Monday, January 13, 2014

DIY Jumbo Dice for Light Table Play

This website uses affiliate links. As an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means I make a small commission when you use these links, at no additional cost to you.

Do I have hyperlexia? Is my child hyperlexic? Take the free online hyperlexia quiz today!


I am so excited to be continuing the Light & Reflections series throughout 2014, where we will be highlighting how light and reflections can be used to learn about a variety of topics.  Today's theme, for instance, is math and shapes.  So I have a quick and simple DIY light table accessory to show you today.  It is a perfect way to introduce some math concepts to a toddler or preschooler.

Presenting...(drum roll please)...DIY jumbo dice!

DIY jumbo dice for light table play from And Next Comes L

This post contains affiliate links.

Homemade Light Table Toys for Kids: DIY Jumbo Dice

You're probably wondering one of two things.  One, why can't I use just regular old transparent dice?  And two, why would I want jumbo dice?  Well, first of all, the transparent dice that I had on hand sucked on the light table.  The dots were white so it was very hard to read the dice on the light table.  Second, why not?  Bigger is better!  Go big or go home!  Need I carry on with my cliches?

To make your own jumbo dice, you will need some reusable ice cubes (mine are from the dollar store) and a black permanent marker.  Simply copy the layout of a die onto a reusable ice cube and let it dry completely.  As a heads up, the dots may wear off after repeated usage, but have no fear!  You can always touch them up with a black permanent marker when needed.

I set out the jumbo dice with some colored glass stones on the light table for the boys to check out.  I even color coded the dice and glass stones.

DIY jumbo dice and glass stones on the light table from And Next Comes L

The boys enjoyed rolling their jumbo dice and counting the corresponding number of colored glass stones.  So these dice are great for number recognition, counting, and one-to-one correspondence.

Number recognition and counting with DIY jumbo dice and glass stones on the light table from And Next Comes L

J can also do some simple addition problems, so the dice work well for that.  Here he is mid-addition problem.

Using DIY jumbo dice on the light table for simple math problems from And Next Comes L

Other Ideas You'll Love

DIY Light Table Kit

100 Ways to Play & Learn with Light
Introducing Fractions on the Light Table from Still Playing School


DIY jumbo dice for light table play from And Next Comes L