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Discover three creative and educational ways to use the Colour Changing Easi-Torch in an early years setting.
The Colour Changing Easi Torch is a must-have addition to any early years classroom or childcare setting. This simple yet captivating rechargeable torch changes colour at the touch of a button, making it a versatile and engaging tool for young learners.
In early years education, hands-on, sensory-based play is crucial for development. The Easi-Torch provides the perfect opportunity to support curiosity, exploration, and creativity through the magic of light. Whether used in science investigations, sensory spaces, or imaginative storytelling, this torch opens up a world of possibilities for learning and play.
Here are three creative and educational ways to use the Colour Changing Easi-Torch in an early years setting:
Exploring Colour Mixing
Light is an ideal medium for helping children discover colour theory in a fun and practical way. With the Easi-Torch, children can explore how colours change and blend when different lights shine together or pass through coloured materials such as cellophane, coloured paddles, or transparent blocks.
Activity idea: Set up a simple light lab with white paper and coloured acetate sheets. Encourage children to shine the torch through different colours and observe what happens when two or more colours overlap. They can guess what new colour might appear and test their prediction.
Skills developed:
- Scientific enquiry: Children begin to ask questions, test predictions, and observe changes.
- Early maths and reasoning: They learn to classify colours and understand patterns.
- Language development: Children use descriptive language to express what they see and feel.
Why this matters:
Exploring colour mixing with light nurtures a child’s natural curiosity. It helps develop critical thinking and introduces basic scientific concepts like absorption, transparency, and refraction. It also boosts confidence as children make discoveries independently.
Creating Shadow Art
Light and shadow are endlessly fascinating to children. Shadow play offers a multisensory experience that supports creativity, storytelling, and scientific learning. By using the Easi-Torch to project shadows onto walls, floors, or white screens, children can explore how light interacts with objects and how shadows change based on distance and angle.
Activity idea: Provide a tray of small toys or natural materials like leaves, sticks, and shells. Let children use the torch to cast shadows of each item, then trace around the shadows or photograph them to make a shadow gallery. You could also introduce shadow puppets or use hands to create shadow animals for storytelling sessions.
Skills developed:
- Spatial awareness: Children explore how positioning affects shadow size and shape.
- Fine motor control: Holding the torch and manipulating objects builds physical coordination.
- Creative expression: Making pictures or performances with shadows promotes imagination.
Why this matters:
Shadow play supports both scientific learning and expressive arts. It helps children learn cause and effect, encourages problem-solving, and offers an alternative medium for creative storytelling and self-expression.
Enhancing Play in a Dark Den
A dark den offers a safe, cosy space where children can engage their senses and immerse themselves in imaginative play. Adding the Easi-Torch to this space invites a new layer of discovery. The soft glow of changing colours helps create a calming atmosphere and stimulates curiosity.
Activity idea: Set up a dark den with textured materials, mirrors, glow-in-the-dark objects, and the Easi-Torch. Encourage children to explore the space, discover hidden items, or use the torch to guide role-play adventures such as “going on a night-time treasure hunt” or “camping under the stars.”
Skills developed:
- Social and emotional development: Children feel safe, relaxed, and able to explore freely.
- Imaginative play: The torch becomes a prop for storytelling and adventure.
- Turn-taking and collaboration: Small group play in a den fosters communication and shared decision-making.
Why this matters:
Dark den play supports sensory integration and emotional regulation. The enclosed space, coupled with the calming effect of light, helps children manage overstimulation and feel more in control. This kind of play also encourages deep focus and sustained engagement, both vital for cognitive development.
The Colour Changing Easi-Torch isn’t just a light; it’s a launchpad for learning. It empowers children to explore scientific concepts, express themselves creatively, and enjoy immersive, sensory-rich experiences. Most importantly, it supports a child-led, exploratory approach that makes learning joyful and memorable. In early years settings, where play is the foundation of development, tools like the Easi-Torch help practitioners create magical moments that ignite imagination and inspire lifelong curiosity.
Many thanks to Hayley Winter for sharing this blog with us. Hayley is an Early Years teacher and leader who is passionate about learning through play. She shares simple and effective teaching ideas for 3-5 year olds on social media.
