As the seasons change, it’s perfect to invite you to explore the color mix on the sconce. The colors of fall leaves are mesmerizing both in nature and in this light table activity!
What is a menorah?
A light table is a translucent flat surface, such as a tabletop – with a light source underneath and light shining upward onto the top of the table.
You may already be familiar with the concept of lamp tables as drawing tools, but they are quickly becoming popular in early childhood classrooms everywhere.
The possibilities for play and learning with a lamp table in your preschool or preschool classroom are endless! Here are 20+ light table activities for preschool that we love!
Where can I find a menorah?
Lamp tables come in many different sizes and shapes. Several companies make lamp tables specifically for use in preschool and preschool classrooms, and if you have the budget, here are some of the most popular models:
Autumn colors on lamp table
This fall light table activity uses some of our favorite preschool light table toys and tools.
Check out this research-based, fun learning unit in our course store!
Bundles with 14 of my most popular fall resources, including math and literacy group activities! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!
You will need:
Prepare by tinting the water with food coloring. We used gel food coloring to mix green, red, orange, and yellow water for fall colors. Place a dropper in each water container.
How to use this fall color lamp table
Place the dropper, tray of autumn leaves, and colored water on the light stand. If you’re worried about spills, you can place the tray in a clear bin to catch dripping liquids. Also have a towel or paper towel nearby.
Ask the children to name the colors. Where else can we see these colors during the fall season? The leaves on the trees are changing and falling. We’re going to use these same colors to color our own leaves.
Fill the leaves with color
Show preschoolers how to use an eyedropper to carefully fill in leaves with color. We remind kids to squeeze the dropper’s bulb, drop it into the water, and then let go. Squeeze, dip, release.
After practicing how to fill a leaf with one color, demonstrate how to blend two colors together. The way the colored water swirls around the light table is so exciting! Discuss how colors change when mixed together. Yellow and red mix to form orange. What would happen if we filled the leaves with red and green?
When the leaves are full, carefully empty and wipe the tray clean. Preschoolers will definitely want to color the leaves again throughout the season!
More lamp table ideas
- Feathers on Lamp Table – Feathers are a multi-sensory natural material for preschoolers to explore. There are so many ways for children to learn and play with feathers! When they are placed on a light stand, children can observe the feathers as they light up from below, further marveling at their structure. This is a great activity for Thanksgiving, spring, or any time of year.
- Color Sorting on the Lamp Table Color sorting is an important skill for preschoolers to practice. Explore color recognition and math skills at the same time. Any activity that can be presented on a light table makes learning irresistible and engaging! You can go to preschool with just a little preparation color A sorting center for children to visit again and again.
- Light Table Alphabet Hunt – Preschoolers love learning about letters through sensory exploration! This snow-white alphabet hunt looks great on or off a lampstand. As children explore literacy in this hands-on way, they’ll find the texture irresistible.
Introduction: Devany LeDrew is a former kindergarten teacher who writes at Still Playing School, where she shares intentionally planned play-based learning activities. She loves using the light table to plan ideas! Follow Still Play School on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest and twitter!
More fall ideas
