Baby-Face Mirror Play

Supports this milestone

• shows interest in, interacts with, and develops personal relationships with other children. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

• A large unbreakable floor mirror
• A soft blanket

Steps

• Settle the babies close enough to see and touch one another safely.
• Narrate what each baby is doing, naming them by name.
• Pause to let the babies look at, reach for, or touch each other.
• Point to their faces in the mirror and say each name warmly.
• Follow the babies' lead, keeping the mood gentle and unhurried.

Variations

• Offer two identical rattles so each baby has one and can watch the other.
• Sing a simple name song that includes both children.

Differentiation

• For younger infants, prop them securely so they can see their peer.
• For older babies, allow gentle reaching and touching with close supervision.

Accessibility

• Add a gentle verbal cue when introducing the peer for children with vision differences.
• Keep the group tiny and the space calm for easily overwhelmed children.

Safety

• Supervise closely to keep touch gentle and prevent grabbing of faces or hair.
• Ensure the mirror is shatterproof and securely placed.

Practices these skills

• Shows Interest in Other Children

Evidence

• Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services