When people hear the term “loose parts,” they often picture small object like buttons, shells, rocks, bottle caps, and other small materials. While these materials support creativity and fine motor development, they are only one part of the picture. Large loose parts invite a different kind of learning. They ask children to move their bodies, work with others, test ideas at a larger scale (with greater risk), and create immersive play experiences. Whether children are arrangi

Every year, we all do it. We ask kids what they want for Christmas, they point to the flashiest thing in the flyer or ask for the latest thing they saw in an advertisement, and we dutifully wrap it up and put it under the tree. And then… by December 28, it’s buried under the couch because the novelty has worn off. As an educator and mother, I’ve watched this pattern play out again and again — both in classrooms and at home. Kids think  they want toys that light up, make sound

Back to school season has arrived and I have agreed to help open a new kindergarten class for the first month or so of school while the...

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate creativity, problem-solving, and kindness! Instead of traditional crafts, why not...

Loose parts—open-ended materials like sticks, shells, rocks, and other found objects—might seem less exciting than new toys from a store,...

The holidays are a magical time of year—but let’s be honest, they can also be a recipe for tears and tantrums, especially for little...

As parents, we’re wired to fix and prevent problems—whether it’s taking over pouring drinks, tying shoelaces, or addressing our child’s...

The Kickstarter campaign for Amelia's Loose Part Art continues to be successful. As I write this post, there are 12 days left of the...

Children's books have a magical ability to captivate young minds and spark their imagination. My current project, Amelia's Loose Part...

Ever since I announced my book's title, Amelia's Loose Part Art, the question I have been asked the most is, "what are 'loose parts'...

Amelia has finally made her grand entrance, and the response has been absolutely fantastic. As a children's picture book author who...

Are you a lover of children's books like me? If you are, then let's explore and categorize some great titles together and dive into what...

I am a dreamer, a planner, and a notetaker. Friends have told me I am an idea person and when I look at piles of notes I have written for...