Packaging Loose Parts are typically known as recyclable parts. They tend to be FREE! Cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, and egg cartons are just a few of these multi-faceted Loose Parts.
Unlock the power of play and innovation through these incredible Packaging Loose Parts examples.
Packaging Loose Parts
Bubble Wrap and Packing Peanuts reused from a shipping package. Opportunities for painting on and building with. Not to mention the sound exploration of popping!
Tape Rolls saved from teachers and parents.
Egg Cartons! Can you imagine all the sorting explorations?
Paper Rolls! Fabulous for building and tunnel creations.
Produce crates donated from grocery store.
Empty ribbon rolls!
Cardboard scraps saved from boxes.
List of Packaging Loose Parts
- Packing Peanuts
- Bubble Wrap
- Boxes
- Styrofoam
- Cardboard Scraps
- Paper Rolls
- Wrapping Paper
- Painter’s Tape
- Egg Cartons
- Ribbon Wheel
- Cereal Boxes
- Paper Scraps
- Paper Sack Handles
Packaging Loose Part Examples in the Classroom
Paper tubes set up for a birdhouse construction provocation.
Bridge Construction Invitation connecting to literacy in the Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Plastic Bubble Wrap Painting!
Preschool play invitations with cardboard boxes, cardboard tubes, and paper towel tubes
Check out these ideas to take your children’s play to the next level using packaging materials.
Cardboard Tube Construction
Cardboard Tube Sculptures
Cardboard Collage Painting
The Multiple Scribble Maker
Large Scale Cardboard Construction
I like what Malaguzzi says about materials and experiences in Early Childhood classrooms.
“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.” -Loris Malaguzzi
By providing an array of different textures, sizes, and colors of materials, we are opening the door for children to take ownership of their learning and creativity!
For more information on this topic, don’t miss our in-depth guide How to Get Started with Loose Parts.
BONUS! Download our Loose Parts Wish List and start collecting! ↓
In case you missed the other 6 Types of Loose Parts blog posts, no worries. I included that all right here for you!
- Nature-Based Loose Parts
- Metal Loose Parts
- Plastic Loose Parts
- Glass & Ceramic Loose Parts
- Fabric, Fiber & Paper Loose Parts
- Wood Reuse Loose Parts
What Loose Parts are YOU playing with?
How will YOU use packaging loose parts in your room?
References
Daly, Lisa; Beloglovsky, Miriam (2014). Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children. Redleaf Press.
Daly, Lisa; Beloglovsky, Miriam (2016). Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers. Redleaf Press.
Sheridan, Mary; Howard, Justine; Alderson, Dawn (2011). Play in Early Childhood: From Birth to Six Years. Routledge.
