Is it always dark at night-time? - Continuous Provision

The Continuous Provision plan encourages children to engage with the concept of light and shadows in a playful and educational manner. By drawing around the silhouettes of their peers' shadows at different times throughout the day, children can observe and understand the movement of the Sun across the sky. This activity not only teaches them about the Earth's rotation but also gives them a tangible way to visualise how light sources create shadows. Additionally, setting up a tent and using a torch to cast shadows allows children to experiment with creating different shapes and sizes of shadows using various objects. They can explore the properties of light and materials by using objects that are opaque, translucent, and transparent, discussing their observations and learning about how light passes through different substances.

To further enhance their understanding and storytelling skills, an outside shadow puppet theatre can be set up. Children can use this creative space to retell familiar tales like 'The Three Bears' or 'The Three Little Pigs' using shadow puppets they've crafted themselves. This hands-on approach to learning allows them to collaborate in small groups, fostering teamwork and creativity as they design their characters and perform for an audience. The continuous provision also includes keeping an ongoing chart of the Moon's phases, which introduces the concept of celestial patterns and time-keeping. Children are encouraged to note the times they observe the Moon or Sun and discuss the changes they see, providing a holistic approach to understanding the natural rhythms of day and night and the science of light and shadows.