“The Environment” as the third teacher. We try to make our children’s spaces inspiring and one of our elements is the use of mirrors. Mirrors spread light in a room and add light to dark corners. Using smaller mirrors in interesting ways can make a space festive and interesting.
They are a unique added element to play and they also support the child’s construction of his/her self-image in the play environment.
e.g. Face Painting and dress up areas
“Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountain, as high as possible.” – Loris Malaguzzi
There is something alluring about mirrors, particularly to children. They mirror whatever is in front them, they make letters look funny, they bounce sunlight off of them, and when combined with other mirrors in exploration, they reflect reflections infinitely.
= dressing up – I could explore how children use it to create characters and do role play in job uniforms such as policemen, doctors etc. It’s a way of exploring one’s self and choosing what they enjoy and don’t enjoy (a sense of independent self play and awareness of what they can become in the future).
The Mirror - Raquel Soares Freitas 