A sensory light box can be used in a variety of ways to support learning and development. They are often used as therapeutic tools to stimulate the senses and encourage a calming and relaxing environment. Often found in early years settings, a sensory light box can be used for:
- Sensory therapy. Firstly, lightboxes are a great resource within sensory therapy for children with sensory processing issues, autism and various other developmental needs and disabilities. Owing to the various colours, patterns and shapes that the light produces, children’s sensory integration can be improved and their senses stimulated
- Stress reduction. Secondly, when used in a little nook or separate room, lightboxes can be used very effectively to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Learning and education. Finally, lightboxes are a brilliant resource for investigation and experimenting with colour mixing, sensory play, making patterns and learning about shapes.
In this blog, we will suggest various ways to use a lightbox and provide some guidance on how to create your very own lightbox using resources you might find around your setting!
How to use a sensory light box:
1. Exploring Colours
- Children can learn to investigate and identify colours using light boxes. Simply add various objects onto the lightbox and ask your little ones to name the colours
- In the same way, why not use the lightbox to explore colour mixing? Place two or more transparent coloured objects onto the box and encourage your little ones to observe the new colour that is created at the overlap. Subsequently, children will be able to explore cause and effect.
2. Storytelling
- Lightboxes can be used to dramatic effect by placing objects on top and turning off the lights in the room. This will create shadow shapes and puppets that can be used to support creative storytelling.
- Another way to use a lightbox to support storytelling is to create a scene on the box. This will act as a dramatic backdrop whilst reading. As a result, your little ones will be more engaged in the story owing to the immersive environment.
3. Tracing
Inspire creativity by adding various pictures and objects onto your lightbox and sandwiching them with paper for children to trace. This is great for supporting the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
4. Letter and Number recognition
By simply adding paper on top of your light box, children can practice their letter, number or shape recognition by tracing objects underneath. This is a fantastic exercise in building children’s confidence in literacy and numeracy and developing muscle memory for writing.
5. Sensory Exploration
Finally, there are countless ways in which a lightbox can be used for sensory exploration. For example, add various objects with different textures, shapes and colours onto the box and let your little ones explore them with their hands. The lightbox helps to highlight details and textures of objects which then promotes sensory exploration and encourages children to describe what they see and feel.
How to make a lightbox
If you’re feeling creative and want an easy project, which utilises everyday bits and pieces, why not make your lightbox? Undeniably a cheaper alternative and the process will keep your youngsters entertained for hours.
To make your lightbox you will need:
- An opaque, plastic container with a clear lid. The lid needs to be as free from lines as possible so it is smooth to play on.
- 2 strings of fairy lights. Battery operated is best, to allow for manoeuvrability, but mains powered can also be used – just feed the cable through the lid.
- Large sheets of tracing paper and sticky tape/glue stick.
How to assemble your lightbox:
- Line the inside of the box lid with sheets of tracing paper. Secure this in place with sticky tape/glue stick. This will dull the light and help it to disperse more evenly.
- Put the Christmas lights into the box and spread them out evenly.
- Put the lid on your box and turn the lights on. Voila! You have your very own light box!
Of course, if this project is not for you and you would prefer to shop a variety of ready-made lightboxes then simply head to the sensory resources section of our site where you will find light trays and lightboxes of various sizes, shapes and colours to support sensory play.
Don’t forget your lightbox accessories!
There are so many wonderful manipulatives which can be used on a sensory light box or table: any type of translucent item will work well. For example, why not try glitter tubes, acrylic shapes and numbers, sorting trays, beanbags, coloured cellophane or glowsticks; these are all wonderful for encouraging open-ended play on a lightbox.
