Sensory play supports language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. This type of play aids in developing and enhancing memory. It is great for calming an anxious or frustrated child. Make these (cheap) squishy sensory bags to place on the light table and reap the benefits of all these. This…
Light Table
Word Builders on the Light Table
Students just “light up” when they get to use this word builders station on the light table. The contrast of light and shadow and the soft glow through the translucent materials are captivating for children of any age. Naturally, adding some letters and hands-on work makes this center a “bright” choice! Materials Transparent letter tiles…
Flower Art on the Light Table
Bring the outdoors inside with light table flowers! Sometimes, the rain that is so necessary for flowers can make it impossible to play outdoors. These cheery light table flowers will lift the gloom off of any rainy day, and provide some essential learning skills as well! Light Table Flowers Skill: Fine Motor Practice Grasping and…
Light Table Snowflakes
“Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied.” — Wilson Bentley (1865-1931) Make learning about science “cool” by inviting your students to make their very own shimmering snowflakes at the light table. This is a fantastic way to introduce a winter lesson…
Color Theory on the Light Table
Beginning color theory is all about mixing colors to obtain new shades. As children are naturally attracted to bright colors, the light table is an exciting tool to help them understand color theory! It’s a bright and beautiful world, and children love bold colors. Recognizing the colors and identifying the color names is an important…
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…
Light Table Shapes
You know you’re a preschool teacher when… … you wander up and down each aisle of the craft store, dollar store, and party store looking for supplies that would look amazing on the light table! That’s exactly what I found myself doing at the party store recently while my son spent an hour poring over…
Light Table Building Challenge
Something recently caught my eye at the craft store. (It was AC Moore, but I imagine that you could find them anywhere.) They had a display of transparent picnic products — plates, pitchers, bowls, utensils, etc. I am always drawn to cheap transparent “toys” because I know that they look great on the light table….
Letter Construction on the Light Table
Young children needs lots of opportunities to play with letters, build letters and write letters. We know this, but it is sometimes difficult to think of new and different ways to give them the practice that they need. When I found this Letter Construction set, my heart skipped a beat! It’s colorful! It’s transparent! It…
Rainbow Discovery Bottles
Is there anything better than a dollar store find and some recyclable materials that can be transformed into something gorgeous and intriguing? I say no! These Dollar Store Rainbow Discovery Bottles offer young children a rich sensory experience, opportunities for science and fun light table play all rolled into one. Last week we made weighted…