Emotion Faces Mirror
To develop emotional vocabulary and self-expression through mirror play with feeling faces.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Communication & Language
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Names basic emotions
- Makes facial expressions to match feelings
- Talks about personal emotional experiences
- Recognises emotions in others
Materials
- Unbreakable mirror at child height
- Emotion face picture cards
- Feeling-themed story books
- Emotion sorting activities
Instructions
Show a feeling card: 'Look at this face! How is this person feeling? Happy! Can you make a happy face? Look in the mirror—you're smiling!'
Model emotions expressively: 'When I feel sad, my mouth goes down and my eyes look like this. Can you show me your sad face?'
Connect to real experience: 'When do you feel happy? I feel happy when I play with my friends. What makes you feel happy?'
Validate emotions: 'Everyone feels sad sometimes, and that's okay. When you feel sad, you can tell me and I'll help you feel better.'