Mirror Play
Originating
Idea: Young
infants are just beginning to learn the concept of self. As they develop, they begin to distinguish themselves
from their parent or primary caregiver.
This activity has very little preparation and has very little clean
up. Some of the mirrors suggested in
this activity are expensive, but can be used in the center for years. It is best to do this activity with one to
two children.
Materials
Needed: Floor Mat, Misc. Mirrors, Child’s Pictures of
Family Members, Picture Blocks or Photo album.
Set up all before beginning
activity.
Curriculum Content: KDI 4: Distinguishing Self and Others, KDI 8: Emotions, KDI 12 Moving Parts of the Body, KDI 13 Moving Whole Body. Baby Faces Book (See below) |
Beginning: Read the book, Baby Faces. Look at the pictures with the infants. Point to, and discuss different baby faces. Name the emotions displayed on the pages.
Middle: Hold the hand mirror up to each child so that they can see their reflections. Name their emotion. Place the child on their tummy with the floor mirror in front of them, just so the child can barely reach and touch the mirror. (The idea is to get the baby to stretch and maybe roll over as he/she is reaching to touch the mirror.) Talk about the baby in the reflection. Discuss baby’s facial features and expressions. Attach emotions in the discussion. End: End the activity by playing peek a- boo. The caregiver could also pick up the child, hold and cuddle, talk about how special the baby is. Extensions and Modifications: Modify this activity by limiting the amount of time the infant is on their tummy. Some babies do not like tummy time. If that is the case, decrease the duration of tummy time, but increase the frequency of tummy time.) To extend the activity, add family pictures to the picture blocks and discuss family members, their facial features, and possible emotions they are displaying. Pictures in magazines could also be added to the activity. |
Bibliography: Baby Faces. (1998) DK Publishing. |