Two-Handed Mirror Drawing

Kneeling in front of butcher paper taped to the floor or wall, children draw with a crayon in each hand at the same time, making pictures that mirror each other on either side of a center line. It works on symmetry, using both hands and big arm movements.

How to play

1. The teacher tapes up butcher paper and draws a vertical line for each child; everyone takes a crayon in each hand (2 min).
2. Make big circles with one hand only, then the other (2 min).
3. With both hands at once: circles, waves and rain, each hand on its own side of the line (3 min).
4. The hands meet at the line and move apart: draw double mountains and rainbows (2 min).
5. Draw a butterfly together: each hand paints one wing (2 min).
6. Walk around looking at classmates' drawings and find the matching halves (1 min).

Rules

• A crayon in each hand.
• Each hand draws on its own side of the line.
• Draw only on the paper.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: tape the paper to a table or wall at wheelchair height.
• Less coordination: chunky crayons or thick markers with a rubber grip.
• Autism: give the child their own sheet with their name and a marked border so they know their space.

Learning goals

• Move both hands at once symmetrically.
• Make big strokes that reach both sides.
• Recognize symmetry in a drawing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• butcher paper: 1
• chunky crayons: 50
• masking tape: 1

Teacher tip

Kneeling or standing at the wall works better than sitting at a table: the movement comes from the shoulder. If one hand "falls asleep," tap it and say "Wake up, your buddy's already drawing!"

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary