
Making Mirror Reflections
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Beginner​
Let your child play in front of a mirror with toys they love.
Tip: Show them different shapes that appear in everyday life (heart, square, rectangle, triangle) and the reflection they create..
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Intermediate
Explore reflections (also called symmetry) by drawing half of a heart and holding it up to the mirror to see the other half.
Tip: Once you have seen the full image, draw the other side of the heart; try other shapes
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Experienced
Talk about the beauty of reflections in nature (a still pond, a pinecone, a sunflower, and patterns on feathers).
Tip: Encourage the use of positive language such as, “our reflection in the pond is so beautiful, look at us!”
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Why is this important?
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Mirror images are part of geometry which focuses on understanding, describing shapes and patterns in life.
References: Knuchel, C. (2004) "Teaching Symmetry in the Elementary Curriculum," The Mathematics Enthusiast: Vol. 1 : No. 1 , Article 2. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=tme Jerry, L., Barbara, A., Monica, W., David, K., & Karen, F. (2019). Symmetry and measuring: ways to teach the foundations of mathematics inspired by yupiaq elders. Journal of Humanistic Mathematics, 9(1).