Approaching Miriam Beloglovsky's Loose Parts for Children with Diverse Abilities is a bit like playing. First, I thumb through the book, relishing the many artful photographs. Then I stop at a photo spread that intrigues me, taking in the details. Looking at the pictures leads me to reading the captions, which leads me to reading the section. Then I am inspired to flip through again and repeat the process, finding a section that inspires me in the moment. Before I know it, I have read the entire book, not in logical order but following my heart. The joy of reading the book mimics the experience of Loose Parts. Loose Parts for Children with Diverse Abilities is for every child in every program because every child has abilities unique to themselves.
Beloglovsky unapologetically uses a strengths-based approach that only play can provide, reminding us to focus on children's joy rather than assessing skills and striving for mastery. --Mike Huber, MAed, author of Inclusion Includes Us, co-host of Teaching with the Body in Mind podcast, and Curriculum Specialist at St. David's Center for Child and Family Development, Minnetonka, MN.