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PSHE KS1 / KS2: Recharge – Breathe and Be with Oti Mabuse

TV Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing champion Oti Mabuse inspires pupils to explore breathwork and conscious movement by imagining themselves as an eagle ready to take flight.

To combat big feelings that can sometimes make us feel worried, pupils are encouraged to repeat positive affirmations and to breathe their worries away.

This calming activity can help primary school pupils to reduce anxiety, increase focus, and improve balance and flexibility.

Taking some time out to slow down can help our bodies and minds to grow strong and flourish.

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: Worries, nerves, stress/Emotional regulation.
  • Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and .

Enrichment activities

  1. Breathing Practice
  • Ask children to sit comfortably and guide them through deep breathing:
  • “Let’s breathe in through our noses for 4 counts, then breathe out slowly through our mouths for 4 counts. Let’s do that a few times and focus on breathing in the calm and breathing out the worry.”
  1. Eagle Flight Journey Journal
  • Title: “My Eagle Adventure”
  • Sections for each affirmation:
    I am strong like an eagle: Draw yourself flying as an eagle.
    I can breathe calmly: Draw a picture of calm, slow breaths.
    I am powerful and I can bounce back: Draw a powerful eagle soaring through the clouds.
    I am unique: Draw what makes you special.
    I am brave and I can do anything: Draw yourself doing something brave.
    I feel calm: Draw yourself resting on a tree after the flight.
  1. Eagle Affirmation Cards
  • Children create their own set of affirmation cards with one affirmation per card. They can decorate the cards with drawings of eagles, clouds, or anything that symbolizes calm and strength.
    • Example Affirmation: “I am unique” might be illustrated with a colourful eagle and a rainbow.

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.

Power Off

A Moment in Nature. video

TV Presenter Rhys Stephenson encourages primary school pupils to employ all of their senses to enable them to deal with the day ahead.

A Moment in Nature

Balance and Be. video

Olympian Bethany Shriever guides children using visualisation techniques to experiment how changing thoughts can affect our balance, mentally and physically.

Balance and Be

Take It Slow. video

Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden mimics a sloth and combines imagination and yoga-inspired poses to help children relax.

Take It Slow

Jungle Stretch. video

CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill uses slow, still and dynamic movements to encourage flexibility and mindfulness in children.

Jungle Stretch

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.

Self-Belief Warriors

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.

LOL Time

Meditation Station - Feeling Thankful. video

Ade Adepitan introduces techniques to teach children how to control their breathing to regulate feelings and emotions.

Meditation Station - Feeling Thankful

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.

Pirouette to Peace

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.

Boost

Connect. collection

Fun, movement-based activities for children centring on relationships and how to recognise emotions in others through empathy.

Connect

Imagine. collection

Learning activities to promote creativity and optimism in children whilst encouraging them to use their imagination to envision their goals and aspirations.

Imagine

Teacher's guide

Curriculum-linked ideas and tips about how you can use Moodboosters with your class during the school day.

Teacher's guide

Watch again - our live launch. video

Watch highlights as children from around the nations together for a big mood-boosting moment.

Watch again - our live launch

About Moodboosters

Everything you need to know about our initiative to get KS1 / KS2 pupils moving for mental health and wellbeing.

About Moodboosters