Hey, I'm Ade and today we are going to connect by spending time with the people around us.
It's important to know that although there are lots of people in our class, we are all important.
We're going to say a big hello to everyone around us.
But first I want to say hello to you. Hello! How are you? You alright?
Hey! Good one, nice one!
Can you say hello back just like that to me?
Ah lovely.
Now can you do it again, but this time direct it to your teacher or a grown-up in the class? Hello teacher!
That was great. So many smiles and friendly waves today and look how quickly our smiles spread.
Okay, let's connect more together. Are you ready to pass it on?
Turn to the person next to you and pass your smile on to them as you wave.
Hey!
Hey!
Now to the person behind you.
Good work and finally to someone on the other side of the room.
Hey, ooh!
Nice work Oti and Dr. Ranj and all of you!
Your smiles and waves are taking over the room. I love it.
Sometimes it can be difficult to make friends even with people we know well, but we can be brave and show someone we are friendly by passing on a smile.
This time I want you to pass on happy thoughts to the person next to you.
It could be a happy thought about what you're doing at lunch time, something you're excited about or even something nice aboutthe person you're saying hello to.
Here's mine.
I'm so proud of you all taking time to connect with me today. Thank you.
Now it's time for you to spread the happiness.
My happy thought is my sister arriving from South Africa today to visit me.
What happy thoughts you all have.
It's okay not to feel confident sometimes. We can all find it hard to speak to people or make friends but a quick smile ora wave or a happy thought can let someone know that you are happy to talk or play.
Sometimes when I don't feel brave this works for me, it might work for you too.
I feel really proud of ourselves for being brave today and taking time to say hello.
You all showed lots of courage.
Now say out loud. I am brave.
Are you ready?
I am brave.
Well done! Catch you later. Take care.
Join Paralympian and TV presenter Ade Adepitan as he guides pupils to use a combination of movements and facial gestures to spread kindness and friendliness around the class.
It can often be hard to make friends, but simple gestures like a wave or smile can help us to be brave and forge strong, long-lasting friendships with those around us.
This activity can be used in primary school classrooms to boost morale, and help pupils recognise a sense of their own importance, as well as that of those around them.
Teacher Notes
- Phase and setting most suitable for: Early Years and KS1. Circle time.
- When to use: September new class / Boost class morale / Before and after breaktimes.
See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas.
- Curriculum/topic/SEMH links: Celebrating our uniqueness / Accepting differences / The power of a smile / Giving compliments / Positive thinking.
- Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and support.
Enrichment activities
- Hello Card
- Each child writes and decorates a mini "Hello" card to give to a classmate. They can add a smiley face, a happy thought, or something nice about the other person.
- Happy Thoughts List
- Write a short list (3–5 points) of their own "happy thoughts" — something about their day, their family, or a friend. They can share one from their list with the class later.
- Bravery Journal Prompt
- Write 2–3 sentences starting with "I am brave because…"
- Great for reflection and building confidence.
- Compliment Relay
- Children take turns saying a compliment or a positive comment about someone else in the room.
- Example: "I like your drawing," "You are good at football."
More from Connect:
Copy Me. video
Rhys Stephenson and George Webster ask pupils to copy each other’s movements to validate how they feel and create a sense of importance.
Yee-haw! video
TV presenter and Strictly chamption Oti Mabuse leads a country and western line dance encouraging children to think just one step at a time.
Carnival Connect. video
Evie Pickerill leads a fun classroom activity where pupils are encouraged to join in with dance moves, whilst thinking about something worth celebrating.
Hummingbird Harmony. video
Rhys Stephenson and George Webster lead children in slow and simple breathing movements in this Moodboosters learning activity.
Dance Crew and You. video
CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill teaches a street dance routine for children that encourages feelings of inclusion and togetherness.
Hand to Hand. video
Paralympian Ade Adepitan uses hand clapping routines to encourage children to connect with each other to help combat feelings of loneliness.
LOL Selfies. video
Rhys Stephenson and Joe Tasker get pupils to pull funny faces in this classroom activity to help overcome feelings of shyness and boost confidence.
Wave of Thanks. video
TV presenter and medical doctor Dr Ranj uses the gesture of waving to spread thanks in this Moodboosters activity for primary school children.
Rock, Paper, Scissors. video
Rhys Stephenson and Joe Tasker lead an epic Rock, Paper, Scissors showdown to help promote the virtue of patience and giving things time.
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.
Recharge. collection
Activities to help children become aware of the importance of self-care, whilst building resilience and recognising what makes them special.
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.
