Hi, I'm Rhys and it's time to take a moment to recharge and help our minds to calm down.
Now, imagine we're walking through a forest. Can you walk on the spot with me?
Now we're going to need a little bit of imagination and our powers of concentration.
So listen carefully as you're walking.
Sometimes our minds can seem really busy with lots of different thoughts and feelings.
When we focus on a moment we are in, it can stop our minds from wandering and help our thoughts to become quieter.
We're going to use all five of our senses.
So we'll start with our sense of touch.
Slow your walking right down. Bring your attention to your feet.
Focus on each foot as it touches the forest floor. Is the ground soft or hard?
Can you feel twigs snapping or leaves crunching on the foot?
Imagine what that would feel like.
Okay, next we're going to use our sense of sight.
What can you see?
I can see a huge tall tree. Can you stretch up like a tree?
What else can you see?
Oh, I've spotted a squirrel running across the forest floor looking for food. Can you see it too?
Now let's use our sense of hearing.
There's dapple of sunlight gently spilling in through the tree branches and you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face.
Now have a listen. It’s so peaceful.
What can you hear?
Focus on the sound that's nearest to you.
Now try and listen for the sound that's furthest away.
I can hear the sound of birds in the trees and the leaves rustling in the wind.
When we pay close attention to something it can help us to really be in the moment and it stops our minds from worrying or feeling sad about other things.
Next we're going to use our sense of smell.
the tree?
Well, it's a pine tree. So take a deep breath in through your nose.
Imagine you can smell the pine needles. It smells just like a Christmas tree.
Finally, we're going to focus on our sense of taste.
Take your backpack off and unpack your picnic.
Wow, look at all the food. There are sandwiches, crisps, fruits and cake.
Let's take a favourite piece of fruit. Mine is a bright red juicy strawberry.
Hold it in your mouth and try to imagine the taste. Mmmm.
Well done everyone. I feel really proud of myself for taking time to recharge today.
I feel more focussed and ready to deal with anything.
Say it with Me. I am focused.
Ready?
I am focused.
See you soon.
Enter the forest with CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson as he encourages pupils to use their imagination and employ all of their five senses to describe what they are experiencing.
Drawing upon the power of concentration and focusing on one thing at a time, students are able to prevent their minds from wandering.
Use this classroom activity to enable the class to feel more focused and ready to deal with the day ahead.
Teacher Notes
- Phase and setting most suitable for: KS1 and KS2. Whole class mindfulness.
- When to use: Before or after break times to regulate.
See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas.
- Curriculum/topic/SEMH links: Science - Using your senses/Geography -Woodland/Finding calm & focus.
- Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and .
Enrichment activities
- Feelings Reflection
- Prompt: “How did you feel before the forest walk? How do you feel now?” Children can write or draw facial expressions.
- Senses Game – “I See, I Hear, I Smell…” Go around the group and ask each child to describe one thing from the imagined forest using each of the five senses.
- Example: “I see a blue butterfly.” “I hear a babbling brook.” “I smell fresh pine needles.”
- Repeat-Affirmation Circle
- Say together: “I am focused.”
- Ask: “How does it feel to say that out loud?”
- Sensory Forest Journal Page
- Title: “My Mindful Forest Walk”
- Sections:I touched…
I saw…
I heard…
I smelled…
I tasted…
- Sections:I touched…
More from Recharge:
Power Off. video
Dr Ranj Singh slows things down and gets pupils to be present and recognise when they're tense to help them feel calmer and more focused.
LOL Time. video
CBBC presenters Rhys Stephenson and Joe Tasker lead this fun activity that encourages children to work in pairs and make their partner laugh.
Jungle Stretch. video
CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill uses slow, still and dynamic movements to encourage flexibility and mindfulness in children.
Breathe and Be. video
TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing champion Oti Mabuse inspires pupils to explore breathwork and movement in this classroom activity.
Take It Slow. video
Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden mimics a sloth and combines imagination and yoga-inspired poses to help children relax.
Self-Belief Warriors. video
Dr Ranj Singh leads pupils through a series of strong and empowering poses, helping to create positive mindsets and develop feelings of self-worth.
Meditation Station - Feeling Thankful. video
Ade Adepitan introduces techniques to teach children how to control their breathing to regulate feelings and emotions.
Balance and Be. video
Olympian Bethany Shriever guides children using visualisation techniques to experiment how changing thoughts can affect our balance, mentally and physically.
Pirouette to Peace. video
Evie Pickerill and Oti Mabuse teach some basic ballet moves that encourage primary school children to slow down, pause and take a break.
More from Moodboosters:
Boost. collection
Energetic, movement-based activities promoting self-confidence in children by encouraging them to use movement and positive thinking to build self-esteem.
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 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.
