Activity library/SHC 06

Make + imagine

Shadow Theater

Use a lamp and your hands or paper shapes to tell a story made entirely from light and silhouettes.

Free full plan
30-50 minindoorsmedium energyAges 3-10
Free field plan · 06SHC

Grab

  • A blank wall
  • flashlight or lamp
  • paper
  • tape
  • child-safe scissors
  • optional craft sticks

Do this

  1. Darken the room enough to see shadows while keeping the floor and exits safely visible.
  2. Test hand shadows, household-object shadows, or paper shapes taped to craft sticks.
  3. Choose a beginning, a problem, and a happy or surprising ending. Add voices and sound effects.
  4. Perform the show, then switch jobs so a new person controls the light or tells the story.

Keep it easy

Make a shadow guessing game instead of a full story.

Take it further

Experiment with moving objects closer to and farther from the light.

Adult note

Use a cool LED light and never cover a lamp with fabric or paper.

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