Hi, I’m Bethany and today we are going to imagine ourselves as different animals, and use these creatures to show how we are feeling.
Whoever's at home, let's all give it a go.
Let’s start by warming up our entire body with different animal movements.
Firstly, reach up really tall like a jolly giraffe.
Everyone being a jolly giraffe? Let me see those smiles and giggles.
Ok, next curl up small like an anxious ant.
Down we go. Is everyone looking anxious? Who's the smallest ant I can see there?
Ok, great anxious ants there. Now stand on one leg like a focussed flamingo.
Is everyone focussed there? I want to see everyone being focussed.
Ok, great! Great animal actions and emotions there.
Today I’ve been feeling a bit stuck.
Do you know that feeling?
I think if we do some more animal emotions, or ‘animotions’, together you can help me to shift out of my stuck feeling. It will help us feel free!
Wherever you're doing this, if it's at home, in the garden or at your local park, don't hold back.
Let's start with an angry bear.
Think of a time when you felt angry. How did your body feel? Did you feel fizzy, shaky or ready to pop?
Now, are you ready to transform into an angry bear?
Go!
Let me see those angry bears everyone.
That's really very angry that is.
Right next up - a nervous turtle.
Think of a time when you felt nervous.
How did your body feel?
Did you feel tiny, shaky or ready to hide?
Ok, ready to be nervous turtles? Go!
Great nervous turtles everyone.
Is everyone looking around?
Ok, finally we’re going to move like a proud peacock.
Think of a time when you felt proud. How did your body feel?
Did you feel strong and powerful?
Okay, go proud peacocks!
Let me see them proud faces everyone.
Like you've just won a gold medal. Okay, now it’s your turn.
Pick an animal, one that represents how you feel today.
Will it be something slow and shy, or fast and frenzied, ferocious or calm or something in the middle?
You show yours and I’ll do mine.
Ready? Go!
Look around.
Can you guess what your friends are?
Can you guess what I am?
Yes! I’m an excited kangaroo because I’ve loved seeing all your animotions!
Sometimes we can feel stuck in a feeling and we worry we might feel like that forever.
It’s really important to do something to shift how you are feeling, and moving can really help us to do that.
I don't feel stuck anymore, I feel free!
Can you say that out loud: “I feel free!”
Remember things can change and can get better if we change how we feel.
See you soon, bye!
Join GB Olympic Champion Bethany Shriever in this activity as she incorporates a variety of animal-inspired movements to help us communicate our emotions.
Using movements which represent being tall, strong and confident, everyone taking part can realise that using their imagination can help them shift out of a stuck emotion.
This activity helps us regain a sense of control over our emotions, as well as giving us the language to effectively express how we feel at different times.
Parent / Carer Notes
_Families can use this activity to encourage each other to draw upon positive memories or to visualise what the future might look like. This can help to remind them of more positive ways of feeling and what there is to look forward to. _
_We advise a parent / carer review the Moodboosters video prior to showing it at home, and consider the activity’s suitability for space, accessibility requirements and how it may be received by the children taking part. _
The NHS offers advice for parents and carers around supporting children and young people with their mental health, for more info visit here.
More from Family Moodboosters:
Let’s Rock - Family Moodboosters. video
Evie Pickerill encourages everyone at home to form an air instrument rock band to help boost energy levels and instil a sense of togetherness.
Yee Haw! - Family Moodboosters. video
Oti Mabuse uses basic line dancing steps the whole household can join in with to encourage everyone to think one step at a time when things get difficult.
We Are Champions - Family Moodboosters. video
Olympian Bethany Shriever encourages everyone to try out a variety of dance styles representing the ups and downs of being a champion.
A Moment in Nature - Family Moodboosters. video
Rhys Stephenson encourages family members to use their imagination to help everyone feel more focused and ready to deal with the day ahead.
Meditation Station – Feeling Thankful - Family Moodboosters. video
TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan leads a short gratitude exercise which encourages everyone to slow down and think about the bigger picture.
Dance Party Mega Mix - Family Moodboosters. video
Oti Mabuse encourages family members to join in with fun dance moves to help increase energy levels and make everyone feel good.
Carnival Connect - Family Moodboosters. video
Evie Pickerill transforms the home into a carnival celebration where everyone is encouraged to join in to promote feelings of strength and confidence.
Self-Belief Warriors - Family Moodboosters. video
Dr Ranj Singh prompts everyone in the house to attempt basic yoga-inspired poses to create positive mindsets and develop feelings of self-worth.
Wacky Workout - Family Moodboosters. video
Dr Ranj Singh leads a call and response ‘campfire’ song about being able to change negative moods to positive using movement.
More from Moodboosters:
If you're a teacher and would like to use Moodboosters' classroom activities, take a look below for links to more videos and additional resources.
Recharge. collection
Activities to help children become aware of the importance of self-care, whilst building resilience and recognising what makes them special.
Connect. collection
Fun, movement-based activities for children centring on relationships and how to recognise emotions in others through empathy.
Imagine. collection
Learning activities to promote creativity and optimism in children whilst encouraging them to use their imagination to envision their goals and aspirations.
Teacher's guide
Curriculum-linked ideas and tips about how you can use Moodboosters with your class during the school day.
Watch again - our live launch. video
Watch highlights as children from around the nations join together for a big mood-boosting moment.
About Moodboosters
Everything you need to know about our initiative to get KS1 / KS2 pupils moving for mental health and wellbeing.
