Magnetic tile shadows
Watch shadows and colours come to life using magnetic tiles
A simple way to add a little magic to a regular construction play session. All you need is sunlight or a torch to turn magnetic tiles into colourful reflections and shadows that shift and glow as you build.
Try it outside on a sunny afternoon or indoors in a darkened room with a torch or lamp. Watch as their structures cast rainbow shadows across the floor or wall - great for encouraging creativity, experimenting with light and colour, and enjoying some calm, hands-on play.
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Choose your light source: a sunny spot, or a dark room with a torch or lamp.
Step 2:
Set up a play surface and have tiles ready to build.
Play
Step 1:
Build towers, walls or shapes with magnetic tiles.
Step 2:
Observe how the colours reflect and overlap on the ground or wall.
Step 3:
Move the light source (or structure) to see how the shadows change.
Step 4:
Encourage them to stack colours, experiment with angles or trace the shadows with chalk or paper if outside.
Extend
Shadow tracing: Place paper behind the tiles and trace the light shapes with markers or crayons.
Torch discovery: Experiment with different torches or light angles to see how the colours change.
Window wall: Stick magnetic tiles on a low window or fridge door where light comes through.
Snap a shadow: Take photos of your favourite colourful shadows for a DIY art gallery.
STEAM Chat: Talk about how light travels, how shadows are made, or what happens when colours mix.
