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Exploring Creativity Through Loose Parts Play at ACG School Jakarta

Loose parts play ACG Jakarta

At ACG School Jakarta, we are committed to fostering creativity and innovation in our students through inquiry-based learning approaches that inspire curiosity and problem-solving.

One such innovative methodology is loose parts play, which allows children to explore, create, and engage with open-ended materials in transformative ways. This dynamic learning strategy aligns with both the International Baccalaureate’s focus on inquiry and the Cambridge curriculum’s emphasis on critical thinking.

What is Loose Parts Play?

Loose parts play involves using unstructured materials—natural or manufactured—that children can move, manipulate, and combine in countless ways. From sticks and stones to bottle caps and string, these materials encourage students to experiment and express their ideas without predefined outcomes. This approach develops essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, and adaptability.

Loose parts play

Loose Parts Play in Year 2: Exploring Sound and Light

A compelling example of loose parts play in action at ACG School Jakarta comes from the Year 2 transdisciplinary theme How the World Works. The unit explores the central idea that “sound and light affect our lives in many ways” through a series of inquiries, including the sources and properties of light and sound, their manipulation, and how they connect to our everyday experiences​

In this unit, students were tasked with creating simple string instruments using loose parts like paper cups, rubber bands, and popsicle sticks. By assembling these materials, students explored how vibrations produce sound. One child excitedly shared, “I stretched the rubber band tighter, and it made a higher sound! I didn’t know you could make music this way.” This hands-on exploration deepened their understanding of scientific concepts such as sound waves and vibrations while sparking creativity and collaboration.

Another activity involved using flashlights, mirrors, and coloured transparencies to investigate how light travels in straight lines and changes when it encounters different surfaces. Students worked in groups to design shadow art using their materials, merging science with visual arts. “I liked how we could make our own shapes and shadows,” said a Year 2 student. “It felt like playing while learning science and art together.”

The Benefits of Loose Parts Play

Loose parts play offers an unparalleled learning experience that blends cognitive, social, and emotional development. Through these activities, students at ACG develop critical problem-solving skills, enhance their ability to work collaboratively and cultivate a deeper understanding of abstract concepts.

“Loose parts play is an empowering approach,” says Principal Myles d’Airelle. “It allows students to lead their own learning while fostering innovation and resilience. They’re not just learning about light and sound—they’re building the confidence to explore, question, and create.”

This methodology also supports environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of repurposed materials. Students learn to see value in everyday objects, promoting resourcefulness and environmental stewardship.

A Shared Learning Experience

Loose parts play doesn’t stop in the classroom. At ACG, parents are encouraged to participate by contributing materials or engaging in related activities at home. This collaboration strengthens the school’s commitment to building a supportive and inclusive learning community.

One parent reflected, “It’s wonderful to see my child excited about learning in such a hands-on way. He even showed us how to make a shadow puppet at home. It’s clear that he’s learning while having fun.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Creativity Through Play

As we continue to integrate loose parts play into our curriculum, the possibilities for exploration are limitless. Our Year 2 students’ experiences demonstrate how this approach enhances their understanding of core concepts while nurturing creativity, empathy, and resilience.

At ACG School Jakarta, we aim to provide learning experiences that prepare our students for life’s opportunities,” Principal d’Airelle emphasizes. “Loose parts play is a perfect example of how we blend innovation with our mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people.

Through initiatives like loose parts play, ACG School Jakarta affirms its vision of inspiring creative problem-solvers who are equipped to make a difference both locally and globally. In these moments of unstructured exploration, we see the essence of our philosophy—a small school with a big heart, nurturing big ideas for a brighter future.

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