Explore the World of Shadows with Your Child

Shadow Play Activites for Groundhog Day

Jan 22, 2009 Belinda Mooney

Fun shadow activities just in time for Groundhog Day. What can your child do with his shadow?

Playing with your shadow can be fun even if it’s not Groundhog Day. Kids can learn a lot about direction, shadows and practice large motor skills playing with their shadow. It’s also a fun thing to do on a rainy or cold afternoon. Here are some fun things you in your child can do with just himself and his shadow.

Hiding from Your Shadow

Is it possible to hide from your shadow? How far can you go away from your shadow? Have your child see if he can hide from his shadow. Then discuss why he can’t see his shadow behind a chair or couch. Talk about what makes a shadow. This is a great way to introduce young children to science. Learning about their shadow can lead to a discussion of light and dark, sunlight and their world around them.

More Fun with Your Shadow

Here’s some neat activities you can do with your preschooler or young child to encourage shadow play.

  • See if your child can shake hands with his friend’s shadow. How can he do that?
  • Can he make his shadow touch someone else’s shadow?
  • Can he fit his shadow inside someone else’s shadow? Can he totally disappear inside someone else’s shadow?
  • Can his shadow do things he can’t? Have him try and make his shadow touch the top of a building.
  • Can he make his shadow fatter or taller? Try turning his shadow into fun shapes or letters.
  • Show him how to use his hands and try and make animal shapes out of his shadow. Can you , or him, make a bird or a bear or a dog? Make some animal shapes and have a friend guess what he’s making. Put on a play with animal shadows.

Shadow Science

Try different ways of making a shadow with your child. Go outside on a sunny day and make a shadow in the sunlight. Shine a flashlight on the wall and try to make shadows inside. Which light works better for shadows? Can you make a shadow on a cloudy day?

Use this time with your child to explore the world of science and to encourage him to ask questions. Consider getting together with other moms, and having a shadow day. Have the kids draw pictures of themselves with their shadows and display them on the walls.

Remember, the more you participate with your child the more fun you both will have and the more willing he will be to try something new the next time. Learning is always more fun when there are two of you learning together.

The copyright of the article Explore the World of Shadows with Your Child in Kids Activities is owned by Belinda Mooney. Permission to republish Explore the World of Shadows with Your Child in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Me and My Shadow, clipart.com Me and My Shadow