Reflecting on Exploring Light with Young Children in Early Learning
As an early childhood educator, one of the most fascinating aspects of teaching young children is observing their natural curiosity about the world around them. A standout experience for both the children and myself has been exploring the concept of light. Light, in its many forms, provides endless opportunities for learning, discovery, and play. Reflecting on how we explore light in early learning settings, I’ve come to realise just how much this simple concept can support children’s development in so many ways.
The Spark of Curiosity
Young children are naturally curious about light. Whether it’s chasing a beam of sunlight across the floor or watching shadows shift with the movement of the sun, they’re drawn to its mystery and wonder. In our setting, we often begin with something as simple as playing with a flashlight or exploring the shadows created by a candle or lamp. The fascination they have with light sparks rich conversations, as children ask questions like, "Where does the light go when we turn it off?" or "Why does the shadow change when I move?" These questions are gateways to deeper exploration, and I find myself learning right alongside them as we delve into concepts like reflection, refraction, and colour.
Building Science Skills
Exploring light offers so many opportunities to introduce basic scientific concepts to young learners. We often start by talking about how light can be blocked or bent. Using objects like mirrors, coloured filters, and even a simple glass of water, children can see firsthand how light behaves in different ways. These experiments are simple yet effective in fostering curiosity and critical thinking. It’s amazing to watch their eyes light up when they realise that light travels, reflects, and bends around objects—it’s like seeing science come to life right before their eyes.
Sensory Exploration
Light exploration also supports sensory development in a unique way. Children engage not only through their eyes but also through touch and even sound. When they play with different materials like translucent or reflective surfaces, they begin to understand the way light interacts with the environment. The feeling of a cool mirror, the warmth of sunlight on their skin, or the sound of a flashlight beam in a dark room—all of these sensory experiences deepen their understanding of the world around them. I’ve found that incorporating these tactile and sensory elements makes the learning experience far richer.
Encouraging Language Development
As children explore light, they are also expanding their vocabulary. Terms like “reflect,” “shadow,” “bright,” and “dim” become part of their everyday language as they describe their observations. I love seeing how their language develops as they talk about what they see, how they feel, and what they discover. These conversations not only strengthen their language skills but also encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas clearly. It’s a great opportunity to support their ability to communicate and make sense of their experiences.
Collaboration and Problem-Solving
Another aspect of exploring light that stands out to me is how it encourages teamwork and problem-solving. Children often work together to create their own experiments or share discoveries they’ve made about light and shadows. Whether they’re building shadow theatres, experimenting with flashlights, or trying to block light from reaching a particular area, they are learning how to collaborate, negotiate, and solve problems as a team. These experiences lay the foundation for social-emotional skills that will serve them well in school and beyond.
Reflecting on the Role of Play
What I’ve come to realise is that exploring light isn’t just about the scientific principles—it’s about fostering a sense of wonder and play. In early childhood, play is the vehicle through which children learn. When they’re experimenting with light, they’re not only engaging in scientific exploration; they’re also using their creativity and imagination. As an educator, my role is to provide the tools, the time, and the space for children to explore and discover at their own pace, guided by their own questions and curiosity.
Reflecting on my experiences with light exploration.
Reflecting on my experiences with light exploration in early learning, I see how something as simple as light can open up a world of learning opportunities for young children. It supports their cognitive, sensory, language, and social development, all while sparking their natural curiosity and imagination. As educators, we have the privilege of guiding children through these discoveries, helping them make sense of the world around them. For me, exploring light with children is a reminder of the power of wonder and the importance of creating environments where learning happens naturally through play and exploration.
Written by Janine Kelly
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