Inspired by the universal language of the circus, this game encourages non-verbal communication, body awareness and expressive movement.
Children discover that with a wave, a nod, or a playful action, they can share ideas and emotions that everyone can understand, no matter where they are from or what language they speak.
Through imaginative gestures and quick reactions, this activity boosts confidence, sparks creativity, and celebrates the many ways we can connect.
1. Start with a conversation
Ask the children, "Did you know that we all come from different places and speak different languages?"
Encourage the group to say hello in different languages, for example, "Bonjour," "Hola," "Ciao," etc.
2. Introduce the language of mime
Then say to the group, "But there's one language that everyone in the circus speaks...and that's the language of MIME!"
3. Teach basic gestures
Show the children these mime gestures and practise them together.
4. Play Copy Gesture
Begin making simple mime gestures (e.g. pretending to eat, brush hair, swim, shiver, open an umbrella) and ask the children to copy you straight away.
5. Invite volunteers
After a minute or two, ask: "Who would like to come up and be the mime leader?"
Let the children take turns leading the gestures for the group.
This is a fantastic introduction to physical theatre. Children love the idea of mime and it's so rewarding to see them express themselves without words.
Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.
