Preschoolers are naturally egocentric, but in this activity, they need to focus on another person's face, gestures and movements.

Materials:

• A partner

Directions:

Each child should have a partner. The partner can be another child or an adult.

Have the partners stand in pairs, facing each other -- as if they're looking in a mirror.

One person starts as the leader. As the leader moves, the follower imitates that movement.

At some point, change roles, so that each partner has the chance to be leader and follower.

In times of conflict, when a child has done something that upsets a friend, you could ask them to look at his or her friend's face, just like they did for this activity. Paying attention to other people's facial expressions or movements can help children realize that the things they do really affect others.

Back to Theme