Limitless Loose Parts: Joy, Marvel and Adventure!
Early Years Impact
Inner Child Pedagogy and Alliterative Naming
Greg describes his inner child–led approach, the power of alliteration, and preserving phase one phonics joy across schooling.
The power of loose parts comes alive in this episode! In this energising episode, Greg Bottrill and I journey deep into the playful world of loose parts play, but with a twist!
We explore how re-branding, jackets of joy and football socks can transform learning - turning a "carpet area" into a Carpet Kingdom and the ordinary water tray into a land of possibilities with underwater unicorns!
With inspiration from Simon Nicholson’s Loose Parts Theory, we unpack how everyday objects can build more than just imagination - they build open-ended, limitless creativity, emotional connection, and joyful learning. As for the role of the adult…step inside this episode and see where it takes you!
From bags of joy to sand-filled socks and storytelling spaces, this episode will leave you smiling, inspired, and ready to rebrand your entire learning environment into a world of wonder.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Why the adult’s inner child is the true guide to magical play
- How to transform environments with imagination and language
- The power of rebranding: from “carpet space” to Carpet Kingdom
- How loose parts spark creativity, storytelling, physical development and more!
- Why sand-filled socks can support upper body strength in young children
- How to use the metaphorical “bag of joy” to enrich your setting
- Plus unlock a deeper understanding of Simon Nicholson’s Loose Parts Theory
Whether you're a parent curious about how to embrace loose parts, or a professional wanting to unleash the joy of play in your classroom, this episode offers grounded insights you will want to know about and act upon.
I'm Michelle Hague, founder of HEYD and the Early Years Impact podcast. You can contact me directly: michellehague@heyd.uk, or visit heyd.co.uk where you will find more details about our coaching offer plus our sponsors KCS.co.uk.
My guest today, Greg is the author of the bestselling ’Can I Go And Play Now?’, ‘School of the Magic of Children’ and ‘Love Letters To Play’. A passionate advocate of childhood and education done with children not to them, he is also the creator of Drawing Club, The Message Centre, Play Projects and Adventure Island. His work and thinking is deeply embedded in joy, adventure, marvel and play, four things that he believes are equally as important for adults.
I know you will want to connect with Greg after this episode as he is inspirational!
Website: www.canigoandplaynow.com
Instagram: canigoandplaynow
Facebook: Can I Go And Play Now
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