Hi, I'm Ade and I'm ready to boost with you.
And today we're going to focus on feeling energised.
Come on! We're gonna have a boat race, which will make us feel more energised and help us to bounce back with confidence.
Should we give it a go? Great.
Can you copy me and start rowing your boat like this?
Great everyone, good rowing.
Now as we row we might come across a number of obstacles that we need to avoid.
So if I say crocodile, clap your hands like a crocodile's jaws snapping close.
And if I say log we’re going to jump to avoid it.
And if I say whirlpool we're gonna spin around on the spot.
And if I say wave we're all going to duck, to duck down to avoid getting wet just like that.
Right, did you get that?
Okay, let me test ya. Let me see your crocodile. Love it.
Log! Awesome. Whirlpool! Nice spin. And waves, you gonna get wet, quick!
Good job. Good job. Right, are you ready to start our boat race? Great.
Let's get rowing. Remember to keep rowing all the time right until the end. Try not to stop.
Are we ready?
Let's start rowing. Begin slowly then build up your speed.
Log. Crocodile. Whirlpool.
Right. Let's row a little faster now.
Wave. Crocodile. Log.
Okay, the current is getting stronger. We need to row even faster if we wanna win the race
Log. Wave. Crocodile. Whirlpool. Crocodile. Log. Wave.
Okay, slow down. Oh, we did it.
You were awesome in that boat race.
Hopefully you're feeling more energetic now and a little less tired.
Did you go wrong at all?
I know I did.
Look it's okay to have a whoops moment.
Everyone makes mistakes from time to time when energy levels are low.
Doing something energetic actually helps to take the tiredness away.
The boat race we did today has given me the energy that I need to bounce back with confidence.
Has it done the same for you?
Can you say out loud? I can bounce back.
Ready, I can bounce back.
I hope to see you out on the water again soon.
Take care. Bye.
Join Paralympian Ade Adepitan as he embarks on an epic boat race, where you’ll encounter various obstacles along the way, including crocodiles, logs and whirlpools!
Through a combination of rowing, jumping, leaning and ducking, pupils are shown that it is okay to go wrong from time to time, since everyone occasionally has a “whoops” moment.
This activity can be used to increase class energy levels and help tired pupils to bounce back with confidence.
Teacher Notes
- Phase and setting most suitable for: KS1 and KS2. Whole class gratitude practice.
- When to use: Start of the day/Movement break between lessons.
See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas here [INSERT LINK TO TIMETABLE HERE]
- Curriculum/topic/SEMH links: Making mistakes & perseverance.
- Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and support.
###Enrichment activities
- "My Whoops Moment" Reflection
- Ask children to write a short sentence or a few lines about a time they made a mistake but kept going — just like in the boat race!
- Example prompt: “One time I made a mistake, but I bounced back by…”
- Obstacle Command Cards
- Children make their own cards for "Crocodile", "Log", "Whirlpool", and "Wave" by drawing a picture and writing the action on each card. These can be used later for a physical classroom game!
- "I Can Bounce Back" Affirmation Poster
- Each child creates a poster with the phrase "I Can Bounce Back" decorated with boats, waves, and action words like "strong", "brave", and "confident".
- Confidence Cheer
- After completing the race or obstacle game, gather children in a circle and lead them in a chant:"When I make a mistake, I…"Children: "Bounce back!""When I feel tired, I…"Children: "Keep going!""When I try my best, I…"Children: "Feel proud!"
More from Boost:
Animal Safari. video
Bethany Shriever uses movement and exercises to help primary school children recognise the importance of taking time to pause and reflect.
Dance Party Mega Mix. video
Strictly Come Dancing champion Oti Mabuse encourages primary school pupils to have fun by practicing unique dance moves to energise the class.
Volume Up. video
Rhys Stephenson and George Webster encourage primary school pupils to join in with a body percussion routine to inspire confidence and self-belief.
Wacky Workout. video
Dr Ranj Singh leads a wacky workout for primary school pupils about being able to change negative moods to positive ones through movement.
Power Up. video
Rhys Stephenson and Joe Tasker use simple hand movements and actions to help up the energy levels in the room.
MC Hype. video
Oti Mabuse becomes MC Hype in this fun activity that aims to get children off their feet to help combat feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
Make Some Noise. video
Evie Pickerill inspires children to turn their bodies into musical instruments to help stimulate awareness of controlling movement.
Emotion in Motion. video
Amy Dowden demonstrates how primary school children can explore different emotions through movement and impersonations of animals.
Let's Rock. video
Evie Pickerill assembles an air instrument rock band for children, where everyone has their own part to play.
More from Moodboosters:
Recharge. collection
Activities to help children become aware of the importance of self-care, whilst building resilience and recognising what makes them special.
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 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.
