Feb 28, 20212 min read

Invitation to Create We are the Gardners with Loose Parts

Every monday this month Developing Minds & I will being showcasing how to integrate Literacy Invitations through play. Join in on the fun by choosing a story and a creative way to make the story come to life through invitations.

Today the first literacy invitation is integrated with loose parts. The importance of loose parts play in early child hood is hugely connected to the creativity it advocates. Loose parts are dynamic in nature, it brings about authenticity of formulating ideas. The more variables an object offers the more possibilities & creativity the object will have. As a child creates they enter an environment of “what if” that promotes problem solving & theoretical reasoning. This is the foundation we want to establish early on in children: to have a higher level of learning & understanding of how things work while honoring their ability to think imaginatively.

Since spring is upon us the book We Are The Gardeners by Joanna Gaines is a great way to kick off the new season. In the story Joanna & her children chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden. From their failed endeavors, obstacles to overcome, & all the knowledge they've gained along the way. The Gaines family shares how they learned to grow a happy, successful garden. Books related to the concept explorations are motivating & appealing to children. Information can be gained from these books in context of a story. The pictures & words can impart a lot of meaning and information to help the children learn more about at topic, interact, relate their own experiences, & guide the children's inquiry. To extend a literacy experience setting an invitation to re-create the story with loose parts is open ended, engaging, & deepen their connection with the book.