The Mirror Game

The Mirror Game
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."  Ephesians 5:1

Project: Mirror Game

Children's Book:  Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

Snack: Chocolate pudding and banana slices

It has been said that imitation is the highest form of compliment.  The monkeys in Caps for Sale copied the salesman to the point of anger. Not all imitation is bad and some monkeys can be very helpful.  Did you know Capuchin monkeys have been trained to help quadriplegics and people with other severe spinal cord injuries?  The Bible admonishes people to "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."  Ephesians 5:1.  While it goes without saying that we should be comfortable with our own self and develop our own individuality,  there is also a time for learning through imitation.  Following the ways of someone more experienced with a skill can help build your own abilities.  In Caps for Sale, a treeful of monkeys imitate the motions of a frustrated man.  It is not until the man loses his temper that he realizes how simple it actually was to achieve his goal. We can get frustrated with things in life too but when we look to someone who has experience we can learn from them making our own path easier and less frustrating. 

How to:  The Mirror Game is played with two people sitting across from and facing one another.  Take turns being the person looking into "the mirror".  The other person acts as the mirror image. The mirror image person must imitate the movements of the first person.  Start with simple movements such as holding your hand in a stop sign position then moving in a circle.  As you get used to the idea of replicating movements make your actions more complicated.  After a few minutes switch roles.

 

Go further:  Want to make a red sock monkey?  The original plans are found at www.sockmonkey.com. 

Extend learning:  Explore monkey habitats and foods.