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Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

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Early Years: loose parts play volunteers

*What is Loose Parts Play
LPP is our new regular programme of drop-in sessions aimed at pre-school children aged 2-5 years, and their grown-ups.

Loose parts play is a type of open-ended play where children interact with a collection of movable materials and objects, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. It allows children to manipulate and transform the materials in various ways without specific instructions or pre-determined outcomes. They are free to explore!

*Key aspects of loose parts play:
-Open-ended materials: Loose parts are materials that can be moved, combined, taken apart, and used in many different ways, without specific instructions on how to use them. 
-Child-led exploration: The focus is on the child's imagination and creativity, with minimal adult guidance or direction. 
-Real-world learning: Loose parts can be found in natural environments, in everyday objects, or in play spaces, offering a connection to real-world experiences. 
-Benefits for development: Loose parts play promotes creativity, problem-solving, social skills, critical thinking, and physical development. 


*Examples of loose parts:
-Natural: Sticks, stones, leaves, sand, water, shells, shadows.
-Synthetic: Cardboard boxes, rope, fabric scraps, buttons, beads, containers, netting.
-Everyday: Toys, balls, building blocks, measuring tools, cooking utensils, clothes, jewellery, packaging materials.
-Building materials: planks, crates, guttering.
-Scrap materials: tyres, carpet offcuts, cones, bobbins, pool noodles.


*Our Sessions:
The LPP sessions will take place at Aberdeen Art Gallery on the first Wednesday of every month, excluding January. These will be trialled as free, drop-in sessions. Adults will stay and play with their children and can attend anytime between 10:30am-12:30pm. The sessions are largely unstructured.


Sessions will likely have a theme such as shape, texture, colour, pattern - with loose parts that lend themselves to exploring those themes. Some open ended activity resources, such as pattern cards, may be made available for children to utilise alongside their loose parts.


On occasion staff and volunteers may facilitate some simple activities to fit the theme, at times during the morning. These may include short stories -loose parts can help to make sense of a story and bring it to life. Audience could explore games such as roly-poly races or take on a challenge to build a den.


Excellent support and relevant guidance is provided to volunteers. Volunteers will receive an induction in to Aberdeen Archives Gallery and Museums. Staff and volunteers to attend a loose parts training session facilitated by Scrap Antics.


A fantastic, enjoyable opportunity to help and make a real difference. All assistance is greatly appreciated.


To volunteer with us/for further details please contact Amy Thomson, Volunteer Liaison Officer at email: amythomson@aberdeencity.gov.uk


Travel details

Loose Parts Play sessions take place in the Learning Space within Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ on the first Wednesday of each month.

Support
Training details

Excellent support and relevant guidance is provided to volunteers. Volunteers will receive an induction in to Aberdeen Archives Gallery and Museums. Staff and volunteers to attend a loose parts training session facilitated by Scrap Antics.

Taster available
Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Frequency & commitment
Loose Parts Play sessions take place in the Learning Space within Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ on the first Wednesday of each month.

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
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