Simply wipe the mirror clean and it’s ready to go again. Children are able to look at their reflection in the mirror and, using a brush with paint, they can apply the paint directly onto the mirror to create a portrait of themselves using the mirror as the painting surface. Mirrors can also be a fun way to combine art with the exploration of a child’s self-image by using their own face as the painting subject. They allow children to experiment and explore all the angles of their painting subjects, from still life paintings of fruit and flowers to exploring light and shapes in multiple dimensions. Mirrors are a great addition to the art space. This is also an ideal activity for magnifying glasses, opening the door for even more opportunities for reflective surface exploration. With so many incredible reflections happening, many questions can arise and conversations can take place, welcoming further inquiry and exploration. There are all sorts of shapes, textures, colours and shades to investigate. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a nature treasure hunt, and the children are able to bring back their treasures to place on the mirrors ready for further exploration. Leaves, pebbles, sticks and twigs, flowers, feathers, pinecones, seedpods and grass to name but a few! You might even be fortunate enough to find an old birds’ nest on the ground after a windy day. The great outdoors is filled with an endless supply of beautiful and interesting objects. Let’s have a look at some mirrors and reflections activities ideal for the early childhood learning environment. Mirrors and the reflections they make can be a source of fun, intrigue, inquiry and experimentation and have so many incredible learning opportunities.

You’ll likely remember the look of surprise when a baby recognises themselves in the mirror, or the look of wonder and concentration as toddlers examine the details of their facial expressions or the happy giggles of pre-schoolers as they dress up and march past the mirror in their fancy and creative costumes. From our own reflections looking back at us in the bathroom mirror or a shop window to the reflections of nature on a still lake or in our car’s rear-view or side mirrors – we are surrounded by reflections! Mirrors and reflections can bring curiosity, fascination and discovery for all of us, including children. We see reflected and mirrored images wherever we go.

Mirror middle finger drawing