My favorite! Between going on walks with your children to find these treasures to watching how children reconnect with nature, nothing beats this. (Not to mention that Nature Loose Parts are FREE!)

Discover the magic of creativity with these diverse Nature Loose Parts examples.

Nature-Based Loose Parts!

Pinecones for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Pinecones and sweet gum balls picked up from a walk.

Tree stumps for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Wood cookies cut from fallen tree branches.

branches and stones for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Sticks and rocks found on a walk in the woods.

seashells for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Seashells donated by a girl who went to the ocean.

acrons for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Acorns picked up on a nature walk.

wild flowers for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Dried wildflowers found in the field.

oranges and grapefruit for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Dehydrated oranges and grapefruit.

leaves for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Leaves that have fallen from the trees and were found on the ground.

dirt for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Dirt! Yes! Great outdoor loose part and fabulous for the sensory table and containers inside!

sunflowers for nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Dried sunflower makes for several loose parts within.

List of Nature-Based Loose Parts

  • Acorns
  • Sticks
  • Dirt
  • Dried Flowers
  • Rocks
  • Leaves
  • Seeds
  • Sand
  • Pinecones
  • Wood Cookies
  • Wood Chips
  • Moss
  • Shells
  • Pods
  • Logs
  • Peach Pits
  • Feathers
  • Squash
  • Sweet Gum Ball
  • Anise Stars
  • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Nutmeg

Explorations: Nature-Based Loose Parts in the Classroom

nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Leaf Collage

nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Home Creations

nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Mortar and Pestle Collages

nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Investigating and Sketching on Light Table

nature based loose parts for the Reggio inspired classroom

Number Invitation

Be on the lookout for the rest of the 7 types of Loose Parts in our series of Loose Parts examples.

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!

What Loose Parts are YOU playing with?

What have your children inevstigate through nature-based loose parts?

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.