Let’s build snowflakes from loose parts!

You can build anything out of loose parts including a loose parts snowflake. After all, no two snowflakes are exactly the same.

I love almost any kind of activity that includes the use of loose parts. Loose parts has a way of bringing out the best of creative thinking! To set up this activity, we filled a couple of muffin tins with loose parts snowflake materials such as blue and crystal gems, small glass stones, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, and pompoms. 

Will the children make something they can take home?

The short answer to this question is, “no.” This activity is simply to promote creative thinking, building, and design. The nice thing about centers such as this, is that you can get your favorite materials and use them over and over again since they won’t be going home. And the children enjoy checking out all the different materials – especially if they are beautiful or unique.

There is no right or wrong…

The other thing I like about loose parts is that there is no right or wrong when comes to what the children decide to do. Although we prompted the children to make a snowflake, they certainly could have went off in a different direction. But most of the children found the challenge of building a snowflake to be an interesting idea.

Sometimes, when I see a child working alone, I will stop by to see if I can join in. I don’t always join in. It all depends on whether the child would like a little social interaction or if I can provide a little modeling of other ideas that the child might enjoy trying. Sometimes, joining in can limit the child’s thinking. It all depends on the child.

In this case, the little girl knew exactly what she wanted to do with the materials and so we just chatted and put together our own snowflake ideas with the loose parts. 

Do you ever just stop and watch the children at work. I love seeing how they will process or build on an idea and am always reminded just how creative and capable they really are.

No two snowflakes are just alike.

I mentioned at the top of my post how no two snowflakes are just alike. I mentioned this because loose parts snowflakes remind me of the story “No Two Alike” by Keith Baker. You can get a copy of the book for yourself using my Amazon Affiliate link below…

Before you head off today, take a minute and share this post with others! I appreciate it so much.

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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