Exploring with Lights and Mirrors

For a few weeks now the Ladybugs have been exploring with lights and shadows by using both the light table and overhead projector. I decided to set up an activity where the children could explore their current interests while adding new ideas into their play.

I set up the light table which we've been using for some time now, with some transparent loose parts and magnets. This time, to extend their learning I added some mirrors on the wall so that the light could reflect off of them, to see how the children would react. I was also interested in seeing if they would use their own reflection in the mirror as a part of their play!

When the children noticed that I had set up the light table again, they immediately were drawn to the area and showed excitement as they manipulated the materials provided.

The children got creative and used their own imagination to build on their play.

One child made a snowman and pretended the snowman was melting away.
Another child made a rocket ship to fly into space.
A third child made a house for people to live in.
They were using the pieces they were playing with in front of the mirror to see if they can see the reflection of them. 

Each time a child added a new piece onto the light table, they looked up at the mirror to see how it was shown from that angle.

After the children were done with the light table some children came over to the mirrors and started acting in front of the mirrors, each time looking up to see what the reflection looked like.

I look forward to seeing what other activities  we can introduce with the mirrors in the up coming weeks ahead while still focusing on their interest in light and shadows! 

​- Stephanie