In this STEAM activity for preschoolers we are exploring the properties of light and shadow play that will ignite your young learner’s imagination and foster a love for creative expression. Through hands-on activities and the power of sunlight, we’ll dive into the magical realm of shadows, unlocking endless possibilities for discovery and play.
This exciting shadow play activity is inspired by the book, “The Sun Is My Favorite Star” by Frank Asch, and is part of our Summer STEAM Series.
Just like the book celebrates the sun as a favorite star and its role in our daily lives, our “Sunny Shadows” activity explores the wonders of light and shadow play, offering a delightful way to engage children in STEAM learning during the summer season.
With the combination of this inspiring book and the interactive nature of shadow play, children will embark on an imaginative journey that combines science, creativity, and the magic of shadows. Join us as we celebrate the sun and its playful shadows in our Summer STEAM Series adventure!
Discovering the Magic of Shadows:
Shadows spark curiosity in both children and adults. Through simple and engaging hands-on STEAM activities, we’ll explore how shadows are formed, their shapes and sizes, and how they change throughout the day.
As children experiment with light and shadow, they have the opportunity to tell stories, create characters, and bring their own narratives to life through shadow puppetry. This open-ended activity sparks creativity, enhances storytelling abilities, and encourages children to think critically as they plan and perform shadow plays.
Engaging in shadow play offers numerous educational benefits. Children develop their observation skills as they explore the characteristics of shadows, such as shape, size, and movement. They enhance their spatial awareness and visual perception by manipulating objects and experimenting with light sources. Shadow play also provides opportunities for exploring concepts like transparency, opacity, and the effects of different materials on shadows.
Sunny Shadows seamlessly integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) concepts. Children engage in scientific inquiry as they investigate the properties and behaviors of light and shadows. Technology comes into play as they experiment with light sources and explore how shadows change with movement. Engineering skills are developed as they design and construct different shadows. The artistic aspect of shadow play nurtures creativity, while mathematics can be incorporated through measuring and comparing shadows and angles.
By exploring light and shadow play, children will embark on a journey of creativity, imagination, and scientific discovery. Don’t miss the chance to unlock endless possibilities for artistic expression and ignite a lifelong love for the magic of shadows.
Note: Always prioritize safety during shadow play activities and adapt the experiments to suit your specific environment and resources. Supervise children closely, ensure a safe play space, and never look directly into the sun.
Get the Step-By-Step Lesson Plan
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