In our programs, taking on animal forms and storytelling with our whole bodies are important deep nature connection routines. They have ancestral roots and support not only connecting deeply to nature but also to the community and with a sense of self. That’s why we were delighted to be invited by Catholic Education WA to facilitate a professional learning workshop at the Perth Zoo in March 2025.
Mimicking an Elephant
One of the favourite animals we encountered at the zoo was an Asian Bull elephant. He was holding a metal chain, which ran along the ground, with his trunk to keep it taught while scratching between his hind left foot toes using the back of the chain. The early childhood educators participating stood in the upper gazebo and mimicked the elephant. Bending over slightly, balanced on one foot, an arm outstretched in front to be a coiling trunk, and a leg raised pretending to rub it up and down a chain. By imitating the elephant this way, and taking on its animal form, the educators imagined what a foot itch would be like for an elephant.
When we gathered back together, the educators related the story with great joy, describing not only the actions of the elephant but also their bravery in acting it out in front of members of the public, a family with young children and a curious volunteer docent. Another group also took time to observe the elephant, and they retold their story using their whole bodies as a group, becoming different parts of the elephant. They displayed their observations of not only the foot and trunk but also brought to life observations of the ear and tail movements.
Mirror Neurons and Development
Mimicking and imitation use our mirror neurons. It is a way that we can deeply connect with not only other people, people we admire and unconsciously or consciously wish to learn from, but also with animals. We wondered how we could utilise mirror neuron learning by imitation to make deep, kinaesthetic observations of the world around us with young children.
“The function of mirror neurons is a significant factor in motor learning and development. The development of mirror neurons in the brain, leading to the ability for imitative learning is considered as one of the greatest turning points in the evolution of human beings. Imitation is a major mode of learning among human beings. The role of mirror neuron in imitative learning is established beyond doubt.” (Thanikkal SJ. 2019)
Empathising with Animals
Deep observations through imitation can also develop empathy. By taking the posture and actions of another, we can start to wonder what the world may be like from their perspective. In another part of the zoo, the educators stopped to watch a tree kangaroo for a while. With a general look using their sense of sight, the educators were immediately connected to its cute shape, warm colouring, furry texture and large eyes. When the educators stretched out on the branch like the tree kangaroo, they felt how relaxed it was and as they stretched down to gather up and eat leaves, they realised how it also had very strong core muscles.
Kinesthetic Learning
The educators commented on how the time to explore and using their bodies in such a playful way helped them to make more detailed observations. The activation of more of their senses in combination with mimicry not only developed strong connections but also curiosity and learning by doing.
“Signals from the environment and the subsequent activation of the nervous system are crucial factors for the development of the nervous system. It is proposed that this kind of activation mechanism is also crucial in the case of the development of an efficient mirror neuron system…. Since mirror neurons are activated during movement recognition, observation, imagery, and imitation, it is important for children to experience complex environments from a very young age, where repeated action recognition, observation, imagery, and imitation are required.”
This is kinesthetic learning, and many children love to learn in this way. How often do we allow our children to learn through exploration and discovery with their whole bodies? How often can we make provision for young children to play in complex natural environments? How can we bring nature into our work with children?
Running a whole-day Professional Learning workshop for Catholic Education WA teachers at the Perth Zoo was an absolute pleasure. The educators loved the hands-on and tailored nature of the professional workshop, which, as one participant commented, felt a little like a wellness retreat.
Please contact us if you would like to find out more about our hands-on professional learning workshops.
References:
Thanikkal SJ. Mirror Neurons and Imitation Learning in Early Motor Development. Asian J Appl Res 2019;5(1):37-42. https://apjournals.org/images/issues/238.pdf