For children, and young children especially, light and shadow are naturally intriguing. They shift, stretch, disappear and return – almost like magic. The simple introduction of a shadow bunny or the kaleidoscope colours of a watery oil shimmer invites questions, experimentation and imaginative play.
A patch of sunlight on the floor can become a stage, a source of scientific inquiry or the starting point for artistic expression. In a Reggio-inspired setting, these everyday moments are rich opportunities for discovery, with the environment not merely a backdrop to learning, but an active element of it!
The Environment as the Third Teacher
The Reggio Emilia learning space places as much importance on the environment as on what it contains. One of the first things you’ll notice when walking into such a classroom is the abundance of natural light. Objects that encourage curiosity are in easy reach of tiny hands and the use of natural materials that offer multiple different textures, weights and colours are all around.
Light and shadow slot naturally into such a territory, being open-ended, ever-changing and full of possibility. Unlike toys or activities with a fixed purpose, they invite children to discover the art of the possible. A torch… An overhead projector… A mirror, or even sunlight through a window can become powerful tools for exploration.
It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about instilling a joy of learning and discovery, encouraging children to slow down, observe closely and deeply engage with their surroundings.
Why Light and Shadow Fascinate Children
Children are drawn to experiences that come sprinkled with a little magic, and light play certainly delivers. But beyond the wow factor, exploring light and shadow supports important areas of development.
When children investigate how shadows change throughout the day, they are engaging with early scientific thinking. When they use transparent materials to create colour mixes, they’re experimenting with cause and effect. When they trace shadows or make silhouettes, they’re expressing ideas through art and design. And when they work together to build shadow puppets or light installations, they’re developing language, cooperation and problem-solving skills.
Light and shadow also support sensory learning. Reflections, movement, contrast and colour create experiences that are calming, stimulating and highly engaging all at once. It’s hands-on learning with a touch of theatre - an excellent combination for young minds.
Creating Opportunities for Wonder
Reggio learning is about promoting investigation, rather than aiming for a specific outcome. An environment where objects and materials are close to hand offers an invitation to explore, a place to indulge curiosity and discover a little more about our wonderful world.
Examples of using light and shadow might include:
- Observing sunlight filtering through the trees: it’s incredible what such light play can evoke in young minds. That shadow looks like a dog, the rippling leaves might mimic rolling waves or darker areas might appear spooky and foreboding.
- Placing objects on a light table and comparing textures and patterns: Notice how overlapping elements create different colours and patterns. Perhaps new colours appear, which might encourage further discussion about what might happen if object A and object B are laid on each other.
- Tracing chalk patterns around their shadows: And returning later to see how the shapes have shifted.
Such activities help children understand that the environment is dynamic, and that they are active researchers within it.
There are so many ways that light and shadow can play a role in early childhood education. Living in sunny Australia, we have wonderful opportunities to take advantage. Outdoor play and exploration benefits virtually every area of learning, from mental and physical wellbeing to vitamin D production and the sheer joy of being out in the elements.
Whether it’s inside, using light screens, torches and natural light, or outside soaking up Mother Nature’s glory, the use of light and shadow in Reggio Emilia aligns beautifully with the philosophy that values curiosity, relationships and the power of the environment to inspire wonder.
At both Evoke Early Learning’s Albert Park and Clayton Centres, the environment is designed to take full advantage of natural light flow. This, in combination with carefully integrated educational tools, presents multiple opportunities to utilise shadow and light within the learning environment.
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Tracey is a highly qualified educator and administrator and brings a strong combination of academic achievement, extensive work experience in the education and business sectors as well as drive and passion to her role as General Manager of Operations at Evoke Early Learning.
Tracey has a Master of Education and an Advanced Diploma of Business and holds VIT Dual Registration to teach in Early Childhood and Primary School settings. She’s also a VIT Trained Mentor Teacher and has worked in ECEC settings as a Director, Educational Leader and as a Victorian Senior Area manager. Her recognition as a state finalist in the recent Director of the Year Awards is testament to her achievements in the early education sector.
Her extensive work experience also included a stint as Head of Curriculum at the Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute and positions as head of ICT at a number of large primary and secondary schools. Tracey is also experienced in not-for-profit sessional kindergarten settings and long daycare environments, so she has a deep understanding of what’s required to support the needs and expectations of young children, educators, parents and caregivers.
Tracey is responsible for operational management at Evoke Early Learning’s Clayton centre in Oakleigh East and their Albert Park centre in South Melbourne and is deeply committed to leading and driving effective and sustainable service delivery throughout the company.
Tracey is passionate about making a meaningful difference to young children, their parents and the wider community and under her expert guidance, Evoke Early Learning is continuing to raise the bar in quality early education and childcare.
