Mirror cleaning activity

Mirror cleaning is a great way to foster independence, responsibility, and self-esteem, all while teaching your child the importance of looking after their environment.

What you’ll need:

• A small mirror (a hand-held one works well)
• A spray bottle (filled with water or a mild detergent solution)
• A sponge for cleaning
• A polishing cloth (or a soft towel)

Let’s get started:

• Set up the mirror and invite your child to spray a small amount of water onto the surface.
• Show them how to use the sponge to wipe the mirror clean, gently rubbing in circular motions.
• Once the mirror is clean, hand them the polishing cloth to remove any water marks and give the mirror a shiny finish.
• Allow your child to take pride in their work and encourage them to take their time with each step. The more they practice, the more confident they’ll feel in their abilities.

Learning benefits:

Direct learning includes:

• Understanding the importance of cleaning and looking after their environment
• Developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and concentration

Indirect learning supports:

• Building self-esteem and fostering a sense of pride and achievement
• Encouraging independence, responsibility, and care for belongings

Ideas to extend the activity:

• After the mirror, encourage your child to help clean other objects around the house like windows, metal or plastic items.
• Let your child talk to themselves in the mirror, celebrating their achievements or expressing positive thoughts.
• This is a lovely activity for two children to do together; they can take turns cleaning or share kind words to encourage each other.

No mirror? No problem!

If you don’t have a small mirror, you can use any reflective surface such as a metal tray, a small window, or even a shiny piece of cardboard.

Safety first:

• Always clean up any spilled water immediately to avoid slipping.
• Avoid using cotton wool for polishing, as it can leave fibers behind.