ROCHESTER, NY—Studies have long shown that a decline in outdoor play negatively impacts the health and well-being of children. According to new research in the latest issue of the American Journal of Play, an emphasis on loose parts play—a form of unstructured play encouraging kids to be creative with a variety of provided or found materials, such as tires, planks, and pallets—increases physical literacy and fundamental movement skills, both critical for children’s health.
Authors Julie E. Campbell, Maggie Locke, Nila Joshi, Michelle R. Stone, and Becky Feicht pulled qualitative data from a six-week outdoor loose parts intervention delivered as part of school programs. Through staff focus groups, photo documentation, and child interviews, they developed four findings:
First, their data illustrates that “the flexibility of loose parts allows a low barrier to engagement in physical activity that facilitates children trying new things and engaging in active play.” It also shows that loose parts play facilitates creativity and collaboration between children. Next, it provides opportunities for new and diverse movements—including lifting, climbing, and balancing—helping to build muscles and improve coordination. Finally, loose parts play helps children to build more understanding of their bodies and how they interact with the environments around them.
The authors argue for more loose parts play to be incorporated in children’s lives and in school curriculum and other program guidelines. They conclude, “Having evidence from both adult and child perspectives strengthens the case for loose parts play as a developmentally appropriate, accessible, and meaningful approach to reversing the trend of declining outdoor play and promoting lifelong engagement in physical activity.”
The complete issue of the American Journal of Play can be read freely online. Additional interviews and articles include:
- Play, Ritual, and Child-Centered Research: An Interview with Cindy Dell Clark
- My Stuff: Boys’ Snapshots of Their Possessions and How They Use Things to Play and Bond by Jay Mechling
- Assembling Auras: Preserving and Exhibiting Video Games with Online Play Components by Alexander Hurezeanu and Christopher Hurezeanu
About the American Journal of Play
The American Journal of Play is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary publication that serves as a forum for discussing the history, science, and culture of play. Published three times each year by The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, the Journal includes articles, interviews, and book reviews written for a broad readership that includes educators, psychologists, play therapists, sociologists, anthropologists, folklorists, historians, museum professionals, toy and game designers, policy makers, and others who consider play for a variety of reasons and from various perspectives.
