Episodes

  • Embracing Fire as a Loose Part

    OutsidePlay.org—great tool with examples!

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    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Learn more about an exciting new product that turns your child from the toy user to the toy maker in this conversation with Marcus Veerman from Nüdel Pod.

    Nüdel Pod Kickstarter campaign

    Nüdel Kart website

    My previous podcast episode with Marcus

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    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
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  • Book: Treasure Basket Explorations

    https://amzn.to/48OZsEw

    Podcast Episode on Treasure Baskets

    https://amzn.to/48OZsEw

    Basket Options:

    12” by 8” by 5” rope basket

    Hyacinth Storage Basket

    Round Woven Basket

    Rattan Serving Tray

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    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • I brought a RØDE Reporter microphone to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference and asked people about loose parts! They could share anything they wanted—a thought, a tip, a frustration, a product, etc. It was so great to see and meet all of you! Check it out! I’ve tried to link what I can below.

    Hear voices from the following (and more!):

    Kaplan Early Learning—Check out the Loose Parts STEM kits I was part of designing!

    Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center (check out our Master of Arts in Environmental Education—I direct this!)

    Easter Seals Child Developmental Learning Center, Washington, DC

    Orange Public Schools, NJ

    Eastern Connecticut State University—Child and Family Development Resource Center, lab school

    Tacoma PBS Public Television System

    Nurtured Inspirations

    Arkansas Department of Education

    Pacific Primary, San Francisco, CA

    Inspire to Impact Consulting, FL

    Indian River State College, FL

    CTAEYC Board

    Bloomsburg University, PA

    Interaction Imagination

    Institute for Self-Active Education

    Dr. Drew’s Discovery Blocks

    Kinderoo Children’s Academy

    FLAEYC Play Chapter

    The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL

    That Early Childhood Nerd

    Ivy Tech Community College—brown paper bag

    Ooey Gooey Inc.

    Earth Friends

    Cambridge-Ellis School

    Cosy Direct

    Scholar’s Choice—Tuff Trays

    Tinkergarten

    Bright Beginnings by Flash Furniture

    Becker’s

    Kodo Kids

    Developing Minds

    South Carolina Resource and Referral

    Rise Center, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

    Discount School Supply

    Super Space

    Percussion Play

    Dimensions Education Programs, Lincoln, Nebraska

    Nature Explore

    Community Playthings

    Constructive Playthings

    Amazing Sensory Designs

    First Lutheran Preschool, Ellicott City, Maryland

    Childcare Resource and Referral, Tennessee

    Jurassic Sands

    Red Leaf Press

    STRIVE Early Education Services

    Little Minds Learning Academy, Michigan

    Defending the Early Years

    Samara Early Learning

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    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • 20% off with code LPIA23 until November 30th, 2023.

    Find the book at Redleaf Press: https://www.redleafpress.org/Loose-Parts-in-Action-The-Essential-How-To-Guide-P2795.aspx

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    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Facebook Post—we chatted about this!

    Facebook

    Website

    Instagram pages:

    @lbo_charlotteb

    @littlebarnowls

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • November 3rd—International Stonework Play Day!

    Stonework Play website (Diana’s website and link to her book)

    International Stonework Play guide

    Stonework Play Facebook group

    Stonework Play Facebook page

    Rocks/Stone Book List by Carla

    International Stonework Play podcast past episode with Carla

    Social Emotional Learning and Loose Parts podcast episode

    Deconstructive Play resources

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • How not to cheat children: The theory of loose parts

    Messy Maths

    Dirty Teaching

    Creative Star Learning—Juliet’s website! A treasure trove of information!

    Loose Parts Play Toolkit from Inspiring Scotland

    Outdoor Learning and Play Facebook group

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Fascination of Fire Journal by Claire Warden

    Handout (with additional links) on Loose Parts Nature Play

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Beyond Ecophobia by David Sobel

    ICAN Webinar about Beyond Ecophobia

    Magazine Article

    Here is a pdf of a synopsis of the article

    Look! Don’t Touch! Orion Magazine

    Living Loose Parts Resources

    Connecting Children to Animals Podcast episode

    Worms, Glorious Worms Podcast episode

    Animal Homes Podcast episode

    Animal Architects Podcast episode

    Squirrel Appreciation Podcast episode

    Eggs & Nests Podcast episode

    Animals in Winter Podcast episode

    Animal Play

    Loose Parts Nature Play Kits

    Adding Plants to an Outdoor Classroom Podcast Episode

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • “Plants remind us to move in nature time” –Ruth Wilson

    Naturally Inclusive by Ruth Wilson

    Gryphon House

    Amazon

    Children & Nature Network—Connecting Children of All Abilities to Nature Play and Therapeutic Gardens

    “Nature doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t make judgments. Rain falls on every child.”
    —Ruth Wilson, author and Children & Nature Network research library curator

    Essential Reading List

    Research Digest-- Nature’s benefits for children with special needs

    PlayGarden Toolkit

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College

    International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education

    Natural Start Alliance

    Books:

    An Earthworm’s Life by John Himmelman

    Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman

    Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals

    Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular by Polly Owen

    Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin

    Hello, Garden Bugs: A High Contrast Book by duopress labs

    How to Say Hello to a Worm: A First Guide to Outside by Kari Percival

    The Worm: The Disgusting Critters Series by Elise Gravel

    This is a Book to Read with a Worm by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen

