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.