Autumn Trees on the Light Table

The light table is a wonderful way to engross students in an open-ended activity. It encourages language development, higher-level thinking skills, and is a great tool for visual learners. It can also sometimes be a challenge coming up with different ways to use it. With a few simple additions, you can give your students the opportunity to reflect the beauty of what they see outdoors, right at their own fingertips. What a beautiful way to learn!

What We Used to Create the Light Table Autumn Trees

All it takes are a few simple additions added to the light table to make this beautiful learning center. Supplies:

• acrylic table scatter leaves and apples
• Clear plastic serving tray or other clear trays.
• construction paper or felt tree “trunks” – you can make these out of scraps even!

You could also “branch” out and use silk leaves or real leaves, but the acrylic ones are pretty dazzling.

Don’t forget to prompt conversations at the table. Open ended questions about what they are creating can lead to memorable discussions!

Additional Lessons using the Autumn Trees on the Light Table

Open-ended play is the main focus of this activity.  However, here are some other ideas you can try as well.

• Color sorting (you can sneak that one in at clean up, we won’t tell!)
• Shape sorting
• The poem “Two Little Apples“
• Color mixing (What happens when you put a red leaf on top of a yellow apple?)
• Counting leaves or apples

Additional Fall Lesson Materials

Squirreling away more Fall lesson plan ideas?  Don’t miss these printables available at our store!

Need an irresistible sensory experience for Fall?  Try out our Fall Harvest Play Dough center!