Shadows can be scary for children, especially if they are distorted in the night's light. Help children understand that shadows aren't always monsters by making crazy shadows with everyday objects. Ask the children to sketch what they see as far as the shadow, and then sketch the everyday object. This can help children learn that things they see in the night are usually not as scary as they appear.
Have a parent with an artistic background come and help out for this craft. Using a bright light, or a lamp with the shade taken off, have each child sit one by one somewhere in the light where his shadow will be easily reflected on a surface behind him. Tape up a piece of paper where his shadow falls and trace the shadow. Cut it out and give to the child. Have him decorate the portrait with anything he desires.
Have each child create her own shadow by having her lie down on a sheet of butcher paper. Trace each child's outline with a pencil and then turn it over for the child to decorate. The children can call it a shadow and color it all black, or decorate it with clothing and hair. When the children have finished, hang their outlines up around the room to add some decoration.
Have the children practice their tracing by setting up "shadow puppet" stations all around the classroom. Shine a light behind a few everyday objects and help each child tape a piece of paper to the wall where the shadow lands. Ask the children to then attempt to trace the shadows as best as they can. When they have finished, the children can color the pictures in or leave them as simple outlines.