Morning Table Play With Loose Parts

Recently I started to dedicate a set up at the large tables for loose parts play using a mix of materials. I wanted to invite children into the room by setting up play invitations (using data from observations), provocations and simple set ups with unexpected materials. Initially the children bypassed the loose parts set up and chose familiar sensory and art like drawing, collage, painting and play doh but once the loose parts set up became a familiar part of their morning table play they began to explore and create.
I wondered how the children would use the materials and noticed that they added the dome lights to the tops of blocks, placed felt balls and hung strings of beads with care. The ribbons were wound around the lights and through the napkin rings. Now the loose parts morning table set ups have become a valued and creative part of our mornings. Some children have begun to use play schemas like enclosure and positioning with these smaller loose parts.