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Description
On a sunny day, place small objects so their shadows fall onto paper, trace the outlines, then decorate what you've captured. The same object makes a completely different shadow at a different time of day.
What to prep
- paper
- pencil_or_crayons
- small_objects
- sunny_location
Play guide
- 1Find a sunny spot outdoors or near a window where sunlight falls clearly on a flat surface.
- 2Choose a small object to trace - a toy, a leaf, a bottle, a hand.
- 3Position the paper under the object's shadow. Hold the object still (or place it on something to keep it stable).
- 4Trace the shadow outline with a pencil or crayon.
- 5Move the paper and decorate the shape however your child chooses - what does the shape look like? What could it become?
- 6Optional: move the same object to a different time or sun angle and see how the shadow changes shape.
Success signals
Your child traces at least one shadow outline clearly enough to see the shape. They add details or decoration to the traced shape. They name what the shadow shape looks like or become
If it's tricky
The shadow keeps moving as you trace (the sun shifts or the child moves): Work faster or choose a smaller object with a simpler outline. The shadow is faint (cloudy light through a window): Position the paper closer to the object or wait for brighter light. The tracing is wobbly: The child holds the object while you trace - a team approach works well. No outdoor space is available: A strong desk lamp close to the paper creates good shadows indoors