Explore “Investigating Lights, Shadows, and Reflections” at Home: DIY Shadow Puppets

At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, our Creatively Shine® curriculum theme, “Investigating Lights, Shadows, and Reflections,” invites children to explore the fascinating world of light and dark. From discovering where light comes from to experimenting with how it bends, bounces, and changes, this theme inspires both scientific curiosity and creative play.

To help your family join in on the fun, we’ve created an engaging at-home activity your child will love: DIY Shadow Puppets!

This simple, hands-on project brings science and storytelling together, allowing your child to experiment with light sources and movement while creating their very own shadow show.

What You’ll Need:

• Flashlight, lamp, or other small light source
• White wall or light-colored sheet (for your “stage”)
• Cardstock or thick paper
• Wooden craft sticks or straws
• Scissors (child-safe)
• Tape or glue
• Markers or crayons (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Discover How Shadows Work

Begin by exploring what happens when light is blocked. Shine a flashlight on different objects—a toy, your hand, or even a plant—and watch the shadows appear. Ask your child questions like:

• What happens when you move the object closer to the light?
• How does the shadow change when you move farther away?

This helps them connect cause and effect while developing early science skills.

2. Create Your Puppets

Draw simple shapes or characters on cardstock. Animals, people, and shapes like stars or trees work great! Cut out each design, then attach a craft stick or straw to the back with tape or glue to make a handle.

Encourage your child to decorate their puppets—they can even color them, add cutouts, or use tissue paper for parts that let light shine through.

3. Set Up the Shadow Stage

Hang a white sheet or use a blank wall as your stage. Position your light source behind your child (facing the wall or sheet). Turn off other lights in the room so the shadows appear clearly.

4. Bring the Story to Life

Now it’s showtime! Have your child hold the puppets between the light and the wall. Move them closer or farther to make the shadows grow or shrink. Encourage storytelling—your child can narrate a favorite tale or invent a brand-new one starring their shadow characters.

5. Experiment and Reflect

Invite your child to experiment further:

• What happens when two shadows overlap?
• Can you make shadows look like they’re dancing?

Try using translucent materials like wax paper or colored cellophane to explore reflections and glowing effects.

The Learning Behind the Play

This activity encourages children to think like scientists and storytellers. They’ll observe, hypothesize, and experiment—all while expressing creativity through imaginative play. As they discover how light and shadows interact, they’re developing problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and an understanding of cause and effect.

Through “Investigating Lights, Shadows, and Reflections,” children learn that science and creativity often go hand in hand. With a flashlight, a little imagination, and a few homemade puppets, your living room can transform into a stage where curiosity truly shines.