The science concept of light and darkness can be conveyed in a preschool storytime. Of course, stories about the sun are helpful, but also storytimes where flashlights or electric lights play a part can help preschoolers understand the concept. Find activities involving color and light at the Optical Society. A very simple craft is making a collage, where kids glue pieces of aluminum foil on paper, to show things that make a reflection.
Swanson, Susan Marie. THE HOUSE IN THE NIGHT. This year’s Caldecott Medal book explores how light can brighten the house even late at night.
Waring, Geoff. OSCAR AND THE MOTH. Subtitled “a book about light and dark,” this very simple nonfiction book stars Oscar the kitten, who learns about light and dark from a moth.
Schnur, Steven. NIGHT LIGHTS. Melinda counts the lights around her while trying to fall asleep.
Godwin, Laura. LITTLE WHILE DOG. Animals disappear into the background until the lights are turned on, and they can search for each other.
Lankford, Mary. IS IT LIGHT? IS IT DARK? Opposites are explored in this brief story, explaining different types of light such as the moonlight.
Graham, Joan B. FLICKER FLASH. Read one or two selections from this collection of poems about light.
Crews, Donald. LIGHT. Different types of light sources are demonstrated with Crews’ customary bright graphic illustrations.