Target Language: any language
Suggested Grade Level: upper primary
Goal(s):
write descriptive sentences about self and others in school setting
making singular and plural subjects and verbs agree
choosing correct suffix for gender (i.e. amigas/amigos)
recite short poem about mirror
oral presentation about mirror in front of class
Learning Objective(s):
assembly and construction of memory mirrors
reading and writing descriptive paragraph about self and others
Materials/Resources:
8-1/2x 11” decorative / design paper assortment sets by Royalco,
displayed by single piles of paired, identical sheets. I like to use both sides
of my white board cart filled with papers held together by magnets.
(See bottom of the page for samples)
scissors
pencils
Flair pens in black. Children love to do special work with these pens.
jumbo purple glue sticks; children will use less because they can see glue
o(good supply here; the project take a lot of glue!)
mirror patterns traced on heavy railroad board for durability
o(enlarge to fill 9x12” paper)
9x12” sheets of oaktag
correction pen for any minor mistakes
mirror writing form in target language (make many copies on white copy paper
for first and last drafts)
MY MIRROR OF MEMORIES (YEAR)!
My name is ________. I am ______ years old. I am in the ___ grade.
My classroom teacher(s) is/are ______________________________.
My Spanish teacher is _____________________________________.
My favorite teacher(s) is/are __________________________________.
My favorite subjects (is/are)___________________________________.
My friends are ___________________________________________.
My favorite lunch is ______________________________________.
At recess, I like to ________________________________________.
short poem in target language about activity
Example: Leo, leo sobre el espejo [I read, I read on the mirror]
lo que de mí escribo aquí. [What about me I write here.]
12” pieces of colored yarn
hole punches
list of subjects studied by students
(i.e. science, physical education, etc., including world language)
list of teachers’ names with title (i.e. Señora Hutton, Señor Dean)
list of some favorite foods served at lunch
o(check with cafeteria workers)
list of recess activities
o(i.e. soccer, jumprope, running, kickball, playscape)
Activity/reading & writing folders for each child for storage of materials between classes
Option: Some years I have been able to get extra mini-photos of the students
done by the official school photographer to place in the space where the handle
of the mirror meets the “glass”; digital photography is other option, but photos
would have to be reduced to fit in this small space. Ask your school office administrator.
Procedure for Teaching:
Teacher shows sample of finished memory mirror.
Review chart vocabulary.
Writing a fantasy descriptive paragraph for Federico Fulano and Federica Fulano.
Children begin writing first draft of descriptive paragraph with pencils.
Meanwhile, teacher asks students by twos or threes to select pair of decorative/design
sheets they wish to use for mirror while students are creating first drafts.
His/her paper description is then stored carefully in folders.
Teacher circulates and assists students with first drafts.
Once a student receives a check on top of first draft, student uses black
Flair pen to complete final draft.
Once final draft completed, it is stored in folder. Cover minor errors with correction pen;
allow to dry sufficiently.
Student uses mirror pattern and traces mirror on two pieces of decorative /
design paper and one piece of oaktag.
Student glues decorative paper on both sides of the oaktag with liberal amounts of glue.
Any overhang is trimmed off at this point.
Descriptive paragraph is glued in center where “glass” would be.
If using photo, glue on junction of “glass” and handle.
Student punches hole above “glass” and strings yarn and knots for easy hanging.
Students begin oral presentations in front of class.
Assessment: Teacher circulates and asks students to read parts of descriptive paragraph.
Teacher attentively listens to oral presentations for pronunciation accuracy as well as
vocabulary and grammar choices.
Optional Extension for High-Achievers: Students create fill-in-the-blank grid for opposite side of mirror with additional school memories.
Home & School Connection: Students will read mirror information to family member.
Note: These mirrors make an excellent end-of-the-year bulletin board, especially for any
"graduating" class to middle school.
See my Art Projects page for classroom management suggestions to make this activity go smoothly.
