Mirroring is a great activity that increases attention to detail and communication skills. In fact, mirroring is a common human behavior which we adopt often without even being aware that we are doing it. For example, when someone we are talking with smiles, we smile in return. Mirroring may express itself in gestures, eye movements, facial expressions, body language, even choice of words and attitude. Mirroring as an exercise attunes us to various forms of non-verbal communication and helps us feel connected to those around us. This is not a new game and is often used in theatre games, but is just as effective as a yoga game.
Mirror, Mirror
In pairs, ask the children to copy one another. Stand facing your partner arms distance apart. The leader does an action slowly; their mirror mimics, trying to match them like a reflection. For example is the leader raises their right arm, the follower raises their left arm in the same manner. This is easier to do if you maintain eye contact and not look at extremities and if slow, smooth movements are used instead of abrupt ones. Feel free to call out various activities for them to mimic, such as:
- brushing teeth
- washing hair
- scratching their chin
- putting pants, shoes, or a shirt on
- needing to go pee
- climbing a ladder
- being sad, angry, surprised, hurt, thrilled, anxious, etc.
- practising Mountain pose, Tree pose, Warrior Pose
This is an exercise in co-operation and the leader should try as hard as the mirror to make their movements match. No trying to trick them. Continue on for a minute or more, then switch roles. Once students get good at doing this slowly, do it at normal speed, then quickly for those with really good reflexes.
Here is a video clip of Mirror using emotions and facial expressions.
Mirror Facial Expressions Theater Game for Kids — powered by eHow.com
An advanced version of this game is not to designate a leader but simply tell the participants that they must continue mirroring each other. This final version is an exercise in co-operation and competition and may stimulate some interesting observations and conversations.
Variations
Magnifying Mirrors: the leader keeps his gestures small, the mirror makes them bigger
Shrinking Mirrors: the opposite of the above, here the leader keeps his gestures large, the mirror makes them smaller
Opposites: Instead of matching right to left, participants use the same side of the body: leader raises right hand, mirror raises right hand. This leads to some interesting effects as participants can now move into each other’s space or change places as they are not inhibited by the imaginary mirror which acts as an invisible barrier.
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I always get such great ideas for simple games with kids. I am going to try this one with my daughter and her friends next time it’s my turn to host their playdate!
Excellent point about our normal tendencies to mirror, as in smiling. So cool!
Great game – works with many ages – I’ve done this game with kids as young as 3 1/2 years. It doesn’t need any props or even music so it’s handy to remember if you have some extra time at the end of a class.