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Invisible Juggling: The Trick in Slow Motion
In pairs, students mime the day's juggling tricks in slow motion while their partner copies them like a mirror. It calms the group down and reviews technique without any props.
PhaseCool-down
Duration8 min
Ages12–14
SpaceAny space
EquipmentNo equipment
IntensityLow
How to play
- In pairs, facing each other: one person does their best trick of the day in slow motion with no props, and the partner copies (2 min).
- Switch roles: now show the trick that was hardest, exaggerating the movements (2 min).
- Whole group in a circle: pass an invisible ball that each person changes in size or weight before passing it on (2 min).
- Each student says in one sentence what part of the movement they noticed by doing it slowly (2 min).
Rules
- Everything is slow: if you rush, it isn't slow motion.
- Copy the movement; don't correct your partner.
- In the circle, wait until you receive the invisible ball before moving.
- Stay quiet while someone else is talking.
Variations
Easier
Copy only the arm movements.
Standard
Copy the whole trick in slow motion.
Harder
The partner guesses which trick it was without being told.
Adaptations
- Students with low vision: the partner describes the movement quietly or, with permission, guides their hands.
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: arrange the circle so they can see each speaker's face.
- Shy students: they can share their final sentence with their partner instead of the group.
Learning goals
- Bring energy down at the end of the lesson.
- Build awareness of the juggling technique.
- Express freely with the body.
Teacher tip
Do the first demo yourself and overact it to break the ice. It works best once the gear is already put away and nobody is holding anything.
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