Mixing Colored Shadows
In the sun, each child holds a frame with colored cellophane and casts a colored patch of light onto a white sheet spread on the ground; in pairs they overlap their patches to make new colors and walk them around without letting them separate. It works on arm and hand control and cooperation.
How to play
- Spread the sheets on the ground and everyone takes a frame: red, blue or yellow; hold it between the sun and the sheet and a patch of color appears (2 min).
- Move the patch slowly: up, down, in circles, and make it bigger or smaller by raising and lowering the frame (2 min).
- In pairs with different colors, overlap the two patches: blue and yellow make green! Try all the mixes (3 min).
- Walk the mixed color across the sheet together without the patches separating (3 min).
- Everyone puts their patches in the middle of one sheet at once to make a rainbow; then collect the frames (2 min).
Rules
- Carry the frame carefully: don’t bend it or step on it.
- Never look at the sun through the cellophane.
- Wait for your partner to place their patch.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, just making the patch appear and moving it; the teacher does the mixes with them.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, mixing in pairs and walking the mix.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, groups of three colors: find where all three meet and what color appears.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: hold the frame with one hand or rest it on the wheelchair tray, with the sheet within reach.
- Visual impairment: very bright colors (two layers of cellophane) and a buddy who says when the colors meet.
- Less hand dexterity: bigger frames with a cardboard handle.
Learning goals
- Control arm and hand movement.
- Reach a simple goal with a partner.
- Discover that colored lights mix.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cardboard frames with cellophane: 25
- White sheets: 2
Teacher tip
Make the frames ahead of time from cardboard with two layers of cellophane stapled on the outside, with no loose staples. You need direct sun: in the shade the patch doesn’t show and kids lose interest.
PatioLab has "Mixing Colored Shadows" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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