Teaching Supplies & Child Care

Loose Parts Alive: Inspiring Child-Led Nature Explorations - Paperback

Loose Parts Alive: Inspiring Child-Led Nature Explorations - Paperback - Main image
$32.47 $49.95 In stock

Category: Administration & Program Development

Unleash the magic of Nature's Playthings!


Imagine a learning space infused with life, where curiosity thrives and imaginations bloom.

Loose Parts Alive

authors, Carla Gull, EdD and Laura Wilhelm, EdD invite you to unlock the extraordinary potential of living loose parts: plants, animals, and even your bodies!


Beyond blocks and buttons, discover how:

  • the movements of a fish can spark STEM explorations.
  • sun-soaked leaves can inspire vibrant artwork and investigations of light and shadow.
  • a caterpillar's metamorphosis can nurture wonder and language.

This transformative guide, grounded in developmentally appropriate practice, Reggio Emilia's child-led explorations, Montessori's hands-on learning, and reverence for nature, empowers you to:


  • integrate living loose parts seamlessly and confidently.
  • embrace open-ended play, fostering critical thinking and creativity.
  • nurture a deep connection with nature in children.
  • witness the joy of child-led discovery unfolding organically.

Filled with field-tested activities and inspiring examples, practical tips, and stunning photography showcasing real-life implementation,

Loose Parts Alive

is an invitation to step outside the ordinary, embrace the boundless wonder of nature, and witness the magic of learning.


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Customer Reviews (4.3 / 5 · 3 reviews)

Aurora ★★★★★

I’m a program director, and this book has become my go-to for reframing outdoor time with preschoolers. The authors’ DrEd credentials show in how clearly they connect child-led play to actual learning outcomes, and the activity breakdowns are easy to adapt on the fly. I only wish it had more photos

Richard G. ★★★★☆

The real-world examples of forest school setups are what sold me — gave me concrete ideas I can use tomorrow in our outdoor classroom. I just wish the appendix had a printable checklist for parents to take home.

Grace A. ★★★★☆

I wish the paperback included a few more full-color photos of the setups, but the concrete examples of child-led exploration are already sparking new ideas for our outdoor classroom.