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The Royals boss, who last week added Shaun Goater to his attacking arsenal, sees the imminent loan departure of his big target man as merely a stage in the striker's development.
"Darius hasn't played enough games to know what works for him at the top level, and only by really getting out there and playing can he learn what things he can do and what he can't," said Pardew, speaking to readingfc.co.uk.
The robust attacker has been strongly linked with Second Division Brentford, Colchester and Wycombe, although First Division Walsall have also shown an interest in him. Alan Pardew is expected in the next fe days to decide where he wants his man to strut his stuff for the next few months.
Some supporters saw Shaun Goater's arrival at the club as the end of Henderson's Reading career. However, that is not so according to Pards. He believes that Darius can learn a lot from the Bermudan international. Goater is a similar type of player to Henderson.
Pardew added: "One of the reasons I brought Shaun here is so that Darius can tap into his knowledge, but for now I feel it's best he goes out on loan and when Shaun has settled in a bit Darius can come back and spend some time with him."
Henderson, who scored just four times last season, has previously admitted he fears for his future at the Madejski Stadium.
Andre Boucard and Joe Gamble are other players who will start the season out on loan, Jamie Ashdown could also be a loan departee.