What Are Open-Ended Materials?

Open-ended materials have potential use (typically re-use) for purposes different than for which the items were originally manufactured. Research and practice has demonstrated that open-ended materials are a powerful, economic and often-overlooked resource in education where stimulation of creativity is an important ingredient. Open-ended materials take many forms including

• Different sizes, textures, shapes, and colors of paper, fabric, carpet, plastic and metal.
• Pre-made blank books.
• Envelopes, folders.
• Canvas and plastic bags.
• Jar lids and bottle caps.
• Containers, jars, vases, and boxes.
• CDs, CD cases. audio tapes and cases.
• Seasonal decorations and components thereof.
• Manufacturing scrap.
• Packaging such as foam, styrofoam, and bubble wrap.
• Out-of-date promotional items.
• Foam core and poster board (even if used on one side).
• Picture frame molding, corners, and mat samples.

How are Open-Ended Materials Used?

The follow links to indicated articles contain a wealth of information on how others have used open-ended materials in effective ways. Check them out and you might find some ideas you can try.

• Promoting Creativity for Life Using Open Ended Materials.
http://www.rediscovercenter.org/pdf/promoting_creativity1.pdf

• Endless Possibilities: Free play helps your child build knowledge, skills, and creativity at his own pace.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=11729

• Introduction to Open-ended Materials.
http://northernlights.vsc.edu/level_ii/open_ended_level2.pdf .

• Creating with Open-Ended Materials.
http://www.stancoe.org/cfs/handouts/Curriculum/pdf/creatingopenended.pdf.

• Early Childhood Open Ended Art Projects.
http://www.stancoe.org/cfs/handouts/Curriculum/pdf/creatingopenended.pdf

• Writing to Share – Open-Ended Materials.
http://www.chaponot.over-blog.com/categorie-10603470.html

• Open-Ended Play with Blocks and Simple materials.
http://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/resources/downloads/i-made-a-unicorn.pdf.

• Open-Ended Inquiry in Science Education.
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/franklingrobstein08 .

• Your Inspiration.
http://www.theknackkids.com/ArticleView/Code/ar0018.aspx

• A to Z Teacher Stuff: Lesson Plans.
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Lesson_Plans/The_Arts/Arts___Crafts/__Preschool/index.shtml

A Great Example

To learn about a great example of how a Waste Not Center member used open-ended materials in a creative writing class visit: http://www.cosa-oh.org/wnc_creativity.php.

Where Do I Find Open-Ended Materials?

The Waste Not Center is stocked with open-ended materials. If you do not live in Columbus, OH we may be able to direct you to a similar resource in your area. Give us a call at (614) 278-9445 or send us an email at contactwnc@gmail.com.