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

Loose parts reggio play packaging bubble wrap

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!

Loose Parts Reggio Play Packaging tape rolls

Tape Rolls saved from teachers and parents.

Loose parts reggio play packaging egg carton

Egg Cartons! Can you imagine all the sorting explorations?

Loose Parts Reggio Play Packaging Paper Towel roll

Paper Rolls! Fabulous for building and tunnel creations.

Loose parts reggio play packaging

Produce crates donated from grocery store.

Loose parts reggio play packaging tape rolls

Empty ribbon rolls!

Loose parts reggio play packaging cardboard scraps

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

Loose parts reggio play packaging rolls

Paper tubes set up for a birdhouse construction provocation.

Loose parts reggio play packaging bridge construction invitation

Bridge Construction Invitation connecting to literacy in the Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Loose parts reggio plastic bubble wrap painting

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

Child painting paper tubes built up like a sculpture

Cardboard Tube Sculptures

Child painting cardboard tubes glued to a cardboard base

Cardboard Collage Painting

Child painting cardboard shapes

The Multiple Scribble Maker

Scribble marks from markers attached to cardboard tube

Large Scale Cardboard Construction

Large Scale Cardboard Boxes and Tubes 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!

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.