Have you ever noticed how many mirrors we have in our classrooms? They make our rooms brighter and seem larger. In the Reggio philosophy, mirrors are often used as a work surface with loose parts for pattern work or a surface for painting and sensory explorations. Inspired by by a trip to visit Reggio schools in Italy, former teacher and director Shari Robinson, collected many of the mirrors inside our red door entry to reflect the special people who come and go.
How many times do you see the children admiring themselves in the classroom? Certainly when they are dressed in a silly hat, the reflection makes them laugh. Fingerpainted hands wave back at the smiling face. Do you ever glance at your own reflection and adjust your hair or your collar?
For just a moment, it’s ALL ABOUT ME.
There is plenty of research to support the importance of mirrors in child development. The “mirror stage” is a concept in the psychoanalytic theory of Jacques Lacan (1911-1981) for in the 6-18 month age range of children, there is an “emerging perception of selfhood.”
Not sure I need to read the research because it is obvious that children LOVE to look at their reflection.
Our next Gigi and PopPop gift will be a child length mirror for the back of each grandchild’s bedroom door.
Best in parenting,
Ginny Hacker, Director
P.S. Hat’s off to Courtney McCracken for such a successful Parent Ed night! SO proud of our little school hosting nearly 100 people for such an important discussion.
P.S.2 The double “Me” picture is same age brothers Kai (now 8) and Jace (3) in a shirt gift from Gigi. The other picture is of our twin grandchildren, Brooke and Jace, at the Children’s Museum.
