Shadows

Shadow Play

Spring is on the way… More sunlight, longer days and lots of play opportunities in the gorgeous Spring sunshine. What perfect chances for investigating shadows? I wonder how shadows are made. What do you need to create shadows? What resources could we use?

One of our favourite ways to explore shadows is through providing opportunities for mark making outside.

Tear up the traditional worksheets or colouring in sheets and encourage mark making in a fun open-ended way.

You just need a roll of wallpaper & some crayons or felt tip pens and a few of the children’s favourite toys.

Allow children to explore, investigate & be CURIOUS, looking to discover how shadows are cast from their favourite toy.

Do the children notice how the shadows move throughout the day? I wonder why this happens. Can they measure how much the shadows have moved by creating marks of their favourite toys, and notice the silhouettes move or change?

This is such a great alternative to academic worksheets & a simple way to engage children in creativity, following their own interests & thinking.

It sparks conversation, critical thinking as children are often intrigued by shadow phenomena. Shadows are mysterious & it’s a great way to get children outside, talking & learning about our natural world.

Come out sunshine & let’s see what silhouettes we can draw around today.

You will need…

• The children’s favourite objects
• A roll of paper, lining paper or wallpaper
• Mark making items, crayons, paints or pencils.