COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS: MIRROR, MIRROR

As therapists, we love activities for kids that can be adapted for all ages and ability levels.  This activity can be as simple, or as challenging as you make it!  The object is to get your partner to copy the position of your body as if they were looking into a mirror. And while you’re at it, learn some cooperation skills!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: You’ll just need the kids and some open space for this one!

WHAT TO DO:
Designate one child as the “leader” and place the children so that they are facing each other.  The leader positions her body and asks the other child to mimic that position.  For instance, the leader may put one hand on their head and one hand on their belly.

HOW TO CHANGE IT UP:
-Position one child (the leader) in front of a group of children or pair a child with an adult
-Make position changes rapidly, maybe using a timer set at 30 second intervals to challenge the partner to act quickly and challenging the leader to respond to the timer to change
-Challenge the child to think outside the box and attempt to hold different body positions while standing on one leg or sitting on the floor

SKILL AREAS ADDRESSED: Balance, coordination, gross motor skills, motor control, posture, proprioception, social skills, visual perceptual skills

Want to take a closer look at the skills kids are using in this activity?  Check out our Clinical Closeup page, where we break down the skills listed below in terms everyone can understand.

Looking for more inspiration?

• 
  Indoor Cross Country Ski Gross Motor Activity
• 
  Let’s Go Skating!
• 
  Snow-ga: a Wintertime Yoga Adventure for Kids

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Lauren Drobnjak

Lauren Drobnjak is co-author of The Inspired Treehouse blog and a pediatric physical therapist who currently practices in the educational environment. She has been a physical therapist for 18 years, with 17 of those years specifically in pediatrics. Her drive to make a difference in the lives of kids has led her entrepreneurial spirit in the direction of creating opportunities for play-based wellness and child development. She is a busy mama of 3 who thrives on chaos. To come down from the stress, Lauren enjoys exercising like she’s still 20, yoga, chocolate, a great book, browsing Pinterest, and anything crafty!

Latest posts by Lauren Drobnjak (see all)

• The Best Games for Kids in Wheelchairs - January 21, 2020
• Games to Strengthen Core Muscles - January 5, 2020
• Snowy Day Movement Story for Kids - January 5, 2020