Open-Ended Play: The Gateway to Curiosity and Discovery

Encouraging Exploration, Imagination, and Creative Thinking Through Play

I love the setting that I work in – I have been given the autonomy to explore and discover different pedagogical approaches without the glaring eyes from above. In fact, it has been the complete opposite and has been met with curiosity and encouragement.

My practice, prior to incorporating open-ended play across all of our settings, very much followed the old-school principle of, “We are learning about The Hungry Caterpillar, let’s make every part of our environment about The Hungry Caterpillar.” Honestly, I can feel the hours and multiple resources going down the drain.

"The learning is all around us," said Baby Bear.

Like our children always do, they never use the resources the way you had in mind. When I first started, over 13 years ago, I thought this was a bad thing – then my eyes opened, and I started to really see the learning that was taking place. I began to observe more and critically reflect on the learning that was genuinely occurring. It’s amazing how much of the EYFS Development Matters framework is covered without us even realizing it.

After observing my children, I decided that the way I was going to enhance my environment was to take away the overly planned Instagram-worthy tuff trays and start incorporating more loose parts – just to see what would happen. I began by introducing loose parts to both of the building areas in our indoor and outdoor spaces. Luckily, my school gave me the budget to purchase some new resources. Armed with these new resources, I set the expectation for how to care for them, and then I let them go! The role plays and constructions that day were out of this world.

Simple Is Always Best!

I’m not sure how it happened, but perhaps it was the introduction of social media and the misuse of the principles outlined in ABC Does Outstanding Early Years Practice that made things overly complicated. As we all know, children often prefer the cardboard to the expensive, shiny toy that came from inside. Our children need an environment where they can tap into their critical thinking and creativity. With loose parts, anything can be anything. Role play areas and over-planning become a thing of the past.

OFSTED Were Impressed!

Although I was nervous initially, I am so pleased I delved into the world of loose parts and open-ended play. I will NEVER look back. We had an OFSTED inspection recently, and they marveled at the children’s ability to concentrate on a project for a prolonged period of time and how they were all able to communicate their thought processes. My message from this is: Don’t be afraid to just have a go and see what happens.

To get started with loose parts, check out this resource from Cosy – it’s how I got started, and now it’s a staple in all of the settings I support.

https://www.cosydirect.com/eco-deconstructed-role-play-set-31735