Light is known to be one of the most intriguing elements of exploration and discovery with young children; a way to tap into emotion, beauty, vivid imagination, and concrete learning. Light sources can evoke feelings, and assist our work, living, and play.

We had one very dark and rainy day in October and we made  the most of it by switching off all indoor lights.Starting from Nursery  up to Year 1 we played with light, colours and shadows all day.

For the younger children we had rock salt , water and food coloring. For the older children , cotton pads and eyedroppers. …..

Experiences involving light and dark enable children to appreciate the awe and wonder of the world around them and provide a rich learning environment in which they can develop their natural curiosity. Playing with light and shadow introduces them to our need for light in order to see things and provides a platform for children to express their fears and appreciate those of others.

Early years settings can create special dark places by building dens or covering windows so that children can explore light with resources like torches, glow sticks, fibre optic lights or a light table like in this case.

Light resources are essential for early years settings as they create the right learning environment for exploration and investigation. They develop children’s creativity and critical thinking and support active learning.

“Crunching crinkling autumn leaves, spiraling, swirling in the breeze… Pumpkin spice and everything is nice !!!…..

A few pictures from our Forest school sessions with Year 1 Children..