With imagination and careful planning, a light panel can provide the basis for a variety of exciting activities which enable the delivery of high quality learning through creativity. The ideas below aim to give you a starting point for using light panels in conjunction with a selection of different resources to create a range of engaging and sensory rich learning opportunities.
1. Semi Spheres
Hold our perception semi spheres over a variety of different materials or small objects to observe how colours change and objects are magnified.
2. Acrylic Blocks
Use an acrylic block set to create pictures on the light panel, either using a diagram or creating your own ideas. You could even use a safety mirror to introduce the idea of symmetry and add another dimension to the activity.
3. Letters and Numbers
Use letters and numbers for an engaging activity to develop early number and letter recognition. Provide a selection of images featuring everyday objects and let children match the image to the initial letter sound.
4. Fabrics
Create patterns and pictures with lightweight fabrics such as viol, lace and net along with recycled wrapping paper, sweet wrappers and cellophane. Encourage children to talk about their creations, describing the effects of light on the different materials they have used.
5. Jigsaws
Use coloured acetate or thin coloured card to make simple jigsaws for younger children to explore and fit together. For older children, the acetate can be cut into a greater number of pieces or shapes and used to make patterns or for colour mixing.
6. Food Colouring
Drip different coloured food colouring or thin paint into our exploration light tray and let children observe and discuss the effects created. Make patterns by blowing through a drinking straw and record their learning by taking photos or making prints.
7. Natural Materials
Collect a wide range of natural materials including stones, shells, leaves and twigs for children to explore on the light panel. Look closely at the detail and the difference in textures, colours and tones, and provide acetate or thin paper to make detailed drawings or rubbings.
8. Sensory Circles
See what happens when different colours are placed on top of one another. Help develop sensory awareness by encouraging children to trace the patterns on the circles with their fingertips.
9. Sand
Make marks and patterns in coloured sand. You could even provide a selection of natural materials, brushes, rollers and stampers. Older children can practice letter formation and writing their names.