The appeal of light to young children was introduced last month. As exploring light is something that you can keep returning to, it will be worth building up some resources that you can use for different ages. This might include items such as battery-operated flashing wands, reflective items such as old CDs or DVDs and a range of mirrors. As light and colour go together, it is also worth looking for transparent coloured shapes such as magnetic tiles or a range of sunglasses with different coloured lenses to play with.
There are a wide range of sensory activities involving light that you can use with children.
PLAYING WITH COLOUR AND LIGHT
Lightboxes are a particularly useful way for children to explore light. Children can explore colours using transparent shapes, or if paper is put onto the top of the box enjoy drawing or making marks.
While lightboxes are available commercially, you can make your own, which may be an interesting project to do with older children. There are many websites that will show you how to do this using a clear storage box, tracing paper and battery operated lights, ideally remote controlled so that you can secure the lid of the box.
Or you can use a window that children can reach to do something similar. Tape tracing paper onto the window for mark making and dampen plastic coloured sheets and shapes so they stick to the window.
MIRRORS AND REFLECTIVE MATERIALS
From an early age, mirrors and things that sparkle and reflect light are a source of interest. While you may want to install a permanent mirror for children to look at themselves with, it is also worth collecting other resources such as books that have mirrors in them and items such as compact cases that have a small mirror in them. It is also possible to buy paper mirrors that are self-adhesive. These can be used to help children see what happens when mirrors are bent.
It is also worth looking out for reflective resources such as spinners. Aim to use mirrors and reflective materials in and out of doors, as when it is sunny, children will notice their effects more easily.
SHADOWS
With light comes darkness and so it is worth exploring shadows and shade with children outdoors. Shadows can be a great source of entertainment for children who are mobile. You can see if they can step on your shadow or hide their shadow in yours. With babies, you can play peek-a-boo with shadow as you move in and out of light. On a sunny day, draw attention to shade and if possible revisit the same place later to see if it is still in the shade.
For babies
- Allow time for the baby to respond and follow their focus.
- Look out for mirrors that they can touch and hold.
- Look out for age-appropriate toys that have lights.
- Talk about what is happening and also draw their attention to what other children are doing.
For toddlers
- Look for resources that toddlers can hold and manipulate by themselves, such as flashing wands.
- Expect that they will explore a resource in their own way and avoid preventing this unless unsafe. Make sure that resources are sufficiently robust.
- Allow plenty of time for repetition and return to a resource or activity later in a session or week.
- Use a commentary style to help toddlers learn the words for what they are doing, using or notice.
For three years-plus
- Encourage children to make up games that involve shadows outdoors.
- Use mirrors and reflective stickers for collages and card-making.
- Involve older children in setting up activities, such as making a lightbox.
- Recognise when older children are being patient and supportive of babies and toddlers.
DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS
The benefits of activities involving play with light include:
- Provides a focus for interactions.
- Supports the development of new vocabulary.
- Develops children's creativity.
- Supports children's physical co-ordination.
- Helps children learn about time and natural phenomena.
- Provides a starting point for early science.
