Who’s That in the Mirror?
Here's What To Do
1
Look into a mirror with me. Smile and say hello to help me learn that the baby in the mirror is me.
2
Make a funny face while we're looking in the mirror. I may react in different ways- reaching out, seeming confused, looking at you, or smiling.
3
Help me touch my image in the mirror and then touch my own body.
4
Help me touch your face in the mirror, and then encourage me to look at the real you.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Look into my eyes and smile before we look into the mirror.
E
Engage:
- "Hello, Jaden! That's you in the mirror there!"
- "Let's touch Ava's nose in the mirror. Now let's touch Ava's nose on your body!"
E
Encourage:
- I may be slow to react. Give me plenty of time to look in the mirror.
- Encourage me to look into mirrors throughout the day and help me interact with my reflection.
R
Reflect:
- Does it seem like I understand that I'm looking at myself in the mirror?
Not quite ready?
As I grow, I'll eventually learn that the person in the mirror is me.
Ready for more?
As I grow, I'll begin to "play" with my image in a mirror. I may laugh, touch, make faces, or kiss myself in the mirror.
As your child masters this skill...
They will begin to have a concept of "self" and will know they're looking at themself in the mirror.