Mirror Light Play

What you need

• small torch
• handheld mirror
• dim room

How to do it

1. Dim the room a little and switch on a small torch.
2. Shine it onto a handheld mirror and bounce the light onto the wall or ceiling.
3. Let your toddler try holding the torch or mirror themselves to move the light spot.
4. Chase the light spot together across the wall.

Why it matters

Tracking a moving spot of light with their eyes and hands builds visual tracking that supports later reading and catching.

What they're learning

Visual tracking

Following a moving light with their eyes builds the smooth tracking skill needed later for reading lines of text.

Cause & effect

Moving the torch and watching the light spot move teaches direct control over something at a distance.

Wrist control

Angling the torch to aim the light works fine motor steering they'll later use for pointing devices and tools.

What to look for

Watch for them moving the torch deliberately to chase the light spot rather than waving randomly.

A tip

Keep this one to a dim room, not full dark, so they never feel unsettled.

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