Junky Monkeys spreads joy, expands imaginations, and prioritises well-being in schools and communities.
Junky Monkeys is a loose parts play provider – meaning we work with schools and events, showcasing and advocating for the potential of playing with JUNK. Our goal is to spread the transformative power of loose parts play throughout Aotearoa.
We believe that play is an effective vehicle for learning, as it places student well-being at the heart of the experience. Since 2017, we have facilitated hundreds of joyful, open-ended play experiences in schools and community events, while also supporting schools in activating their own loose parts programmes.
why loose parts play?
‘Have you ever noticed that if you leave old junk lying around, kids will almost
inevitably play with it? Whether it be old cardboard boxes, wooden pallets, pieces of
wood, old tyres, bits of rope or string, kids will use their imagination and
ingenuity to make something… In any environment, both the degree of inventiveness and creativity, and the possibility of discovery, are directly proportional to the number and kind of variables in it.’
‘How not to cheat our children: The Theory of Loose Parts.’ S Nicholson 1971
Loose parts, often referred to as “junk,” are random objects that can be used in countless ways. The term “loose parts” was coined by architect Simon Nicholson, who discovered that playgrounds with more open-ended resources and variables fostered greater opportunities for innovation, creativity, collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
These valuable soft skills are sometime referred to as 21st century skills. The demand for them is growing, especially as we move toward an unknown future where mental health and well-being are increasingly important. Loose parts play provides the perfect environment to practice and hone these soft skills within a safe and engaging context.
Loose parts play also gives kids the chance to realise the joy that can come from playing with items otherwise destined for landfill. Many children often ask, “Why would someone throw this away?”. Loose parts play can start conversations about waste minimisation and a circular economy, encouraging them to think more about co-creating a sustainable world.
What people say about us
Junky Monkeys are the inventors of fun!
– Student
This is the best school day ever!
– Student
I saw learning everywhere, the curriculum was oozing out of the play.
– Kaiako
Whoever created Junky Monkeys is a genius. This is the best day ever.
– Student
We will be having Junky Monkeys at our school for the third time soon. It’s such an amazing learning experience for the children and the teachers! The creativity, problem-solving and collaboration that transpires is so awesome to observe and be part of. A bonus is that you don’t need to worry about organisation, parent helpers, ratios for off-site trips or paying for expensive buses. I highly recommend the Junky Monkeys experience.
– Kaiako
My 7yo has been telling me about this all evening. I’m so glad we found this, what a great idea.
– Parent
This programme reinforced the need for play across our Year 1-8 group. The teachers definitely observed the benefits and are keen to make loose parts play a regular occurrence at our School.
– Kaiako
Every child that participated was beaming with delight. The creativity, perseverance, and imagination that was displayed was amazing. They all asked when Junky Monkeys was coming back again!
– Kaiako