My Shadow Pictures

Capture shadows for a shadow dance!

• 1.

  Experiment with shadows created by people or items blocking light sources (sun, bright lamp). On a sunny day, find a safe place outdoors, such as a sidewalk, where children can draw their shadows with Crayola® Sidewalk Chalk, children work in partners to draw each other's shadows. Try different poses. Record shadow sizes and shapes at various times of the day.

• 2.

  Create shadow pictures with stencils. On heavy paper, such as oak tag or recycled file folders, use Crayola Crayons or Colored Pencils to recreate shadow shapes similar to the life-size drawings. With Crayola Scissors, cut out the center of the drawing to make a stencil.

• 3.

  Cover the work area with recycled newspaper. Dilute Crayola School Glue with an equal amount of water. Brush this mixture on a sheet of dark construction paper with Crayola Paint Brushes.

• 4.

  While the glue is still wet, gently place the shadow stencil on the construction paper. Quickly, rub Crayola Colored Drawing Chalk against sandpaper or a piece of screen so chalk flecks fall onto the open stencil. Gently lift the stencil to see the shadow picture.

• 5.

  Cut out stenciled shadows and arrange them on a large piece of mural paper. The frolicking shadows create a shadow dance.

Benefits

• Children investigate shadows and their changing proportions, as created when objects block a light source.
• Children develop cooperative and collaborative skills while working in partnerships.

Adaptations

• Make a permanent record of shadows at different times of day, or once a week at the same time throughout the year. Trace shadows on large sheets of paper. Compare shadow sizes to the height of the person who made the shadow. Find out why shadow shapes and
• Create shadow boxes with recycled boxes. Paint the inside, then glue on Crayola Model Magic characters and props. Shine a flashlight into the box to create shadows.
• Play Shadow Tag so children's brains and bodies are sparked into action with shadows.