THIS PLAY IS LIT
Why play this way?
Discover the enchanting interplay of light, color, and shape with your new “light table.” This beautifully illuminated play is both soothing and exciting, and is sure to captivate your little one as they explore everyday objects lit from below. This unique play and learning experience encourages experimentation, observation, and artistic exploration. Turn off the lights, and cozy up to this creative play!
SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 10 Minutes
Ready
A large, clear, rectangular container (e.g., under-bed storage box, lasagna pan, Tupperware, storage bin)
LED puck lights, a few strings of twinkle lights, or 1-2 strong flashlights
Wax paper
Tape
Set
Cover the underside of your bin's lid (or the bottom of your container) with wax paper and secure it with tape to soften the light.
Place your lights inside the bin and close the lid, or flip your container upside down and position your lights underneath.
Turn off the lights in the room.
Play!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Gather a collection of small items to explore:
- Magna-Tiles
- Plastic bottles
- Pom poms
- Coffee filters
- Sunglasses
- Knick-knacks
Consider varying shapes, sizes, opacity, and color.
Place them on your light table and experiment:
- Do the colors change?
- Can you see through them?
- How will you play with your items?
- Do you want to gather more?
Play!
I See Your True Colors…Shining Through
Gather art supplies:
- Wax paper
- Cellophane pieces
- Colored tissue paper
- Glue stick
- Tape
Place cellophane and/or tissue paper on your light table and experiment with overlapping colors and shapes.
Optional: Secure wax paper to the surface of your light table & glue on your cellophane/tissue paper. Hang your masterpiece in a window and observe how it changes throughout the day.
