Mind Image

• None

Mind Image is an energizer that provides students with a brain break from content and teaches how to create and build upon an image in their mind. Students practice self control, creativity, and visualization. 

1. Introduce the energizer by explaining to students what it means to imagine something in their minds.

2. Ask students to close their eyes and keep them closed until the activity is over. Share strategies for how to keep their eyes closed.

3. Tell students, "Close your eyes and imagine a tall tree with green leaves."

4. Ask one student to respond to the question, "Can you add one detail to our image?" If the student needs help adding details, provide them with ideas such as a bird, a person, a house, etc.

5. After the first student adds a detail, ask another student to add another detail. 

6. Continue this several times until students begin to understand how to build a mind image.

7. The next time this energizer is used, have students work in table groups for the creation process.  It is helpful to have students should hold hands and gently squeeze the hand of the person who goes next.

8. Assign a group leader to begin by saying, "Imagine this...."

9. Rotate around the group having each student add a detail that they are imagining in their mind. Student should repeat the details that have been said before it is their turn.

   1. • Student 1: Imagine this: A dog is running down the street.

      • Student 2: A dog is running down the road chasing a white cat.

      • Student 3: A dog is running down the road chasing a white cat. A little girl walks out of her house.

      • Student 4: A dog is running down the road chasing a white cat. A little girl walks out of her house in her pajamas calling for her cat.

10. Rotate around the group until someone forgets a detail of the image or until a set amount of time is up. 

To increase rigor:  

• Assign one student the role of the graphic designer. The graphic designer sits with the group, but is in charge of illustrating the details of the image that the other students are sharing.

•Use this activity to recreate the ending to a story that was read in class.

To increase scaffolding:  

• Allow students to sit face-to-face with one partner, keeping their eyes open, if needed. Provide the class with the first image to get them started. Use simple ideas to which students can relate.