Light play

Math

• The 1 year old student learned about shapes and patterns as they observed how light creates different shadows and reflections.
• They developed a basic understanding of counting, as they may have started to count the number of shapes or objects being reflected or creating shadows.
• Through exploring light play, the student gained an introduction to the concept of position and direction, noticing how the light changes when objects are moved around.

Science

• The student developed an understanding of sources of light and how light travels, as they noticed the changes in light patterns when objects or hands block or reflect the light source.
• They explored the concept of colors and how light can change or enhance the colors of different objects, leading to an introduction to color theory.
• Through experimentation with light and shadows, the student gained an early understanding of cause and effect, observing how their actions affect the patterns and shapes created by the light.

Continued development related to light play can include incorporating more complex shapes, introducing the concept of transparency, and experimenting with different light sources such as flashlights and colored lights. Encouraging the child to create their own shadow puppets or shapes using their hands can also significantly enhance their developmental progress in this area.

Book Recommendations

• Light: Shadows, Mirrors, and Rainbows by Natalie M. Rosinsky: A fun and informative book introducing the concepts of light and color through simple experiments and colorful illustrations.
• Shapes, Shapes, Shapes by Tana Hoban: This imaginative book helps children identify shapes in the world around them, which can further enhance their understanding of shapes and patterns in relation to light play.