A light table for kids is one of our favorite sensory resources! I get a lot of questions about our light panels from style, resources to use with it, and how it can foster development. I’m here to answer all your questions, let’s get started!
What Do You Use a Light Table For?
I have been a fan of light tables ever since I was a former preschool teacher prior to having kids. When we would set up our classroom we made sure to always have a developmental plan for our light table area. There are so many fun activities you can use light tables for. For a classroom it’s a must have, but I absolutely love and recommend it for your homes as well. A light table is another way to bring sensory input into children’s life. Have you ever heard of a happy light? Living in northern Utah, my dad struggled a bit with seasonal depression. I remember my mom getting him a happy light to help with the gloominess that winter often brings. A light table can bring a similar physiological response for our children in classrooms and homes. A light table can enhance mood, energy and focus without harmful UV rays.
What Age is a Light Table For?
The beauty of a light table is that it can be used for toddlers through adults. It really is one of those things that are perfect for younger children for play and then used by older children as a work space for math, science, and art. We often see adults using light panels for various sketches and creating characters in various positions. All of my girls ages 14 months-9 years use our light table in some form or another. A light table can also be extremely beneficial for children and adults with autism.
What Can Children Learn While Using a Light Table?
The learning possibilities are endless with a light table. Some of my favorite ways to use a light table is with math manipulatives such as blocks, loose parts, graphs, translucent bowls for sorting etc. My girls also particularly love enhancing their fine motor skills through art on a light table. We especially love to use dry erase markers with our light table. Teaching children about colors through grouping, sorting, and mixing colors is also another favorite learning opportunity of ours with a light table. A light table can also be used for exploring science. Children can learn about the bones in the body through pay x rays on a light table (which could also be used as a doctor office dramatic play set up). We love using resin bugs, flowers, and other organisms on our light table.
Light Table for Kids Resources
We have so many favorite light table resources for kids! I’ve created a separate light table gift guide blog post for your to find some of our light table must-haves. Some of which include translucent math graphs, blocks, translucent bowls and tongs, x-rays, gems, marble runs, window clings, color panels, pattern blocks and more. You can find Amazon light table resources here.
