Loose Parts and Language

Researchers all over the world have spent time understanding the relationship between spontaneous play and language and literacy development.

Human language systems have four basic aspects:

Phonology - the study of sounds of a language

Syntax - the grammar of a language

Semantics - the meaning of words

Pragmatics - how we use language

When The Experiential School teachers offer loose parts during choice time, they are intentionally promoting language development: your children are using these objects as props to engage in rich conversation with their friends and adults too. When describing the objects, Alpha and JK students can test new, complex words and engage in meaningful interactions that increase their critical thinking skills. Children are capable of connecting loose parts to stories they have heard. They can also use these objects to plan and design their ideas. Ample use of loose parts will positively impact memory, vocabulary acquisition, and literacy.