This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to develop a sense of identity and belonging. As children come to understand and value themselves, they grow in their capacity to feel empathy for others.
Materials Needed:
- Non-breakable mirror
- Paper
- Drawing tools
Participants: This activity is intended for adult/child interaction and independent play.
Directions:
- Encourage your child to explore their reflection in the mirror. Point out individual facial features. “Your eyes are the same color blue as your blanket.” “Your lips remind me of Aunt Stacey’s lips.”
- Offer paper and drawing tools. Look in the mirror as you draw self-portraits together. Display the self-portraits in a prominent place.
- Place the mirror behind a play space, such as a space where your child is building with blocks or Legos™. Does your child notice anything about the reflection in the mirror, e.g., it’s a mirror or reverse image?
