Day 14: Playing with Light

One of the coolest things I have started doing with J is playing with our light box.  Incorporating light into a child’s play truly enhances their play experience. 

On the light tray: leaves, red gems, colored sand

 

Not only can you use a light box, you can use windows too!

Finger paint in a plastic baggie

Leaves between pieces of clear contact paper

Incorporate light in everyday experiences, like during bath time!

Glow sticks in the bathtub

Here’s why playing with light is so good:

• Adds to a sensory experience.
• A darkened room with a small amount of light is calming and can engage children’s attention for long periods of time.
• Light adds interest and improves observation of objects.
• Great for all kinds of science experiments like mixing colors.

Activity #14:  Play with Light

You don’t have to go out and buy a light tray (here’s how to make one if you want to), use windows, flashlights, or Christmas lights.  Find a way to incorporate light in your play today…here’s some ideas.

• Find objects with a flashlight
• Play hide and seek with flashlights
• Bring out a string of Christmas lights and see what your children will do with them.
• Place any object on a light tray and let them explore.
• Place containers of different colored water on a light tray and pour colors together to make new colors.
• If you want to make a light tray, check out light tray ideas from Play at Home Mom

Tomorrow:  Let’s Make Some Music!