Lights On, Lights Off: illustration of a toddler doing the activity

Lights On, Lights Off

from 12 months · 5 min · Sensory

What you need

  • a light switch you can lift them up to

How to do it

  1. Pick them up and stand by a light switch with the curtains open.
  2. Press it yourself and say 'on!' as the light comes on, then 'off!' as it goes off.
  3. Hold them close enough to reach and let them press it.
  4. Look up at the light together each time it changes.

Why it matters

One small press changes the whole room, and they can make it happen again and again.

What they're learning

Cause and effect
The light changes every time they press.
Short words
'On' and 'off', heard over and over with something to see.
A firm press
Pushing with a finger or the flat of the hand until it clicks.

What to look for

Notice them looking up at the light straight after they press, checking what happened.

A tip

Keep to light switches and move their hand away from any plug or socket nearby. Hold them securely with both arms, as they will lean towards the switch.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: you press while they watch the light and you say 'on' and 'off'

Harder: try a switch in another room and see which light it works

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Sensory activities · Activities for 1 year olds · Activities for 18 month olds

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