I had to share this fabulous provocation from Rosa Parks Early Childhood Center!
Whoever thought of showcasing light onto the table? Genius right? A few years ago, Fairy Dust Teaching gifted pocket projectors to Rosa Parks Early Childhood Center (They do not have smart boards, which is actually a positive thing to not have them for young children, but that is a conversation for another time)
What is a Pocket Projector?
Pocket Projectors are small projectors that connects via HDMI cable to most smartphones, tablets, computers, video players, cameras and more. You can project onto any surface or wall your bright, sharp images or videos.
The Provocation
The teachers think of such wonderful and developmentally appropriate ways to use technology with young children. Natalie Macare, who has taught here for many years, used her pocket projector to take the children’s investigation with found materials and plastics further.
By setting out the found and recycled materials on the table with the projection of colorful backdrop, the children began building houses of light, exploring shadow and light play, and stacking and sorting around the colors of light, and much more.
It truly was a delight to see this in action! There are so many incredible ways to utilize light with children. It opens the door to curiosity! Allows children to ask questions, learn shades of color, and incorporate light in their play.
Ideas for Pocket Projectors in the Classroom
- Recording children building or playing and then projecting clip up for next day while they build
- Letting children take photos via Ipad or phone on a nature walk and projecting it in a shaded place outside to discuss
- Projecting patterns on the blocks in construction area
- Projecting a day or nighttime sky onto ceiling in one area while children play
- Project daily pictures/videos at reflection meeting wherever children are meeting
How do you use light in your classroom? I’d love to hear about it below!
We don’t have one of those light projectors. But we have had lots of similar fun with old overhead projectors on to walls.
How did they mount the projector to get the light shining onto the table?
It is sitting on a shelf tilting down at the table. It super compact and easy to position.
How do you get the colours? Is it part of what the projector can do?
I really love this idea! My preschool classroom does not have a light table, and I really want one. Compared to light tables, these projectors are affordable, and you’ve shown so many interesting ways to use them! Thank you so much!
I’ve always wanted to invest in one of these as I’m a traveling art teacher. Thank you for the great ideas!!
I love this idea but I don’t have that light projector. Anyway, I think I do something like that, more or less, using flashlights; I don’t know how exactly to do it, but I want to do some activity with Light and colors
Overhead projectors are great as well.
I’m wondering if anyone has a pocket projector brand/model that they can recommend?
Hi there, this is an amazing idea which leads to so many different learning activities.
Can someone suggest any brand/model for pocket projector?
We have a projector that can be shifted to project onto a table, the floor or the wall…so should we just project a variety of colour based images? How was this image selected? Looks beautiful!! Thank you!
I love this!!!
I plan to write a grant for this equipment. Thanks for sharing
What type of pocket projector is it? I am thinking that would be nice to have in my classroom. My classroom is not terribly big.
I am very interested in purchasing one of these. Is there any other equipment that you would purchase with it? Has anybody used it outside? Does anybody have a brand that they really like?
Thank you so much!
I just bought a simple one on Amazon for $33. Not sure how super duper it will be, LOL. But I’ll try it.
Wow! That is a deal! Let us know!
Projectors can be so handy and I love the idea of using it for light on the table! Children love colours and to combine that in light is so fun for them to explore with and try to wrap their minds around it.
I’m so excited for this! I just ordered one for my classroom. THANK YOU for another amazing idea that will lead to soooo much play, learning and inspiration from adults and students!