Have you noticed how excited children are about the candles that often form part of a celebration? Or how thrilled when they can hold and use a torch? There is something special about light that appeals to both adults and children of all ages, so it is worth exploring.
The good news about exploring light with children is that you can do it any time of the year, although winter is particularly good as it gets darker earlier, so using lights is even more exciting. While you can use a wide range of resources, two activities that are particularly easy and inexpensive are using torches and exploring light from a candle.
TORCHES
Look out for torches that are designed for young children as they tend to be more robust. You can darken a room or create a dark den with children by putting thick fabric over a table secured by tablecloth clips for the children to explore their torches indoors. Look out also for items of clothing with reflective strips on them or stickers so children can explore how they work.
In the winter months, take the torches outdoors once it starts to get dark. Be ready to set clear limits about where children can go during this time and see what they notice about your outdoor area. You can also go for a local torch walk. Even if there is some street lighting, children may still find some dark spaces to shine their lights. You can also talk about how light makes them feel.
For babies
- Hold the light and move it slowly so they can follow its beam. Draw their attention to what is caught in the beam.
- Try turning the torch on and off.
- Look out for a torch where you can adjust the beam – narrow and wide.
- Talk about what is happening and draw their attention to what the other children are doing.
For toddlers
- Expect that they may just explore what the torch can do by turning it repeatedly on and off.
- Expect toddlers will also put their hands over the beam.
- Comment on what toddlers are doing using vocabulary such as ‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘bright’, ‘shadow’.
For three years plus
- Allow children to explore and find their own ways of using the torches, although keep an eye on safety.
- After children have finished exploring, set them challenges such as making patterns using the torch or finding certain objects that you have hidden.
- Play hide and seek using torches.
- Older children can stick coloured cellophane onto the end of the torch with masking tape to explore colour or light.
CANDLES
While great care needs to take place when using candles, they can help to calm and re-focus children, for example, before a meal or after a busy session, especially if you are able to darken a room. They can be built into the routine of your setting and can be helpful to mark transitions such as time for a story or getting ready to go home.
While a simple candle, that all children can see, works well, you can help children to learn about different cultures and religions by looking out for different types of candles and candleholders.
For babies and toddlers
- Sit with babies on your lap and closely supervise toddlers at all times. If necessary, put the candle in a place that is not accessible to them.
- Draw their attention to the candle flame, but also any shadows created as a result of the flame.
For three years plus
- Create a ritual around lighting and blowing out the candle. If necessary, relight and blow out so that more than one child can have a turn.
- Encourage children to talk about their experiences of candles at home, for example, lighting to mark significant occasions.
- Draw children's attention to how wax melts as the candle burns and how the flame becomes longer as the wick burns.
DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS
- Supports interaction as children spontaneously comment about what they are doing and seeing.
- Encourages children's fine and gross motor skills.
- Helps older children develop an interest in science.
- Using candles can help children's self-regulation.
- Helps children learn about the world around them.
