The mimic

Mimicry is the skills of imitating someone or something through facial expressions by moving the facial muscles in order to express feelings. We are aware of some facial expressions we make and can control them, but there are also some that we cannot, known as microexpressions. The experts divide mimics into special facial areas such as the area around the eyes, forehead, eyebrows and lips.

Tools

  • White paper.
  • Pencils or markers.

Steps

  • The facilitator starts the activity by asking participants to sit in pairs or groups. The pairs or groups can be randomly chosen or defined before the activity takes place.
  • The facilitator shares a story, fairy tale, historical tale, short clip or any other media the participants will observe. 
  • The facilitator directs the participants to emotionally react to the text or what they have seen/read/heard and express their feelings.
  • In pairs or in a group the participants react to what they have seen/read/heard by drawing a symbol for facial expression on the white sheet. 
  • The activity ends with the presentation of the poster/sheet where the participants have added their symbols for facial expressions. 

Tips

  • The facilitator must be prepared to have an active role in the beginning, introducing the goal and the rules of the activity.
  • At the end of the activity, the facilitator must resume the activity and give space to any participant willing to share what they liked most and less, as well as what they have learnt and what they are aware of after this experience.

Sources

Created by Slovenian teachers Majda Kočevar Klaužer, Mojca Hojski and Urška Tiselj.

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