Summer at FCCC-Lancaster

Summer is a wonderful season for the children to explore the great outdoors at FCCC-Lancaster! They have enjoyed trips to the splash pad, picnics, crafts/science experiences and the brand new “loose parts” section in our yard. The theory of “loose parts” was first introduced by architect Simon Nicholson, in 1971. “As long as materials can be moved, redesigned, put together and taken apart in a variety of ways, they are classified as loose parts”. The children love to explore and manipulate the loose parts in so many ways, engaging not only in imaginative and dramatic play but also following a path to science experimentation. Some of the multi- use items in our loose parts bin are: funnels, measuring cups, pots and pans, scoops, basters, pine cones, shells and twigs. This is a change from commercial toys to day-to-day objects. The children may use the loose parts in any way they choose. We have also added a car track that brings the children and educators together on the path of learning creatively. Although the car track was intended for cars, trucks or other moving vehicles, the children also use it for other purposes such as a balance beam, something to jump over and a surface to build on. As the children happily explore their environment, they are active learners of key concepts associated with literacy and numeracy development.