    We Dig Worms by Kevin McClosky

    Wiggling Worms at Work by Wendy Pfeffer

    Worm Weather by Jean Taft

    Yucky Worms by Vivian French

    The Worm Project by Illinois Early Learning Project

    https://illinoisearlylearning.org/pa/projects/worm-project/

    The Worms are Dancing by Alissa Lange, Lynn Lodien, and Anna Lowe in Science & Children

    https://www.ecstemlab.com/uploads/4/0/3/5/40359017/langelodienlowe.pdf

    Growing Up Wild—Wriggling Worms by Project Wild

    https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild/growing-wild/resources/wiggling-worms

    Earthworm Digging Activity for Kids by Tinkergarten

    https://tinkergarten.com/activities/friends-in-low-places

    The Adventures of Herman by University of Illinois Extension

    https://web.extension.illinois.edu/worms/

    Invasive Worms—Asian Jumping Worm https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/invertebrates/asian-jumping-worm

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Celebrating Special Days with a Loose Parts Mindset—link to the Exchange Article

    Additional related podcast episodes:

    Natural and Loose Parts Valentines

    Autumn Treasures

    Fall Fun!

    Ice as a Loose Part

    International Stonework Play Day

    Global School Play Day

    Cardboard as a Loose Part

    International Mud Day

    Rube Goldberg Machines

    Loose Parts Inspired Books—list of related books

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Indiana Children and Nature Network Webinar Recordings

    Types of Risky Play—Sandseter

    What to Say Instead of Be Careful—Backwoods Mamma

    When You Want to Say Be Careful—Child & Nature Alliance of Canada

    Busting the Myth that We Have to Bubble Wrap Our Kids

    Adventures in Risky Play—Rusty Keeler

    Thank you, Dr. Joanna Spotts!

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Book: When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski

    LPNP Podcast Episode—my reaction to the book

    Remake Learning

    Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms

    The Fred Rogers Archives

    Primanti Bros. Sandwiches

    How Not to Cheat Children: The Theory of Loose Parts by Simon Nicholson

    A special thanks to SLB Radio for audio help!

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Book: When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski

    Pictures from the Pittsburgh Trip!

    The Mattress Factory

    Pittsburgh Children’s Museum

    SLB Radio

    Museum Lab

    Carnegie Science Center

    Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

    Falling Water

    Remake Learning

    Light Painting

    ExQuotient

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Indiana Children and Nature Network

    ICAN Play 30 and Seasonal Book Chat

    Book Pick: The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson

    “For most of us, knowledge of our world comes largely through sight, yet we look about with such unseeing eyes that we are partially blind. One way to open your eyes to unnoticed beauty is to ask yourself, "What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?” ― Rachel Carson

    “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” ― Rachel Carson

    “It is not half so important to know as to feel.” ― Rachel Carson

    “The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil. Once the emotions have been aroused - a sense of the beautiful, the excitement of the new and unknown, a feeling of sympathy, pity, admiration or love - then we wish for knowledge about the object of our emotional response. Once found, it has lasting meaning.” ― Rachel Carson

    “Many children... delight in the small and inconspicuous.” ― Rachel Carson

    “It is more important to pave the way for the child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts he is not ready to assimilate.” ― Rachel Carson

    “The lasting pleasures of contact with the natural world are not reserved for scientists but are available to anyone who will place himself under the influence of earth, sea, and sky and their amazing life.” ― Rachel Carson

    “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder … he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” —Rachel Carson

    Discussion Questions:

    What is a sense of wonder?

    How do we regain the sense of wonder in ourselves?

    How do we share the sense of wonder with our children?

    How can we share and rediscover the sense of joy and wonder with children?

    What other resources help you with wonder?

    What’s the difference between wonder and curiosity?

    If you want to witness a natural display of a sense of wonder, just observe a child. A child’s whole world is viewed through the eyes of wonder and excitement. A child has no judgements of why things are so, but rather a child is in awe of life and views life through innocence, purity and curiosity. –Mary Paleologos

    Join us!

    THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023

    8 PM – 9 PM, Eastern Time

    Spring ICAN Play 30 and Balanced and Barefoot Book Chat

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Join Marcus Veerman to discuss loose parts and the Nudelkart!

    Nudelkart

    Resources and Manuals

    Playgroundideas.org

    Theory of Loose Parts: How Not to Cheat Children

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Listen to Ronnie Green share about dealing with behaviors around loose parts. Find her at:

    Cultivating Confidence: Early Years Consultancy

    Additional resources shared in this episode:

    Michelle Thornhill Schema and Loose Parts

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/
  • Why Get Outside with Tweens and Teens

    Less screen time Physically active Mental health Decreased stress Experience awe and wonder Healing power of nature Skill building Career exploration

    Challenges and Opportunities

    More reliance on technology Seeking more independence Often more influenced by peers Developing identity Expanding independence

    Tips for Getting Outside

    Increase adventure Bring along friends Let them plan Involve food! Family traditions Follow their interests Connect with groups Include technology Find ways to serve! Consider safety

    Indiana Master Naturalists

    The STEM Connection

    Citizen Scientist Projects for Teens

    Indiana Children and Nature Network—Tweens and Teens 3 webinars available!

    Part 1--The STEM Connection and Indiana Master Naturalists
    Part 2--Joe Pounds and Authentic Engagement
    Part 3--Tips and Resources with Dr. Carla Gull from ICAN

    Book--Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/books/details/loose-parts-learning-in-k-3-classrooms

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Page:

    https://www.facebook.com/LoosePartsPlay/

    Loose Parts Play Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LoosePartsPlay/ Inside Outside Michiana Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutsideMichiana/ Loose Parts Nature Play Website: https://loosepartsnatureplay.org/