The Gentle Mirror

3-5 years

Me with Others

5–7 min / As needed

Learning goal :

Developing Emotional Awareness When Interacting with Others (aiming for a positive solution-seeking stance)

Pedagogical Intention :

Identifying My Emotions When Interacting with Others

Target skills :

Receptivity to synchrony

Materials :

Unbreakable mirror

Detailed procedure :

1. Adult mirrors the child's facial expression precisely to create a mirroring effect.
2. Verbalizes the observation: "Look - I'm making the same face as you. Is that anger?"
3. Child then looks at themselves in a real mirror to become aware of their own face.
4. Adult invites softness by gently stroking the mirror to symbolically soothe the reflection.

Progress Indicators :

Modifies their expression by imitating the mirror.

Research Foundations :

Rizzolatti (2006)