All objects look different when lit from above and below, and when viewed from different angles. These non-translucent objects are an important part of the children’s investigations. Out of respect for their creative process, I’ll allow it-unless, of course, the objects are heavy enough to damage the light table. Occasionally, children will bring wooden blocks or other non-transparent toys over to the light table area. I rarely tell children how or where to play with toys. In short, if it’s translucent, add it to your light-table area! While these objects may look more like happy-hour supplies than learning tools, they represent a treasure trove of loose parts to children. I also stock up on non-traditional items such as cocktail stirrers, colorful shot glasses and reusable plastic ice cubes at the dollar store. I keep baskets of loose parts near the light table so that the children can use them for unstructured, self-guided play. Translucent blocks and Magnatiles inspire the children to create 3-D structures and see the interplay of light, color and reflection in three dimensions. We add bingo chips and clear and colored gemstones to the mix to encourage counting and sorting by attributes. We add a variety of colored translucent tiles to the light table, cut cellophane sheets into shapes to create mosaics and layer translucent paddles to create new and sometimes unexpected colors.
Light table toys trial#
As the children expand their knowledge base through trial and error, they collect “data” and add “probability” to their investigative skills.Įverything and anything translucent can be used in light and color play. These explorations of color and light also offer opportunities to assess the children’s predictive abilities. Light-table play can be a calming, absorbing experience for a child, and the learning is often enhanced by the presence of a friend and collaborator. We love our light table because it never disappoints, stimulating long periods of intense play as the children lay translucent objects one over the other. The girls experiment with different color combinations and share their theories and discoveries. Nora passes a transparent half-sphere her way. “It is pink! Can I have the red one?” Saaliha asks. I watch as Nora moves over to make room for Saaliha at the light table and the two friends immerse themselves in STEM collaboration, problem-solving and investigation. Saaliha is immediately drawn into this color exploration.
“Watch what happens when I put all of the reds together,” instructs Nora. Saaliha joins her friend and the STEM investigations into light, color and reflection continue. “Saaliha, come play with me at the light table!” Nora calls out. See more Science fun on these Pinterest boards!!įollow Kristen (Caution! Twins at Play)'s board DIY paints, puttys, doughs slimes, and more on Pinterest.įollow Kristen (Caution! Twins at Play)'s board Science, Polymers, Slime and Goo on Pinterest.įollow Kristen (Caution! Twins at Play)'s board Scented Sensory Play 101 on Pinterest.įollow Kristen (Caution! Twins at Play)'s board Glow in the dark play on Pinterest.įollow Kristen (Caution! Twins at Play)'s board Light Table on Pinterest.įollow Kristen (Caution! Twins at Play)'s board Light Tables, Light Boxes, Light Panels & Light Play on Pinterest.As the days grow shorter and the slanting rays of sun that create our rainbows are replaced by clouds, we shift our energy to other forms of investigative play with light and color.
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