This self-esteem mirror craft for kids is an easy hands-on way to encourage positive self-talk and confidence. Using a free printable mirror template and simple supplies, kids create their own “mirror”.
It’s a frugal SEL activity that works well at home, in classrooms, counseling settings, or anytime you want to focus on feelings and self-worth. And the best part? It’s easy to customize for different ages, themes, or goals, making it a great starting point for social-emotional learning.
What Is the Self-Esteem Mirror Craft?
Helping kids build confidence doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, the most meaningful activities are the simplest ones.
This self-esteem mirror craft is a hands-on activity that helps kids reflect on who they are in a positive and encouraging way. Using the free printable mirror template (optional but totally makes it easier), cardboard, aluminum foil, and markers, kids make their own mirror.
To turn it into a social-emotional learning activity, your students can add a positive affirmation to the handle. For example, they can use short phrases, such as “I am kind,” “I am brave,” or “I am loved.” The craft becomes more than just an art project. It becomes a custom reminder they can hold, look at, and talk about.
Why This Self-Esteem Craft Helps Kids Build Confidence
Confidence grows when kids have opportunities to notice their strengths and practice positive self-talk. Also, they need to feel safe expressing who they are. This self-esteem mirror craft supports all of that without feeling heavy or forced.
By drawing themselves and choosing an affirmation, kids are encouraged to:
- Think about how they see themselves
- Practice kind + supportive language
- Connect feelings with words in a simple + concrete way
The mirror is a visual tool that supports conversations about emotions, self-worth, and confidence. This type of tool can be helpful for kids who struggle to talk about those things.
Best of all, this craft meets kids where they are. There’s no “right” way to do it. It’s about self-expression and encouragement, making it a delightful starting point for building lifelong confidence skills.
Recommended Supplies for This Confidence Craft
- Printed mirror template (free instant download)
- Cardboard
- Aluminum foil
- Glue or glue stick
- Scissors
- Markers
- Optional: stickers, stamps, washi tape, and other craft decorations
Before I get to the step-by-step instructions on making this project, I would like to encourage you and your kids to think outside the box. Use the back of the mirror to add more decorations and affirmations. Decorate cardstock or other types of paper can add custom touches. Make the mirror your own!
How to Make This Self-Esteem Mirror Craft
Prepare the template and mirror base.
Print the mirror template on regular paper. Carefully cut out the mirror shape from the template. Place the paper template on cardboard and trace around it. Cut out the mirror shape from the cardboard to create a sturdy base. Glue the paper template onto the cardboard mirror and press flat.
Add the mirror and self-portrait.
Cut a piece of aluminum foil to fit inside the mirror frame. Glue the foil into the center and smooth it gently. Use markers to draw a self-portrait OR use a photograph.
Customize the mirror and add affirmation.
Decorate the edges of the mirror with drawings, stickers, and other craft supplies. On the handle, write a positive affirmation.
Easy Ways to Customize This Confidence Craft
This craft is super flexible and easy to adapt for different kids, ages, and settings. A few simple tweaks can make it work beautifully for your situation.
For different ages:
- Younger kids: Keep it playful and simple. Focus on drawing, coloring, and choosing one short affirmation.
- Elementary kids: Encourage more detail in the self-portrait and talk about what makes them feel proud or strong.
- Older kids: Invite them to write a longer affirmation or decorate the mirror with words, symbols, or designs that reflect their personality.
For different themes:
- Pair the craft with a feelings unit, friendship theme, kindness focus, or back-to-school activity.
- Use seasonal colors or decorations to match holidays or special times of year.
- Create a class or family theme, such as kind words, trying new things, or believing in yourself.
The goal of this activity isn’t perfection. It’s helping kids feel seen, supported, and encouraged in a way that works for them.
Confidence-Building Affirmations for Kids
Adding a positive affirmation transforms this craft into a confidence-building experience. Affirmations help kids practice noticing their strengths and speaking kindly to themselves.
Here are some kid-friendly affirmation ideas to try:
Short and simple:
- I am kind
- I am brave
- I am loved
- I am enough
Confidence and effort-focused:
- I can try hard things
- I don’t have to be perfect
- I am learning every day
- I believe in myself
Kindness and connection:
- I am a good friend
- My feelings matter
- I am helpful
- I care about others
Encourage kids to choose an affirmation that feels right to them or invite them to make up their own. Reading the affirmation out loud, pointing to their reflection, or repeating it together can help reinforce the message in a meaningful way.
Over time, these small moments of positive self-talk can add up to something powerful.
When You’re Ready to Go Deeper with Self-Esteem Skills
This mirror craft is a fantastic starting point for building confidence and self-esteem. If you’d like more activities that support these skills in kid-friendly ways, you might enjoy my SEL Confidence Activity Pack for Kids.
The pack is easy to use, flexible, and created with busy grown-ups in mind (meaning no complicated prep or rigid structure required). You can use the activities together or on their own, whenever it feels helpful for your child or group.
How will you use this mirror craft to help your children build self-esteem and more? And what ideas do you have for customizing? Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
