Using action research to infuse nature-based loose parts play into the Kindergarten Program

This research explores how nature-based loose part play helps unfold young children's learning connected with the natural world in the Kindergarten Program. It uses action research to investigate nature-based loose parts play in connection with the Ontario Kindergarten Curriculum to provide unique insights into identifying and addressing action research questions in practice and enhancing educational discourses. Nature-based loose parts play is an approach for learning to reconnect young children with nature and environment through hands-on experiential experiences, to build a foundation that enhances their learning indoors and outdoors and to develop deeper understanding of the relationships of all living things. The findings reveal that, through nature-based loose parts play, creating invitations for environmental learning is the first step to intrigue Kindergarten children towards further exploration and investigation. Nature-based loose parts play is viewed as a methodology and a pedagogy to fully integrate outside and inside learning environments to enrich children's learning.