-- casual:  these are hand motions that come naturally while speaking
     -- graphic:  match your gestures to exactly what you are saying.  For example, if you’re talking about walking somewhere, walk your fingers through the air.  If you want to explain a hard problem, scratch your head.  If you are presenting a big idea, spread your arms far apart.  
     -- memory:  these gestures are linked to core concepts and/or state standards.  Every memory gesture should be unique.          

Thus, we suggest pretending as if you are writing in the air as the memory gesture for author, making an “X” with your arms for multiplication, dealing imaginary cards for sorting and so forth.

For additional student engagement when using mirror, add elements of silliness and exaggeration to you gestures.  As a variation, say “mirror words” and your students respond “mirror words.”  Then, speak slowly and match your arm movements to what you are saying.  Your students repeat your words and mimic your gestures.  Four brain activities are now involved, seeing (visual cortex), saying (Broca’s area), hearing (auditory cortex) and doing (motor cortex).  Another name for this quadruple  learning is Teacher Heaven.