We show you how to make your own Light Table and then use it to explore how different items look when they are placed on top.
With thanks to Ashley, from California, USA, for sending in this great homemade light table idea. Let’s take a look at it…
What did you do?
The DIY light table is a plastic storage bin lined with foil, wax paper taped to the lid, and battery operated string lights inside.
Then we explored how leaves and different translucent items looked on the light table.
I think turning off the house lights is exciting and the glow or silhouettes of objects placed on the light table is very intriguing even for adults! It was especially interesting to see the internal vein structure of the leaves illuminated so vividly. Personally, I always enjoy finding ways to bring nature inside too.
Do you have any other projects planned?
I just made a batch of scented playdough and some DIY stamps for my daughter to explore!
Tell the Housebound With Kids community a bit about yourself…
My name is Ashley, and I have a 17 month old daughter. I was a Montessori teacher in a 3-6 year old primary class for several years, now I stay home with my daughter. We split our days between spending as much time outside as possible and enjoying learning opportunities at home. We live in the mountains of northern California
@noworrriesmontessori
Do you have any tips for other parents?
I always try to stick with the Montessori Method of ‘follow the child’. If they aren’t interested in an activity, forcing it on them never goes well. We all have ideas of how we want an activity to go, but we can get so much insight from sitting back and observing the direction the child leads an activity which can help us identify interests for future activities
What are your family’s favourite board game(s)/card game(s)?
My daughter is still too young for board games, but my husband and I enjoy Yahtzee because it is the perfect balance of luck and strategy.
What are your children’s favourite books?
My daughter loves animal books now with realistic images, she looks at them all day long! When we read her bedtime stories, I love anything by Nancy Tillman. Her books have such a gentle flow and make me tear up every time!
What toys would you recommend to other parents?
Never shy away from a good DIY! One thing that is worth the money, in my opinion, is realistic animal objects/figurines, they can be incorporated into so many different activities, are great for building vocabulary and kids love them!
Has this website and community helped you?
I think it is such a great resource for inspiration! Parenting, especially during a pandemic can be isolating. We all have days where we hit a mental block for what to do to fill the day so it is nice to have a place to look for ideas.
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