DIY: Making a mini-light box for preschool

Once I start trying to figure out an idea, I tend to go overboard so I hope I am not driving everyone crazy with all the light box posts. I have one more very simple light box idea to share and I think I will have given you all my best efforts of creating a DIY light box…

While making my own light box which you can see here and here, I discovered that I could make a mini-light box that was fairly simple and fun. For the mini-light box you need to purchase an aluminum foil roasting or cake pan with a lid….

The foil pan is perfect because it reflects light and it is not see through. The lid needs some frosting so I used my Plastic Primer and Frost Paint inside the lid to frost it up!

I put two layers of frost paint and still think I may go back and add one more layer but the frost paint does help to diffuse the light. After all the paint dried, I set my battery operated fluorescent light from Walmart inside the foil pan put the lid back on top…

And I had a DIY mini-light table. The only problem I still feel like I need to work on is the frosting of the lids. It seems that I can’t get this just exactly right but until I can purchase a real light table some day, this mini-light box and my large light box seem to do the trick. I made several of the minis…

I have also come to the realization that the florescent light shows up brighter than the button lights but can’t decide which I like better for sure. Keep in mind that since the mini is only made of an aluminum foil pan and thin plastic lid, it isn’t as durable as the large light box.Here is the large light box in case you haven’t seen it yet…

That really is it for the light boxes but I still want to show you a few activities you can use with the light box next week!

See the light box made by Child Central Station too! As I have been working on mine, Amy has been giving me pointers along the way which as been very helpful. Now she has been able to share her light box on her blog so take a look!

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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