Who Turned On the Moon?

In November, it can feel like bedtime before you’ve even started making dinner. Your child, meanwhile, still has an afternoon’s worth of energy. On one of those evenings, leave the room light on and see what a small torch can do.

Give the light somewhere to land

Sit together near a clear wall. Shine the torch low enough for your child to reach the bright spot with their hand. Move it slowly, then let it stop. “It’s by your knee.” Wait a moment. Your child might pat the wall, point, or shuffle closer to see where the light went.

If they reach for the torch, let them take a turn. You can put your hand on the wall and ask, “Can you find my fingers?” They might light up your elbow instead. “There’s my elbow!” is enough to keep the game going.

See what happens when a hand gets in the way

Hold the light still and let your child move their hand into its path. A shadow appears. Their hand moves away. The shadow goes with it. If they do it again, give them time to see what changes when they wiggle a finger or move their hand closer to the wall.

Try this today

Before dinner, find a torch and sit by the wall together for a few minutes. Start with one small circle of light. If your child decides it belongs on your slipper, follow it there.