We specialise in delivering loose parts play programmes to schools.
Since 2017, we’ve engaged thousands of students and kaiako, continuously evolving our programme alongside expert play coaches and school needs.
We provide fun, hands-on experiences for ākonga while equipping schools with resources to sustain play beyond our visit. See a full list of programmes below.
Junky Monkeys
PLAY DAY
During a PLAY DAY session, you will:
- See first-hand the vast array of loose parts on offer.
- Watch play unfold within your own environment – whether it’s a field, court, or hall.
- Feel supported and inspired by our highly experienced play facilitators as they set up and manage the play conditions.
- Develop a deeper awareness of the adult’s role during play.
- Observe engaged, focused, and innovative students at play.
- Recognise the wealth of learning that happens when tamariki play with loose parts.
- Feel supported beyond the visit in how to continue the play.
Our programme happily supports:
- Play-based learning programmes
- EOTC programmes
- Inquiry or STEM programmes
- Education for Sustainability or Enviroschools initiatives
- Building strong community cultures
Prices: Full day programme – $1750+GST or Half day programme – $1500+GST.
See our FAQ’s for a break down of how the day will run.
Junky Monkeys KICKSTARTER
Our KICKSTARTER programme is for schools who are ready to kickstart their own loose parts offering, OR breathe life back into the one they already have.
Our qualified and experienced play coaches have developed the KICKSTARTER programme to ensure schools feel empowered, supported, and confident in their loose parts journey.
By the end of the programme, your school will have:
- Your own collection of loose parts
- A knowledgeable and well-resourced team of kaiako to sustain this mahi
- Robust systems to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely
- Detailed action plans and supporting resources to refer back to
Our KICKSTARTER programme includes:
- A Junky Monkeys PLAY DAY at your kura to help ignite everyones interest
- Three after-school coaching sessions for the team driving the mahi to feel supported and empowered
- A base starter kit of loose parts — two large wheelie bins filled with a juicy selection of loose parts
- A guided trip to your local recycling centre to collect more resources
Price: Full Kickstarter programme – $3500+GST
More info about out Kickstarter programme can be found HERE.
If you’re a HAL School then we might be able to apply for Tū Manawa Funding to help cover the costs for this programme.
We recommend schools experience our PLAY DAY programme before they commit to our kickstarter programme.
Junky Monkeys WINTER PLAY DAY
During the wetter winter months (Term 3 only), we ditch the boggy fields and head to courts, playgrounds, halls, turfs, and dry canopies.
The harder surfaces are perfect for go-kart building, and playgrounds make creating swings and ziplines much more achievable.
We know winter is perfect for hibernating, but kids still need to move. Our Winter Play Day programme gets kids active and out of steamed-up classrooms, inviting them to think creatively with their head, heart, and hands.
Our programme happily supports:
- Play-based learning programmes
- EOTC programmes
- Inquiry or STEM programmes
- Education for Sustainability or Enviroschools initiatives
- Building strong community cultures
Price: $1250+GST
See our FAQ’s for a break down of how the day will run.
Junky Monkeys WINTER COLLAB
A lovely collaboration with our friends at THE FABRIC OF PLAY, designed especially for junior school students.
We bring the junk, and The Fabric of Play adds beautifully handcrafted fabric loose parts to inspire mindful, gentle, and creative play.
This programme is perfect for:
- Students aged 3–8 years old (ECE – Year 3)
- Schools wanting an experience that comes to them
- Activating play inside halls or indoor venues
- Supporting transitions between ECEs and schools
- A hands-on active experience outside the classroom
- Engaging active learners so they can practice and hone social skill development
Price: $1250+GST
Please note that this is not an outdoor programme.
COACHING
It takes a village (and a side of supportive, kick-ass coaching) to create a loose parts shed.
We offer online or face-to-face coaching for schools looking for extra wraparound support with their loose parts initiative.
Our coaching includes:
Trained and experienced coaches
Clear, easy-to-follow action plans
Facilitation of group hui
A plethora of juicy resources to explore
Accountability (and a bit of friendly nagging) to make it happen!
We work with individuals, teams, and communities across Aotearoa.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We offer evidence-based, hands-on, and inspiring:
- talks
- workshops
- online learning content
Our play specialists can either tailor our PD around your needs, or you can choose a topic from the suggested list below:
- Introduction to loose parts and play
- Outdoor play & Loose Parts
- Urges/Schema & Loose parts
- The adults role while kids play with loose parts
- Planning, assessment, and documentation of loose parts play
Our PD is suitable for parents, teachers, environmental educators, recreation professionals, or community organisations.
We can work with individuals, teams, or communities across Aotearoa.
Price: Please enquire