June 20, 2025 with Carla Ward and Angela Odusanya
Loose Parts in Early Childhood
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Angela Odusanya—Registered Early Childhood Educator, Ontario Certified Teacher, and children’s book author—to explore how loose parts play transformed her classroom practice and her perspective on children’s creativity. Angela shares her personal “aha moment,” the calming magic of loose parts, and how educators can start small without feeling overwhelmed.
We also dive into how her book series featuring Amelia introduces loose parts art in a child-centered, accessible way—and why loose parts deserve a place in the curriculum all the way to Grade 8. Whether you’re hesitant about the mess or unsure how to connect it to learning outcomes, Angela’s insights will inspire you to rethink how children build, imagine, and connect through open-ended materials.
Angela Odusanya
Angela Odusanya is a passionate Ontario certified teacher and registered early childhood educator with over 22 years of experience. She is dedicated to encouraging children’s natural curiosity, fostering their creativity, and nurturing their love of play. It was her years of experience in the classroom that inspired her to publish her first book, Amelia’s Loose Part Art, a story that encourages children to be curious about the world around them and embrace their unique creativity and interests. Angela holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education from both Sheridan College and Humber College, an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies degree from the University of Guelph, and a Master of Teaching degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. As a result, her sound understanding of all things child development shine through in everything she does.