory activity by asking the children what words can they use to describe the sounds they hear?


Imaginative play


The limitless possibilities of small world play can help children to explore their creativity, which in turn helps develop descriptive language skills: can your giant teddy bear tread the slippery purple stepping-stone path across the raging blue river, all the way to the golden nugget treasure trove?


Adding loose parts to role play is easy as the shapes can be interpreted as almost anything. Gems, magic keys, special characters, spaceships, coins, eggs or sand timers.


Pictures with loose parts


Using different shapes and colours, children can recreate something from memory or imagination – this might be a scene from a book, the view from their bedroom window or something mythical like an enchanted forest scene. A child’s imagination has no boundaries – shapes can be used as stones, boulders, trees, acorns and mushrooms, but what about the secret amber fairy rings? Or the charmed rubies from the mystic castle treasure chest? Stories and adventures are there to be created and explored.


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