Finding Myself in the Mirror
In front of a large mirror, children find the body part the teacher names in their reflection, point to it on the mirror and then on their own body, and move it. It builds body-part recognition and the link between one's body and its image.
How to play
- In small groups in front of the mirror, each child waves, says their name and looks from head to toe (2 min).
- The teacher names a big part ("your tummy," "your legs"): first point to it on the mirror, then touch it on your body (2 min).
- Move on to small and hidden parts: elbows, ankles, shoulders, neck, wrists; find them in the reflection and move them to watch them move (3 min).
- Make faces and poses: "Show the mirror just your elbows," "Hide your ankles," "Make your reflection put one arm up" (3 min).
- Each child picks a part and moves it in front of the mirror while the others guess which one; then groups switch (2 min).
Rules
- Touch the mirror gently with just one finger.
- Look at your own reflection without pushing to get in front.
- Nobody laughs at anyone in the mirror.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use big parts and the face, and the teacher stands beside them in the mirror to point together.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, add elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles, plus simple poses.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, use two-part poses ("one hand on your knee and the other on your shoulder") and notice that the reflection raises its hand "on the other side."
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: replace the mirror with a classmate acting as the mirror, describe in words, and let the child touch their own part and the partner's.
- Limited mobility: place the child's wheelchair at mirror height and work with the parts they can see.
- Autism: if the mirror is unsettling, start by looking at a stuffed animal in the mirror before looking at themselves.
Learning goals
- Identify big and small body parts in the reflection and on oneself.
- Connect the mirror image with one's own body.
- Move body parts while watching the result.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Large wall mirror: 1
Teacher tip
If the mirror is small, work in groups of four or five while the rest play in a quiet corner. Wipe the mirror afterward; it'll be covered in fingerprints.
PatioLab has "Finding Myself in the Mirror" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.