Materials:

• clear contact paper
• transparent and shiny collage material including tissue paper, aluminum foil, foil paper, and a variety of sequin shapes
• trays or containers for the collage materials
• masking tape

Developing Skills:

• fine motor
• observation
• creativity
• language

In Advance:

Cut tissue paper and foil into small shapes.

ACTIVITY

Set out the suggested art materials in containers. Invite a few children to the art area, and suggest they look at the different materials they can use. Talk about how some materials are shiny and invite them to move the foil or sequins in the light.

Next, invite children to look through the tissue paper to see how it is transparent. Ask them to layer two or three colors of tissue paper so they can see how the colors change.

Provide each child with a sheet of clear contact paper. Tape the corners to the table with the adhesive side facing up. Invite them to make a collage using the various materials.

When they are finished, cover the collage with another sheet of contact paper. Bring children together to share their work. Discuss how the different materials reflect light and how the tissue paper changes colors in their collages.

Tape their collages onto the windows. Make time for children to notice how the sunlight and the indoor lighting affects their collages.

Remember: Some children may have trouble describing what they see. Assist them in learning descriptive words so that they can express their thoughts.

TAKE-HOME ACTIVITY

My Reflection. Ask families to assist their child in finding reflective things in their homes. Request that they make a list of the different objects. Bring children together to share their lists.

Curriculum Connection: MOVEMENT

Dancing Flashlights. Ask families for donations of small flashlights (with batteries). Turn off the lights, play music, and invite children to dance with the flashlights. Find a recording of "This Little Light of Mine" or teach children to sing the song while dancing.