Rhys:
Hi, I'm Rhys.
George:
Hi, I'm Rhys.
Rhys:
And today we're going to… Hang on a minute. No, you're not, you're George.
George:
Sorry I’m just joking. Hi. I'm George.
Rhys:
Okay, as I was saying, today we're going to play a game that'll give us time to listen to each other and to connect the people around us. Does that sound good?
George:
Does that sound good?
Rhys:
Oh, I get it. You're copying me.
George:
Yes.
Rhys:
Okay. Well has anyone ever copied you before? It can mean that they really like what you do or they think you're really good at something.
When someone copies me, it makes me smile.
I would love it if you could copy me today. Let's warm up by shaking our arms and jiggling our shoulders. Canyou copy me?
That's it.
Sometimes you can feel alone and although it can be nice to have some quiet time. It can also be a bit rubbish.
Remember that even when you're on your own there are people that love and care for you like your friends.
Right George. You're my friend so let's partner up and do some more copying. You partner up with your classmates too.
All right, I'll show you an action and you and your partner copy back the exact same way in the exact same time.
Now, you need to work together to get this right. Here we go.
Firstly George, let's bounce on a trampoline.
And star jump.
Now let's pretend to ski race down a mountain.
Now let's play an imaginary saxophone.
Amazing.
George:
Fantastic copying everyone.
Absolutely. Now, it's your turn to come up with some actions of your own. Face your partner and take turns todo an action of your own for your partner to copy.
When you hear the buzzer switch over and if you get stuck on what to do, you can always choose an action that we've already done before. Ready? Go.
Look, even Oti is joining in. Good copying.
Oh and George, our friend Dr. Ranj has also gotten in on the fun.
Is your teacher copying someone? Or are they just watching you all?
Get them involved.
Oh buzzer, time to swap. Cool Ade, I like that move.
Oh I was not expecting that one. That's really good.
George:
Wow!
Rhys:
Right?! You guys are really impressing us. This is cool.
George:
So cool guys.
Rhys:
Nice.
George:
I love that move.
Rhys:
Well, how was the copying everyone?
Did you work together and pay attention to each other?
George:
See how copying our actions can feel great.
Rhys:
Totally and today you did something great. You gave your time to listen and pay attention to someone else and thatcan make them feel really good about themselves.
Now, say out loud. I feel safe with my friends.
I feel safe with my friends.
Well done everyone, keep each other safe and let's connect again soon. Bye.
George:
Bye!
In this fun classroom activity children’s TV presenters Rhys Stephenson and George Webster ask pupils to form into pairs and have a good time copying the movements of their partner.
Unlike with homework, copying in this activity is considered to be a positive thing, since it helps to validate how pupils feel and creates a sense of importance to their actions.
This activity can be used to help pupils feel more connected to one another, as well as making everyone in the class feel equally valued and appreciated.
Teacher Notes
- Phase and setting most suitable for: KS1 and KS2. Whole class movement.
- When to use: Movement break between lessons / September New Class.
See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas.
- Curriculum/topic/SEMH links: To help children respond more positively when someone copies them.
- Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and support.
Enrichment activities
- When Someone Copies Me… Journal Prompt
- Ask children to write or draw about a time someone copied them. How did it make them feel? Why do they think the person copied them?
- Friendship Recipe
- Have children write a “recipe” for being a good friend. For example:
- 1 cup of listening
- 2 tablespoons of sharing
- A pinch of kindness
They can decorate their recipes and share them with the class.
- Safe with My Friends Poem
- Using the line "I feel safe with my friends", children can create a short poem or acrostic poem using the word SAFE or FRIEND.
- Circle Time Sharing: "I Feel Good When…*
- Go around the circle and let each child finish the sentence: "I feel good when my friends…"
- This builds emotional vocabulary and awareness.
- Compliment Chain
- In a circle, one child gives a compliment to the person on their right. Continue until everyone has shared. Link it to the idea from the video about how giving attention can make someone feel good.
More from Connect:
Pass It On. video
Ade Adepitan guides pupils to use a combination of movements and facial gestures to spread kindness and friendliness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
