SHADY BUSINESS
Why play this way?
This beautiful play experience invites endless, joyful experimentation using just your body and everyday objects to manipulate and create shadows. Your little one will be filled with wonder as they navigate their new learning landscape, exploring cause and effect & honing observation skills. Plus, this play will ignite artistic curiosity through the examination of color, shape, and light. We are excited for you to put a spotlight on this magical play!
SET THE STAGE FOR PLAY: 5 Minutes
LIGHTS, SHADOW, ACTION!
Hang a white sheet leaving ample space on either side. Position a bright light (e.g., flashlight, desk lamp, etc.) behind your little one to cast shadows onto the sheet.
Hold your yellow (Shady Business) Activity Card up to the light.
Collect household items to create different types of shadows.
- Opaque: Animals, scarves, wooden spoons, colander, etc.
- Translucent: Magna-Tiles, sippy cup, water bottle, perfume bottle, etc.
Use your body to make shadows!
- What does your shadow do when you dance?
- Does your shadow move with you when you bend? Stretch? Jump?
Make shadow puppets using cardstock or cardboard. Attach chopsticks or rulers to hold them up. Put on a puppet show with your original characters!
SHADOW HUNT AL FRESCO
Head outside, little Shadow Detective.
Can you find…
- Your own shadow?
- A shadow that’s big enough to stand inside of?
- A shadow that’s moving?
- A pointy shadow?
- One that is round?
- A shadow with a hole in it?
Play Your Way!
How else can you create and discover shadows?
Optional: Use chalk to trace the shadows that you find.
