Now here is a wonderful idea that I found (and poached!) from Casa’Maria’s blog. I find Maria’s blog to be full of the most amazingly beautiful photographs and inspirational ideas. I think the opportunities experienced by the children within my care have been significantly enriched by my personal exposure to the world of preschool blogging.
Simply provide a sheet of paper marked with a series of concentric rings on top of a light table. Then, add some interesting smallish items in large numbers and watch the children weave their magic.
I was amazed to see how quickly the children started to create a type of pattern often refered to as a Mandala. A Mandala is a geometric design, usually circular, and often seen in Hindu or Buddhist art typically to represent the universe.
Beautiful!
With subtle variations.
Such a lovely, relaxing and enjoyable experience to share with friends.
A small group of children went back to this activity everyday and were clearly getting a tremendous amount of joy and satisfaction from the experience. I asked them what else they would like to see added to this table to make some new patterns. I was told ‘love hearts’, diamonds, stars and moons. So I will see what I can do!
Oh so pretty 🙂 and calming just to look at them.
Thanks Marita… did you check out Casa Maria's blog? You will see some very pretty ideas there! 🙂
Oh I so want a light box… totally gorgeous!
I have wished we have a lightbox for the longest time and now I really, really want one 🙂
Kate and Christie, I must say that this light box was quite expensive but I can justify the expense as we use it constantly in one way or another! But I have noticed that some bloggers have been very clever with improvised set ups in large storage tubs. Certainly worth a try! 🙂
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!
Donna 🙂 🙂
Thanks Donna! I can't wait to see what they will do this week with the 'love hearts', stars and moons they requested! Oh, thank goodness for $2 shops! 🙂
These are beautiful! I love Mandelas and now must have a light box 🙂
I must admit I am now going to poach this idea from you! I’ll have to acquire more small, beautiful objects though. We are in NY and our school year has really just begun, thus far the light table has just been used to explore magna tiles. Soon, I will also introduce the table as a place to draw, trace, and even us water color paints. I just stumbled across your blog and I’m happy I did – thanks for the inspiration!
You are most welcome to use what ever ideas inspire you here Merril. It is all about helping each other to create wonderful learning environments for the children in our care! I picked up a lot of these items at what we call $2 shops here in Australia. I am sure you probably have an equivalent over there. Whatever you purchase, you just need to have a reasonable volume to enable pattern making. Good luck and let me know how it works! 🙂
Sooo beautiful, love this idea! We definitely need a light box!
I’ve just discovered your wonderful blog and I’m so thrilled with all your activities and play ideas. Thanks and congratulations!
Yes Lola, I think every early childhood setting should have a light box! I can’ imaagine being without one now! 🙂
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