the one with the mirrors

Activity: Mirror Writing

Purpose: To demonstrate a different way of communication that pushes one's mind to really think about what is being written.

Materials: Pencil, paper, mirror, notecard with a hole in the center.

I thought this activity was pretty fun, and I think the class also enjoyed it. It was so easy to write when the notecard wasn't attached to the pencil, but the Xs in particular were incredibly difficult to draw! My table was fine doing one of the lines, but we were having a hard time doing the second line, on account of the pencil not wanting to move that way!

This style of writing is actually how many students write on accident before they properly learn to write. The reversal of letters is quite typical among young children and dyslexics. However, this may actually feel more natural for people who are left handed, as it does not smear the ink.

I thought this activity was particularly interesting because one way students sometimes write notes to each other, so other people cannot read them as easily, is by using mirror writing. Leonardo DaVinci is an example of a famous historical figure who practised this type of writing, in order to keep his notes shrouded in an enigma of secrecy.

blog you later,
[andrea]