Loose parts and math in the early years go hand in hand.
Recently, educators in Somerville gathered for a professional development session facilitated by The Beautiful Stuff Project, exploring how open-ended materials can unlock rich mathematical thinking through play.
In early childhood classrooms, math is often most powerful when it is not separated into worksheets or formal instruction, but instead emerges naturally through hands-on exploration. This PD session was designed with that belief at its core. Educators spent time playing, experimenting, noticing, and reflecting together—experiencing firsthand how learning unfolds when children are given time, space, and materials to think with.
Throughout the session, participants explored how loose parts can support a wide range of mathematical ideas, including counting, pattern-making, spatial reasoning, perspective-taking, and mathematical language. Simple materials—objects without a fixed purpose—became tools for deep thinking. As educators moved through the activities, conversations naturally emerged around quantity, structure, balance, relationships, and design.
One of the most powerful takeaways was how easily loose parts invite mathematical talk. When children are given open-ended materials, they don’t just “do math”—they talk math, explain their thinking, test ideas, and revise their understanding in real time. These moments are joyful, social, and deeply accessible.
Teachers shared how transformative it felt to experience this kind of learning firsthand:
“Oh wow, this material is so interesting—I can already imagine my children using this in so many different ways.”
“This is exactly what my classroom needs. I can see them building, sorting, and creating patterns without even realizing they’re doing math.”
Sessions like these continue to affirm the value of playful professional learning. When educators experience learning through play themselves, they are better equipped to bring that same sense of curiosity and possibility into their classrooms.
Reach out if you’d like to play, explore, and learn with us through professional development.
