Mirror Magic

Episode:  18                                                                            Planet: Stuff

Learning concept of the episode: Many things are symmetrical, and you can tell by testing, touching and folding objects to look for lines of symmetry – the dividing line between mirror images.

Story Summary

When Bing and Bong encounter a series of half-objects: half plate, half-spoons, half-chair, half-table. They spot what appears to be a two-headed Flocker at a table set with a plate, spoons, and a chair. On closer inspection, however, Bing and Bong realise that things aren’t as they seem. They notice that there is actually half of a table next to the one Flocker, with half of a plate, and half-spoons that only seemed whole because they were set against a mirror. Remembering the half-objects they collected along their way, Bing and Bong magically fuse the two halves together to form whole functional, symmetrical objects.

Focus Early Learning Goal

Communication Language and Literacy 5: Extend their vocabulary; explore the meaning and sounds of new words.

Linked ELGs

CLL7, M4, M11

Preparation

• Watch the Tiny Planets episode 
• Read the Tiny Planets book
• Talk about what Bing and Bong did in the story

Talk about…..

• How objects change their appearance?
• What happens to reflections?
• Where else can you see your reflection?

Focus Activity

Mirror Magic (see overleaf)

Follow-on Activities

• Where else can we see our reflection?
• Butterfly painting
• Symmetrical pictures
• Face painting

Mirror Magic

Aim: To encourage children to experiment using mirrors and reflections

Resources

• Different size and shape mirrors
• Props, hat, scarves, masks, oversized clothing

Guidelines

• Suitable for individuals and large groups.
• Encourage children to move, stay still, adopt a pose and pull faces expressing different feelings.
• Guide children in making close observations of their reflections.
• Have fun!

Key Vocabulary

Symmetrical, same as, reflection, large, small, shadow.

Health & Safety

Ensure that the mirrors are safe to be used by children. Preferably fixed mirrors should be used. Clear safety film can be purchased to make hand held mirrors safer.