15 Preschool Light Table Ideas

Here are just a few of the ways we've used our light table in the classroom.

 Glass beads (Dollar Tree) and a clear divider tray.

 Sensory bottles/bags.

 Water beads - sorting and scooping.

Fireflies in a Jar

Laminated fall leaves for science exploration.

Money and glass beads with clear sorting tray.

Translucent letters and color paddles.

Translucent mosaic tiles.

Mosaic tiles with mirror.

Crystal Climbers

Translucent Tangrams

Translucent gak/goop/slime - replace white glue with clear glue.

Magnet wand with magnetic discs - play silk over table.

Prism Blocks

Gelatin Rainbows

Fireflies in a Jar: Black Lights and Water Beads

We did this activity last year, but I've had quite a few folks ask about it, so I thought I'd share, especially since our bug themes are fast approaching.

A lovely friend informed me that if I soaked clear water beads in tonic water, they would glow under black lights.  I happen to have black lights that fit perfectly inside my light table, so I thought I'd try it out last summer for our unit on fireflies.

I let the water beads soak overnight and had the children count 10 for their small baby food jar, then I filled the jar with water, glued the lid and set up the light table.  For my son, we used the light table at night, but for class during the day, I created a 'tent' over the light table with a dark blanket, so the kiddos could watch their 'fireflies' in action.

The water in the jars did eventually get a bit icky, so I had to dispose of our lovely fireflies, but they were amazing while they lasted!