Whole Brain Teaching

Mirror

 

Mirror is one of WBT’s simplest and most powerful techniques.  I say “mirror” and the students respond “mirror.” They then pick up their hands ready to mimic my gestures. The gesture for mirror is holding up both hands.  As students imitate my motions, their motor cortex, the brain’s most reliable memory area, is automatically engaged.  I use mirror when telling a story, giving directions, describing the steps in a procedure, demonstrating a process ... anytime I want my class locked in to what I am saying.  

Mirror allows the kids to repeat my gestures as if they are my mirror as I teach a new concept. I teach a little with gestures, they gesture along with you. One thing to remember- mirrors don't talk!- so the focus is on their motor & visual cortexes (seeing and doing) and linking movement to their learning.

If I do want my kids to repeat words and gestures, I would say "Mirror with words" and this time, kids would repeat what I said and my movements. This engages their motor and visual cortex as well as their Broca's and Wernicke's Areas.  (doing, seeing, saying and hearing cortexes)