Play recipe
A dim room and one light turn simple hand shapes into a quiet, focused game. The low light and slow pace make it a good way to settle down before nap or bed.
Don't shine light directly in eyes.
One light and a blank wall turn hand shapes into a slow, quiet game, which is why this one works well in the wind-down hour before nap or bed. Dimming the room signals to a wound-up child that the pace is changing without you having to say it.
Start with the easy shapes: a bunny is two fingers up, a bird is crossed thumbs with flapping hands, a dog is a fist with one finger raised. Once kids see how a small hand movement changes the shadow, most want to invent their own.
Naming shapes and telling shadow stories grows vocabulary, and the calm focus gives a child practice at settling their body.
You'll need: Paper cube or dice, Markers
You'll need: Music (phone or speaker), Clear floor space
You'll need: Aluminum foil, Scissors (adult use)
You'll need: Clear floor space
You'll need: Magnifying glass (optional), Container for temporary observation, Nature area
You'll need: Blanket to lie on, Sunglasses (optional)
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