Being an educator often requires the use of a lot of creativity. Out-of-the-box activities and interesting lessons are typically the ones that get kids engaged and keep them wanting more. Using mirrors is an unconventional way to switch up boring lessons or activities. They can be used for social-emotional learning, science, crafts, and with enough creativity, other subject areas too! The 20 activities sourced here are a great start to switching up your usual hum-drum ideas!
1. Affirmation Station
Have students practice positive self-talk with an affirmation station. You can utilize a mirror mounted to the wall with a selection of “I can” statements and other positive affirmations posted around it. Kids can read the statements to themselves as they look in the mirror to help create a positive self-image.
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2. Learning About Symmetry
Older kids will appreciate the ability to learn symmetry in a visual way. Using two mirrors taped together, some paper, and writing utensils, they’ll be able to create shapes and immediately understand symmetry by placing the mirror “book: in front of it.
Learn More: Ingrid Science
3. Brighten Up a Bathroom
Mirrors are the perfect medium to create artwork! Have kids write funny or inspirational sayings for peers on bathroom mirrors using chalk markers. They’re easy to place on and take off and will brighten up the space immediately!
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4. Mirror Tracing
Who knew a mirror could be a canvas? I did! Check out how much fun kids can have tracing themselves on a mirror! They can use dry-erase markers or the aforementioned chalk markers.
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5. Self-Portraits via Mirror
This art activity is one that can be catered to any age range. It requires kids to look at themselves in the mirror and then draw what they see on paper. Younger students will benefit from a printed head outline while older ones can simply draw from scratch depending on their skill set.
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6. Secret Messages
As part of an escape room or just as a fun reflection experiment, kids can uncover secret messages. Write (or type) information backward onto a sheet of paper and have students utilize a mirror to figure out what it actually says!
Learn More: How Stuff Works
7. Laws of Reflection Light Experiment
Physics teachers will appreciate how this experiment easily depicts the laws of reflection using a few simple tools. A flashlight, comb, paper, and small mirror are used to show how the reflection of light creates specific angles.
Learn More: Infinity Learn Class 9&10
8. Reflection Experiment
In this interesting experiment, kids will figure out how the angle of two mirrors changes the reflection of an object. Taping two mirrors together and observing an object between them will almost instantly create a myriad of questions for your learners to research!
Learn More: Education.com
9. Create a Kaleidoscope
These toys have been around for ages, but with technology so far advanced, it seems they have been forgotten! Nonetheless, kids still love them. Have students create their very own kaleidoscope using these simple kits that include kid-safe mirrors.
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10. Decorate a Mirror
These blank wooden mirrors are great for small parties, craftivities in class, or for a Summertime boredom buster. They can be easily painted or drawn on with washable markers. Kids can even add embellishments to personalize them further.
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11. Enhance Dramatic Play With Mirrors
Toddlers and kindergarten-aged kids always find the dramatic play area of their classrooms to be the most fun. Spice up the section by including a ton of costume props and some mirrors so kids can admire themselves and practice their theatre skills.
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12. Fishy Feelings
Young children who are still learning about feelings and emotions will benefit from using this book to practice identifying them. The brightly colored pages and integrated mirror will keep them entertained while they learn important messages.
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13. Mirrored Mosaics
Today’s younger generation will appreciate this recyclable 3D artwork made from old compact discs. Teachers and parents will appreciate that no REAL mirrors are being used, and the project is, therefore, safe for kids to enjoy. By cutting old CDs into mosaic pieces, there’s a myriad of sculptures and tilework that can be created.
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14. Look in the Mirror
Toddlers are fascinated by the human face, so what better face to look at than their own? Play a game where they point out their facial features in the mirror to practice recognition!
Learn More: Resources for Early Learning
15. Phoneme Practice
Practicing phonemes utilizing a mirror is an exceptionally helpful way to teach kids letter sounds. Whether you purchase a fancy set like the one in the link or simply provide a hand mirror for kids to use, they’ll benefit from practicing mouth formations that correspond with letter sounds.
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16. Sensory Reflective Balls
These mirrored balls are the perfect addition to sensory centers! The spheres distort the mirrored images- making them an interesting way for kids to learn about and interact with their environment.
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17. See My Feelings Mirror
Kids in primary grades will benefit from checking in with themselves each day using this interactive mirror. With several swing-out emotion cards, kids can match their feelings to a fitting image.
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18. Chrysanthemum Mirror Craft
Art teachers will love this unique art craft! Plastic spoons, paint, and a small mirror can become a beautiful work of art with this simple tutorial. The flowers can be created as small or as large as each student wants, and the colors can be customized to match their personalities.
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19. Shaving Cream Mirror Art
Rubbing an even coat of shaving cream over a mirror creates the perfect canvas for artistic expression. Kids can even utilize this strategy to practice letter formation and shapes!
Learn More: Artful Parent
20. Exploring Color
Use a mirror to help reflect colors. Rainbow-colored plastic cups become that much more interesting when placed on a mirror for kids to explore and play with during free play. Experience the rainbow in a whole new way!
Learn More: Learning 4 Kids
20 Activities To Encourage Kids To Get Out Of Their Comfort Zone