Our Homemade Light Table Revamp

We LOVE our light table. Like many things, children's interest in exploring on our light table tends to vary. For weeks we will play and explore, then for awhile, it seems to be "old news" and sits upon our shelf until a child shows interest or we find something else to add to our exploration.

Recently, our original DIY light table went ca-putz! (Well, the light burnt out). Our original table was made with an under the counter light fixture, and the table needed to be plugged in. We had the option of buying a new light bulb or trying out different lights. After careful consideration, we decided to add new lights to our table. We decided to try some LED touch lights- first because we wanted to make our table more portable, and second they were less expensive than a new bulb for our light fixture.

I have a free handout on how to make this table (and a sensory table that you can download here).

I have also found everything you need to make a table for you! You can choose between the under the cabinet light fixture or the LED lights!

Amazon.com Widgets

Some of our favorite things to do on the light table are:

Draw/Write with sand or salt

Water Beads/Gems
(Please note that these gems are to be used under close supervision)

"Look Ms. Amy- it's my letter- M!"
Game pieces from Blokus are great on the light table too.

Small cups (shot glasses) in translucent colors are great for
sorting materials and stacking on the light table.

Interlox and/or Magnatiles are some of our favorite building blocks on the light table.

We have also used xrays, bugs, slides, geometric solids, tangram shapes, jars with colored water.... on our light table. What are your favorite things to use on the light table?

Amazon.com Widgets

Easter Egg Caterpillars!

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My friend died

I learned a hell of a lot from Dan Hodgins. He was mentor, a friend, and a "bone shaker" for many of us in the field of Early Childhood Education. He was and will always be a champion for children, and protector of childhood. I have so many great memories of time spent with him, it just doesn't seem like we had enough time. Dan died this past Saturday. Interestingly enough, Dan and I talked about death quite a bit. It is one of those topics that isn't talked about all that much in our field, but is super important. All living things eat, all living things poop, and all living things die. Dan and I recorded a podcast for awhile called "Shaking Bones." Dan was always shaking bones, even before I met him. To say I was honored to be asked to be his co-host would be putting it lightly. I loved recording with him. He was never afraid to touch on topics that were a bit edgy, or issues that sometimes weren't talked about much at all. We even...

A Few Ideas With Marker Caps (As Promised)

Yesterday, I hope I convinced you not to throw away your markers that "don't work." Today, I will share with you a few ideas for what to do with all of the caps. The possibilities are nearly endless, but here are a few of our recent creations: 1) A Leprechaun/Fairy Ladder/Rope Ladder: 2) #1 if not permanently secured can also double as a rope bridge: 3) #1/#2 can also be made into a train track for your homemade trains :). (No photo available) 4) You can use them as beads for a necklace: 5) You could make them into a wind chime. (No photo available). 6. You can use them as small manipulatives to count, sort, and make patterns with. (No photo available). 7) You could use them as playing pieces in your own homemade board game. (No photo available). 8) You could put them on a wire and glue them in place to make a twirling whirly-gig. 9) You could top them with a lid from a milk jug to make tiny tables or toadstools. 10) You could make them...

Ms. Amy's Blog @Child Central Station

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