Discovery Play Activities with Your Young Child: What Makes a Shadow?
Description
Shadows are created when light is blocked from reaching the ground. Step outside or find a flashlight and a dark space, like a wall or floor, inside to create shadows. Use different objects to create different shadows. Move objects around to see what the shadows do.
Environment
- If possible, limit background noise & distractions
- Wear sunglasses/hat if sensitive to bright light
- Use modified or flexible seating
- Place activity items on an anti-slip mat or in a container or tra
- Place objects within reach
Materials
- Have child’s assistive technology ready and available, including augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) device and/or power wheelchair
- Add additional material(s) to flashlight and objects to make it easier to grasp, lift, or turn
Instruction
- Use a variety of methods of communication (e.g., sign language, gestures) to meaningfully engage children
- Use pictures and/or icons to signal next steps (see following card
- Provide prompts to help the child create a shadow and help the child imitate