List of Materials Needed:
​- Small handheld or craft mirrors
- Acrylic paint or paint markers
- Permanent markers or Sharpies
- Washi tape or colored tape (optional)
- Stickers and foam shapes (optional)
- Sequins, beads, and gems (optional)
- Craft glue or hot glue (teacher’s use)
- Colored paper or magazine cutouts
- Ribbons or yarn (optional)
- Fabric scraps or felt (optional)
- Buttons (optional)
- Glitter glue (optional)
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Image from: @ aash_artgallery on Treads.
Instructions:
1. Invite kids to hold their mirror and notice their reflection. Say something like: “This mirror shows what’s on the outside, but today you get to decorate it to also show who you are on the inside.”
2. Encourage them to pick colors, stickers, or patterns that represent their feelings, strengths, and personality. Prompt with questions: “What colors feel the most like you?” or “What symbol or shape shows something you’re really good at?”
3. Start decorating. Let children glue, paint, or tape their chosen items around the mirror’s edges.
4. Once the frames are decorated, ask them to look in the mirror again. Reflection question: “How does it feel to see yourself surrounded by the things that make you special?”. Encourage them to share with each other if comfortable.
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Read more about:
Research about art therapy improving self-esteem, social engagement, and emotional expression here.
Similar suggested activity from Mosswood Connections.