DIY light table for preschool

On my wish list is a brand new light table but I have a very long wish list and not much patience.

After seeing so many wonderful light table ideas and reading a bunch of amazing ideas on Teach Preschool on Facebook about using a light table, I decided to try making my own.

Sharing the Basics

This idea I am sharing with you is still a “work in progress” but I figured I would share the basics of the idea and let you use your own creativity to take it from there. During one of our Teach Preschool on Facebook discussions, Caroline mentioned that her friend made a light box out of a plastic container. Although Caroline and her friend described a different method for making the box – the idea of using a plastic container really seemed plausible to me.

The Box

I had several containers with plastic lids but I went ahead and purchased this one. What I ultimately needed was a shallow plastic container with a clear lid. The lid needs to be as free from lines and print as possible so not to get in the way of the lighted area.

The Light

To add light, I purchased some of these battery operated button lights. I found them at the dollar store for $1 each but some of them were so cheap that they didn’t work so I bought some button lights from Walmart for about $3.00 each plus the batteries to run them all. I chose to do the button lights so I didn’t have to mess with cords right now but this may not be the most economical way to go over the long term..

Holding in the Light

Because my container was all clear, I decided that the light was not being funneled the right way – keep in mind that I am not a technical kind of girl so this is all a guess. I added a piece of black poster board inside my box to keep the light from escaping out from the sides of the box. I am thinking that I will paint the inside of my box but not until I am done experimenting….

Diffusing the Light

Once I had the cardboard and lights set up inside my box, I put on the lid but the light was too bright. To look into the box was just like staring into a lightbulb.

So my husband suggested I try diffusing the light a bit. He hunted around and came back with some parchment paper.

So what you see below are four sheets of parchment paper laying across the top of the box. Two sheets on the the left and two sheets on the right. The two sheets on each side are stacked together so to thicken the “frost” for the light to go through. The sheets were pulled tight so they didn’t sag and the lid was placed back on top to hold them in place.

You will also notice that the number of lights in the container keeps changing. In the end, I liked having no less than three button lights but really the more you can have the better.

Here is the table with more than two lights…

Recap…

So to recap, you will need – battery operated button lights, a shallow plastic container with lid, parchment paper for the top, and black paper for the sides of the container.  Then something to put on the light table for play and exploration.

Wy played with the light table for a bit but he didn’t like for me to turn off the kitchen lights.  So when he went off to do something else, I turned off the kitchen lights and played with my new DIY light table too!

Once I was done with everything, I simply opened up the lid and stored it all inside the plastic box (colorful cups, discs, lights, parchment paper) and put the box away for another day.

See the updated Light Table!

Available on Amazon

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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