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Shadow Fun
Are you
looking for fun projects to do, but are short on supplies?
The answer is simple: Shadows!
Shadow Tag
Turn an ordinary walk to
the mailbox into a lively game of shadow tag. It’s played
much the same way as regular tag, except that instead of
tagging a person, you tag the person’s shadow.
Silhouettes
Use the combination of
light and shadow to create frameable works of art. Use tacks
or tape to hang a sheet of white construction paper or
poster board to the wall. Sit or stand next to the paper so
that the shadow of your profile shows up when a light
(flashlights work well) is shined on you. While you sit very
still, have someone trace the outline of your shadow on the
paper with a pencil. Once the tracing is complete, cut the
silhouette out with a pair of scissors and mount it on a
sheet of black paper. Make several silhouettes of your
family members and display them together.
Shadow Puppets
Who doesn’t love shadow
puppets? This is the perfect almost- no-materials-required
activity for guaranteed fun. Simply direct light onto a wall
(again, flashlights work great) and make shadows with your
hands. Try some easy favorites such as a barking dog and a
turkey with a droopy, dangly neck. Then invent shadow
puppets you’ve never seen before just by moving and
bending your fingers and hands in different positions.
Shadow Town
Imagination is a
wonderful thing —especially
when there is lots of sunshine around! Make your own shadow
town by arranging small boxes, cans, and other small items
into a straight line in direct sunlight. Try doing this
activity on a concrete driveway or on a large piece of paper
or cardboard. Once the objects are lined up and casting a
shadow, trace the outline of the shadow with sidewalk chalk
to form your city’s “skyline.” When the skyline is
finished, invite your friends to bring their toy cars over
to play in your shadow town.
Deborah Shelton is a
mother, freelance writer, and author of the brand new book,
"The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast Activities for
You and Your Little Ones." Visit Deborah's website for
more family-friendly ideas: http://www.fiveminuteparent.com
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