Loose Parts - Transforming Outdoor Environments (2-part series)

Imagine a world where all children have access to outdoor play spaces that are captivating, challenging, minimally structured, and open-ended. This presentation offers centre and home-based educators guidance in creating fascinating learning spaces on limited budgets with natural elements and loose parts that offer children opportunity for irresistible, engaging exploration. Learn practical guidance about getting started, the best outdoor loose parts, and setting up, storing, and maintaining materials.

In Part 1 you will be guided in creating fascinating learning spaces on limited budgets with natural elements and loose parts that offer children opportunity for irresistible, engaging exploration. Learn practical guidance about getting started, the best outdoor loose parts, and setting up, storing, and maintaining materials. 

In Part 2: Reflection, Inspiration, and Next Steps. Where do I go from here? When it comes to transforming outdoor spaces, educators are often stumped about where to begin, uncertain about what to do and how to do it, lack inspiration, or unable to visualise creative solutions. In this session, learn how to dream big while starting small with what you have. Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences of children’s engagement with outdoor loose parts and discuss questions or barriers concerning loose parts in their program.  

 

Part 1 Learning Outcomes: 

  • Describe how keeping outdoor play spaces flexible and materials open-ended enhances children's learning, collaboration, independence, and creativity more than traditional playgrounds.  
  • Explain how to design outdoor play spaces for flexible use to ensure that all children are successful, competent, and engaged learners in the environment.  
  • Recall how to acquire, set up, embed, store, and maintain loose parts in outdoor spaces.  
  • Explain how a natural, multi-purpose play yard environment reflects the local ecology, play needs of children, curriculum taught, and cultural context of the surrounding community. 
  • Understand the role that risk taking and challenge have in children’s play and development.  

 

Action and Reflection 

Before the second session, complete the following:  

  • Add an open-ended material to your outdoor environment to support loose parts play.  
  • Observe children’s engagement. 
  • Take a photo of children’s play in action. 
  • Reflect upon how children’s engagement with the loose parts affected their play and ways you can foster deeper engagement.  

 

Part 2 Learning Outcomes: 

  • Identify simple ways to promote play and create nature-based spaces. 
  • Describe economical ways to transform an outdoor play yard with limited resources.  
  • Explain how to locate and access free community resources.  
  • Identify ways to engage families and the community. 
  • Identify ways to turn challenges into possibilities.  

 

    • $250

    • Date

      Mon 24 August – Mon 31 August
      • Session 1
        24 August 2026
        10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
      • Session 2
        31 August 2026
        10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

    • Location

      Online via Zoom

    • Presented by

      • Lisa Daly
    Register

About the presenters

  • LDaly_Headshot
    Lisa Daly

    Lisa Daly is best known for the award-winning and best-selling Loose Parts series which focuses on the value of providing children with materials that inspire exploration, problem solving and imagination.