Rhys:
Hi, I'm Rhys.
George:
And I'm George.
Rhys:
Today we want to try and help us all feel connected, and to remember that we are loved and cared for, and can care for others too. Does that sound good?
George:
Yes.
Rhys:
Excellent, we're going to pretend to be colourful hummingbirds, in a beautiful, calm, tropical rainforest.
First of all, get yourself comfortable.
Jiggle on the spot a bit and take some really deep breaths.
Sometimes we can feel lonely or scared, and those feelings are okay.
But it’s important to remember that there are people who love us and care about us, and who can help us when we feel like this.
For this activity, you will need a partner, or you could even do this in a small group.
George are you ready to be a hummingbird with me?
George:
Mmm hmm!
Rhys:
That is some good humming!
Now let’s all start by breathing together, by taking two deep breaths in and out.
And try to slow your breathing down and make it as quiet as you can.
Ready?
Good. This time as you breathe out add a long, slow hum.
So, breathe in.
And, hmmm.
George:
Hmm.
Rhys:
All together now.
Breathe in.
Hmm.
George:
Hmm.
Rhys:
Fantastic, now we're going to add a long slow movement to each hum.
So as you breathe in and breathe out, push your arms slowly out in front.
Here we go.
Hmm.
George:
Hmm.
Rhys:
And again.
Hmm.
George:
Hmm.
Rhys:
Great humming.
Now turn to face your partner and do it again. Let's connect together.
Ready?
Breathe in.
Hmm.
George:
Hmm.
Rhys:
And again.
Hmm.
George:
Hmm.
Rhys:
Now, I feel warm and fuzzy and connected to my partner.
How do you feel George?
George:
I feel great Rhys, I feel really connected.
Rhys:
Awesome. So, let's try again standing back to back this time.
Are you ready? Let's connect.
Breathe in.
Hmm.
George:
Hmm.
Rhys:
One more time.
Breathe in.
Hmm.
George:
Hmm.
Rhys:
Could you hear your partner humming that time?
George:
Yes, I could hear you all!
Rhys:
That’s right. Even though you couldn’t see them, you knew they were still there.
It’s ok to feel lonely or scared.
Sometimes when I feel like this, connecting with people can really help.
I know I have grown ups and friends who I can trust and who care for me.
And I can care for others too.
Now let’s say together:
“I am kind, and I care.”
“I am kind, and I care.”
George:
“I am kind, and I care.”
Rhys:
Make sure you find time to connect every day!
See you again soon.
George:
Bye!
Children’s TV presenters Rhys Stephenson and George Webster step into the rainforest as they lead pupils to work in pairs using slow and simple breathing movements to tune in with one another.
Using a variety of different movements, sounds and breathing exercises, pupils will mimic the movements of a hummingbird, known for their peaceful nature, to connect with their partner in a calm and caring way.
This classroom activity can help pupils to realise that when we feel lonely or scared, connecting with others in a kind way can help us overcome negative emotions.
Feeling connected to the people and places around us is a fundamental part of what it means to be human.
Teacher Notes
- Phase and setting most suitable for: KS1 and KS2. Whole class mindfulness.
- When to use: Start of the day / After breaktimes.
See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas.
- Curriculum/topic/SEMH links: Emotional Regulation / Fears and loneliness.
- Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and support.
Enrichment activities
- “I Am Kind and I Care” Poster
- Design a colourful poster with the phrase “I am kind, and I care” in the middle, surrounded by drawings of hearts, hummingbirds, rainforests, or people helping each other.
- Connection Chain
- On paper, make a "chain" of people who care for you.
- Write one name per link (family, friends, teachers, etc.).
- Decorate each link with colourful patterns like hummingbird feathers
- Hummingbird Breathing Practice
- As a group, practice slow breathing and humming together again, this time with different gentle arm movements (e.g., flapping wings, reaching to the sky).
- Hummingbird Sound Game
- Stand in a circle with eyes closed. One person quietly hums, and everyone has to point to where they think the sound is coming from — showing how we can "feel" and "hear" each other even without seeing.
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.
Pass It On. video
Ade Adepitan guides pupils to use a combination of movements and facial gestures to spread kindness and friendliness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dance Crew and You. video
CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill teaches a street dance routine for children that encourages feelings of inclusion and togetherness.
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.
