Contact: Ann Beery
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Loose Parts Mindset Promotes Active Learning in Early Elementary Classrooms
New Resource Book Demonstrates How to Enhance K-3 Curriculum by Incorporating Loose Parts
Lewisville, N.C., July 31, 2021 – Have you ever wondered why children are so drawn to playing with sticks, rocks, and cardboard boxes? These items are examples of open-ended materials in the environment, or loose parts. Educators have learned that given the opportunity to experiment with loose parts, students can grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms, a new resource book written by Carla Gull, EdD, Suzanne Levenson Goldstein, EdD, and Tricia Rosengarten, PhD, explores how applying a loose parts mindset promotes active learning in early elementary classrooms (grades K-3), enhancing curriculum and ensuring connection to state standards. The authors, who moderate a popular public Facebook group (@LoosePartsPlay), offer inspiration and guidance on developing, applying, and teaching a loose parts mindset. They breakdown common myths and walk educators through getting started in the classroom or on school grounds.
The inspiring photographs in the book illustrate how to apply the loose parts mindset to science, technology, reading and literacy, engineering, art, and math lessons. K-3 educators looking for ways to strengthen conceptual learning and still infuse open-ended play will find a smorgasbord of ideas from which to pick and choose. None of us is too old for a little loose parts play!
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms ($34.95, 272 pages, 8.5”x11”, paperback, ISBN 978-0-87659-927-3) by Carla Gull, EdD, Suzanne Levenson Goldstein, EdD, and Tricia Rosengarten, PhD, will be available in November 2021 from Gryphon House. The authors are available for media inquiries. Digital review copies may be requested through Edelweiss.
Carla Gull, EdD, has been an educator for more than 20 years and is an instructor with the University of Phoenix. She leads professional development and research in outdoor classrooms, loose parts, and nature play.
Suzanne L. Goldstein, EdD, is an instructor with the University of Phoenix. She taught in elementary school for more than 30 years and served as the early childhood education coordinator and language-arts mentor for her school district.
Tricia Rosengarten, PhD, is a full-time faculty member at the University of Phoenix. She has more than 20 years of experience in both elementary and higher education teaching, research, and leadership.
Gryphon House is an award-winning publisher of resource books designed to help early childhood educators and families with children from birth through age understand and successfully apply today’s theories and best practices of early education.
