Exploring with Light: A Sensory Activity in the Nido Environment (4–18 Months)
In our Nido environment, every moment is thoughtfully prepared to respect the natural rhythm of each child’s development. Today, we would like to share a very special sensory experience we recently offered: light table exploration.
What is a light table?
A light table is a translucent surface illuminated from beneath, inviting children to explore objects from a new perspective. Its soft, constant glow creates a calm atmosphere that encourages concentration, observation, and sensory discovery.
Why do we use it with babies aged 4 to 18 months?
At this stage, children are deeply engaged in developing their senses. They are in a phase of intense sensory and motor exploration, and the light table provides rich but gentle visual and tactile stimulation. It is an ideal tool to nurture their curiosity and innate desire to learn, in keeping with the Montessori principles:
Prepared environment – safe, aesthetically pleasing, and developmentally appropriate.
Self-exploration – children choose how to interact with the materials.
Respect for individual rhythm – no rush, no impositions.
Proposed Activity: Free Exploration with Translucent Materials
We prepared a simple and safe activity:
Materials: soft-coloured translucent pieces (rings, blocks, large caps), sensory bottles, cellophane paper, and organza scarves.
Layout: all objects were within easy reach, organised in small baskets placed on or near the light table.
Observation: without interfering, we accompanied the children with calm presence, softly describing their actions (“You’ve found the red one”, “The light is moving inside the bottle”).
What did they observe and learn?
👶 Some children were drawn to the bright colours, moving the objects back and forth, observing how the light passed through them.
👐 Others preferred to manipulate the materials with their hands, gently tapping them against the surface or bringing them to their mouths (everything is designed to be safe, of course!).
👀 There were long gazes, quiet attentiveness, and smiles of discovery. Every gesture was an expression of deep concentration.
Benefits of this experience
Visual stimulation without sensory overload
Eye–hand coordination
Cause-and-effect exploration (how the object changes under light)
Development of autonomy and initiative
At Mountain Peak Montessori School, we understand that every child builds knowledge through direct experience with their environment. The light table is not merely an attractive resource – it is a gateway to spontaneous investigation, natural wonder, and the joy of learning from the earliest months of life.