Exploring Insects

We have noticed many insects in our play yard. The children spent time finding them and gently catching them so we could explore them up close. 

We placed them in separate Petri dishes...

...and placed them on our light table for observation up close. 

Because the insects were contained reluctant children could safely explore without fear of the insects escaping or touching them. 

The light also illuminated the insects so it was easier to see their body parts. 

Primary Colours of Paint on the Light Table

We love to use our light table for art exploration. Today we covered the table with clear plastic and dropped the primary colours of paint on it. 

The children eagerly mixed the colours using their hands and fingers to swirl and spread the paint. They immediately noticed and named the new colours they saw emerge in the swirls. 

Some children fingerprinted their names...

...while others drew pictures. 

Messy literacy!

Irregular Shaped Gems

'Writing' our names and creating beautiful designs with irregular shaped gems on the light table. 

Slides on the Light Table

We recycled some old slides by placing them on the light table for the children to explore. Many had never seen this old technology before. 

The children wanted to make their own slides so we offered overhead transparencies and permanent markers at the writing centre. 

It was so interesting to see our 'slides' on the light table. 

An interesting way to learn about old technology and explore on our own!

Ten Activities for the Light Table

The light table is a versatile piece of equipment in the kindergarten room. It encourages science, literacy, math, and art! Here are some of our favourite activities for the light table!

Finding Shapes in our Environment



Sea Glass Designs



Mess-less Fingerpainting






Photos of "ME!"



Colour Mixing



Tissue Paper Stained Glass



Exploring Plants



Rainbow Sand




Spider Playscape



Print Making

Geoboards on the Light Table

Clear geoboards on the light table invite children to create and explore shapes. 

How many squares can you count?

Are there more squares or triangles?

Do you see any irregular shapes?

Sea Glass Designs

This time of year reminds us of warm weather activities like going to the beach. Today at the light table we displayed a basket of beautifully coloured sea glass.

 

 

The children were fascinated by the shades of colour and shapes of the sea glass. They were drawn to creating with it and had some interesting ways of designing. Some children sorted the sea glass by colour, others did by size. Some created swirls and others created pictures. Some children even compared the glass to a puzzle and tried to fit it together by placing pieces side by side.