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Light Play

Light Play

Light – Shadow – Colour

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Learning outcomes

Competencies Competencies
  • Distinguishing colours, shapes, and sizes
  • Observing and interpreting light patterns and shadows
  • Using light as a means of creative expression
  • Expanding vocabulary related to colours, shapes, and light phenomena
  • Cooperation and communication with peers during shared activities
  • Enjoyment of the visual and aesthetic aspects of light play
structure.template.34 Target group
structure.template.342 years and up
  • Individual work
    Work in pairs
    Small groups
structure.template.38 Required materials
  • Handheld and table lamps, fibre optic lighting, LED lights, spotlights
  • Overhead projector and light table
  • Projector (Mathmos Space Projector)
  • Transparent foils and fabrics, transparent PVC shapes, Sensory Blocks geometric shapes
  • Cameras and mobile phones

Description of the activity (step by step)

Preparation:

Prepare the space by setting out various stimuli for light and shadow play. Offer handheld and table lamps, spotlights, fibre optic lights, an overhead projector, a light table, and transparent materials (papers, fabrics of different textures, coloured transparent PVC shapes of different sizes, Sensory Blocks geometric shapes, a Mathmos projector, mobile phones, and cameras).

Present the possibilities of using the provided materials and encourage the children to explore them independently.

Implementation:

Direct the children's attention to light sensations created by combining different light sources, for example: handheld lamps with Sensory Blocks geometric shapes, fibre optic lights for tactile exploration, overhead projector light with fabrics of different textures, a light table with transparent PVC shapes, and a sensory projector.

After the children have explored all the stimuli, offer cameras and/or mobile phones so they can record the light scenes they create.

Variations and additional ideas

Transfer the photographs to a computer and view them together, sharing impressions. The photographs can also be printed and displayed as an exhibition in the kindergarten or another gallery space. Workshops on the same theme can be organised for children and parents.

Background information and didactical perspective

In this activity, children develop visual perception and sensitivity to colours and shapes through light effects. Creative exploration and manipulation of transparent materials encourage observation, comparison, and differentiation of visual elements, while also supporting communication and naming of colours and shapes. Children learn through spontaneous play and their own actions, with light and shadow becoming tools for artistic expression and creation. The activity supports the development of attention, concentration, perception, artistic and language competences, and strengthens children's curiosity and desire to explore the world around them.

Photos of the activity

Light Play | media.eduskills.plus | media.eduskills.plus/activities