Sunday, August 18, 2019

100+ Light Table Activities for Kids

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Looking for light table activities for toddlers and preschoolers? Below you'll find tons of light box ideas and activities for every topic and season imaginable!

When my boys were toddlers and preschoolers, we did a lot of play on our homemade light table.

Like a lot a lot.

Light play was extremely calming for J and it was a great connection point for us when he was little. He used to spend hours silently playing at the light table.

So needless to say, I've captured tons of different light play ideas over the years and posted them here on the blog. And this collection of 100+ light table activities for kids is just a small-ish sample of what fun we've had over the years.

Light table activities for toddlers and preschool

Why Light Play?

Curious about the benefits of light play?  Or unsure of where to begin?  Here's some useful information about light table play.

How to Make a DIY Light Table or Box for Kids

There are lots of great DIY light table projects out there and I have been known to make quite a few myself.


DIY light table tutorial from And Next Comes L


Open Ended Light Box Ideas for Kids

One of the boys' favorite things to do on the light table is to explore and create with loose parts or engage in open-ended dramatic play.  Check out these great ideas!


Exploring loose parts on the light table from And Next Comes L


Fine Motor Light Table Ideas

Light tables are a great way to develop fine motor skills in toddlers and preschoolers.  And there is seriously a wide variety of activities that focus on fine motor skills on the light table including:


Light bright geoboard from And Next Comes L


Color & Shape Learning Light Table Activities

Here are some great ways to work on colors and shapes on the light table.


Sorting shapes on the light table from And Next Comes L

Math & Science Light Table Activities

From counting to fractions to science experiments, these ideas will be sure to spark hours of math and science fun!


Exploring basic physics with ramps on the light table from And Next Comes L

Literacy Activities on the Light Table

Learn the alphabet, practice sight words, or bring stories to life with these fun ideas!


Storytelling on the light table from And Next Comes L

Music & Art Inspired Light Table Ideas

Light tables can be a fantastic way to explore music and art.  Try some of these ideas:


Music note matching on the light table from And Next Comes L

Seasonal Light Table Activities

Christmas, Valentine's, Thanksgiving, Canada Day, fall...you name the season or holiday, I bet I can find you some light table activity!  If not, I will come up with one!  In the meantime, check out these seasonal light table activities:

Sorting and counting apples on the light table from And Next Comes L

Light table activities for kids