Introduction
As an early childhood teacher for many years, one item in the classroom the children really enjoyed was a light table. Beautiful illuminated objects just attract children and well, many adults. (They do me. I love light tables!!) If you have priced them though they are quite pricey, so what if you want one and it is just too much? We have a solution for you that only cost $50 to $60 dollars, works for one or two children, and it is simple to put together. Yes, Mr. D has been at work again. Thank goodness!!!
The Materials
You will first need to gather the materials that you will need. These are listed below.
a. Wooden Medium Bin, Container or Box. The bamboo box by The Home Edit ran about $15. Box was 10.5" by 14.5" by 6 inches deep and has hand holds on the side. There is an ledge on the inside opening which is great for holding the plexiglass in place.
b. One or two battery powered LED lights strips. We chose two lights as I like bright light tables. We also chose the light strips that had remotes. The light strips with remotes ran about $10 each and need 6 AA batteries for one strip which run about a $1 a piece. (The bin and light strips were purchased at a national retail store.)
c. Frosted Plexiglass was 1/8th inch thick bought on ebay.com and was cut to size. This was cut with a hand cutting tool made specifically for cutting acrylic. Cost was around $20. (You will have a little left for a small individual box.)
d. Purchase materials to put on the light table. If you are working with young children, please remember these cannot be a choking hazard so not too small. The one pictured shows materials used for Jesus Had a Heart of Service Lesson. Thick prism hearts and energized agate stones are used. Clear acrylic footprints will be added to tie the lesson together. These items were purchased from Amazon.
The Activity
This light table would be put out for one or two children to do while the children arrive. Other centers will be available such as the craft, Jesus Had a Heart for Service. The children are to place the items on the light table and then work to sort the hearts from the footprints or the agate. An aide or teacher can supervise and talk to the children about what the hearts and footprints represent.
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