Have you ever watched a toddler discover their own shadow for the first time? Have you ever seen a baby watching twinkling fairy lights or morning sunlight beaming through a window?
There are few things more magical than lights and shadows. They offer a beautiful sensory experience for children (and adults) of all ages, and they relate to colours, reflections, STEM, photography and visual arts.
EYLF learning outcomes
Playing with light and shadow aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework's learning outcomes. Children learn respect for nature (2.4). They can become curious, imaginative and creative (4.1). They can experiment and investigate (4.2).
Learning experiences
Turn toys into shadow puppets
Shine light from a torch against a dark wall. Place different toys between the torch and the wall, so a shadow is cast. Experiment with different toys. Which one blocks out all the light? Which one casts the most recognisable shadow?
Learn new words
Expand the children's vocabulary with three new words: transparent, translucent and opaque. Even if the children are too young to pronounce them correctly, they can learn their meanings through play. Gather items from your recycling bin (e.g. plastic containers) and shine a torch through each one.
- Which items let lots of light through? These are transparent.
- Which items let some light through? These are translucent.
- Do any items cast solid shadows? These are opaque.
Project pictures onto hanging fabric
Project pictures and light onto fabric hanging from the ceiling, allowing the children to explore, hide and play.
Go on a shadow hunt
Go on a walk and look for shadows and interesting light patterns. Repeat this experience on different days, in different weather. What is the best weather and time of day to find shadows outside?
Look through orange slices
Place thin slices of orange or lemon on a lightbox. Provide children with magnifying glasses so they can inspect the light beaming through the fruit. Talk to children about their observations. What can you see?
Trace around a shadow
One child sits near a sunny wall so their body casts a shadow on the wall. Another child uses chalk to trace the outline of the shadow. The first child can now move, so everyone can see the drawing.
Events
16th May is International Day of Light
Resources
Picture books
The Dark by Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen
Music
Justine Clarke: My shadow and me