USING DRAMA AS A TEACHING TOOL - Reeling & Writhing

Warm down games
TITLE: PASS THE OBJECT TITLE: MIRRORING
LEARNING OUTCOMES: A feast for the imagination
and brilliant for stimulating follow-up creative writing
sessions. Fun to conclude a session with
because each participant can add information from
his or her own imagination.
WHAT YOU NEED: A clear empty space
DESCRIPTION: Sit or stand in a circle with some
space in between each person.The group leader or
teacher should secretively take a small (imaginary)
object out of his/her jacket or trouser pocket, concealing
it from the group and cupping it in the
hands. Tell the group that you have brought this
special thing for them to see. Tell them not to be
frightened (reverse psychology!) and that the
object won’t bite them. (These instructions are
very important as they encourage the participants’
imaginations to run wild). Next, gently hand the
imaginary animal or object to the person next to
you. Make a fuss about handing the thing over,
ensuring it is ok and that the next person has it
securely in their hands. By concealing it from the
group as you hand ‘the object’ over, curiosity is
heightened and imaginations crank up another gear.
Hints and Tips:The ‘objects’ can be as big or small,
as heavy or light, as dangerous or cute as the individuals’
imagination will allow. Encourage participants
to change the size and weight of the object
and to show that change in their bodies.
LEARNING OUTCOME: This is a fantastic exercise
for getting the group to focus and concentrate but
it’s also useful to slow down the pace of the group
towards the end of a practical session.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY: A clear empty space.
DESCRIPTION: The participants pair up, and face
one another in their pairs. They stand with the
palm of one hand at shoulder level, facing their
partner. It is essential that if one participant is holding
up their right hand, then the other is holding up
their left, as the idea of the exercise is to mirror
one another.
Neither participant should instigate or lead the
exercise. Once the pair is confident about copying
one another’s movements, more of the body can
be used in the exchange. There should be a constant,
imperceptible exchange of leadership and
control as they move and follow each other’s
movements as if facing a mirror.
When the partners are confident enough in doing
this, they can explore different physical levels, for
example, moving close to the floor or moving with
their back to the ‘mirror’. Speed of movement can
also be tested.
HINTS AND TIPS: Participants should be made
aware that in order to be accurate, it is best to mirror
slowly.The aim of the exercise is not to catch
people out by making them copy difficult movements.
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