05 Dec Holiday fun with “loose-parts play” – easy to do and fun for all!

Loose-part play is one of the most versatile and engaging forms of play, and it is perfect for keeping your child busy and stimulated during the upcoming holiday season. But what exactly is loose parts play, and why is it so beneficial for autistic children? Let’s dive in.

Loose parts play refers to open-ended play with items that can be moved, combined, taken apart, redesigned, and put back together in endless ways. The “loose parts” can be anything—natural or manufactured objects children can use to create, experiment, and imagine without a set purpose or outcome. Unlike store-bought toys, which often have specific instructions, loose parts encourage children to think outside the box and follow their curiosity.

The purpose of loose-part play is to foster creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking. It allows children to explore independently, using their imagination to create and build intuitively.

For the autistic child, loose-part play can be fantastic. The activities offer a low-pressurised environment where the child can easily engage in sensory exploration, develop motor skills, and practice flexible thinking—all while having fun.

One of the most significant advantages of loose parts play is its adaptability. It meets children where they are, catering to their interests and sensory preferences. For some, it might be about stacking and sorting; for others, it could be about building intricate structures or creating patterns. The open-ended nature of loose parts play makes it accessible and engaging for children across various developmental levels.

So, what can you use for loose parts play? The beauty of this type of play is that most of the materials can be found right at home. Here’s a list of everyday household items that can transform into endless play possibilities:

• Natural materials: Rocks, pebbles, sticks, leaves, pinecones, shells, and flowers.
• Recyclables: Cardboard tubes, egg cartons, bottle caps, jars, and tin cans.
• Kitchen items: Wooden spoons, measuring cups, muffin trays, cookie cutters, and silicone Molds.
• Clothing and accessories: Scarves, buttons, ribbons, shoelaces, and fabric scraps.
• Office supplies: Paper clips, rubber bands, binder clips, and sticky notes.
• Building materials: Blocks, Legos, or even stacks of old magazines.
• Small toys or figurines: Toy cars, animal figurines, or tiny dolls.
• Craft materials: Beads, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and pom-poms.

With these items, your child can engage in countless activities: building towers, sorting by colour or size, creating collages, making obstacle courses for toy cars, or even designing imaginary worlds.

You can also set up themed loose-parts play stations, like a “construction zone” with blocks and sticks or a “kitchen” with measuring spoons and jar lids.

Loose-parts play also promotes sensory regulation. Handling different textures, weights, and shapes helps children explore their sensory preferences in a controlled, enjoyable way. For example, filling jars with pebbles and shaking them provides auditory feedback, while stacking sticks offers tactile input and acceptable motor practice.

The best part? Loose-parts play requires minimal setup and supervision. Once the materials are laid out, children can take the lead, giving parents a much-needed break while still fostering meaningful play. It’s a fantastic way to keep your child engaged over the holidays, whether you’re indoors on a rainy day or playing outside in the garden.

This holiday season, embrace the simplicity and creativity of loose-parts play. You can open the door to endless exploration and joy with imagination and a few everyday items. Happy playing!