#Light table for kids full#

This frosted acrylic insert is sized perfectly to fit in the Flisat activity table. The most affordable and budget friendly option for light tables is this brilliant IKEA hack from LiviLuCreative on Etsy. If you have a budget and you’re looking for a sturdy and more affordable commercial light table for classroom use this model from Guidecraft fits the bill. Some educational supply companies make light tables designed just to be used in preschool and pre-k classrooms. Light tables come in many different sizes and shapes. You can find answers to each of these light table questions below. What tools or toys can be used on a light table?.What do kids learn when they use light tables?.Here are some of the most common questions teachers have about using light tables in the preschool classroom. The possibilities for playing and learning with a light table in your preschool or pre-k classroom are endless! You may already be familiar with the concept of light tables as a drafting tool, but they have quickly become popular in early childhood classrooms everywhere. Because my classroom is tiny, I knew I could never have a traditional light table.īut that didn’t stop me from thinking up all kinds of fun light table activities that I knew my kids would love!Ī light table is a translucent, flat surface, such as a tabletop- with a light source underneath, the light shines up towards the top of the table.

I was also worried about the space a light table would take up in the classroom. I desperately wanted one for my own classroom, but because of the price, it was out of my reach. There was something about it that I found so soothing. I remember the first time I saw a light table in a preschool classroom, I was mesmerized by the soft glow and the reflecting colors. We had some leftover fiber fill from a previous activity that was added to the scene to look like snow.Do you have a light table center in your classroom? Or maybe you’re wondering “what is a light table center and why do I need one?” This activity encouraged the children to build a winter scene using tree blocks. Try using loose parts on the light table! For this winter scene we found odds and ends in our storage room that were the colors of white and blue, along with paper doilies. While exploring the color white, we put loose parts with different textures on our light table. Read more about it here: Winter Loose Parts Light Table We explored the colors blue and white, along with different textures, for a fun hands-on winter activity. We love to explore spiders in the fall, so I combined them with blocks for loose parts play. (Next time I’m added this leaf confetti!) I sealed the bag and taped it to the light table. I filled a gallon size freezer bag with water and clear hair gel, and then added some leaves and sequins. I also share some others, as well as homemade versions, towards the bottom of this post. It is a light box by Excellerations and you can find it here. I’ve put together a collection of fun light table activities that our preschoolers have enjoyed in our classroom.Įdited to add: I’m often asked what light table we currently use. No matter what time of year, what season we are enjoying, there is a nice variety of activities that can be used at the light table. We usually change what we have on our light table each week, so this allows for a nice variety. We have ours tucked in our reading and writing area and it’s a perfect spot for one or two children to explore color, as well as other concepts. As you scroll down this page, you will find a link. If it’s because of the cost, there is good news! You can make your own for a fraction of the cost. If you have a light table, you know what I am talking about.īut, you might not have one. I never dreamed how many different fun light table activities existed! I knew I wanted one for our classroom! I immediately started searching for fun light table activities that would work well with young children. The first time I saw a light table in a preschool classroom, I was drawn to the display on top of it.

#Light table for kids full#

Inside: This collection of light table activities is full of hands-on exploration that build a variety of skills.