ABSTRACT
Aesthetic spaces activate wonder and curiosity, but also remember what is beautiful to people may not be beautiful to the child. With spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, please be aware that it is pointless for a child to have beautiful environment that they cannot explore. This chapter explores the theory of loose parts, facilitating creative storytelling as well as, of course, the opportunity for children to experience immersive experiences using paint and other mediums. It explores some of the techniques that can be used with children who have developed fine and gross motor skills beyond their second year and for those who can retain and recall information, as well as looks at the different ways practitioners can offer resources to older children in early years settings and the impact this can have. The theory of loose parts was first coined by Simon Nicholson in the 1970s.
