Hi, I'm Rhys.
Are you ready to imagine with me?
We are going to find our way to the haunted house through a spooky forest.
But I think we're being followed.
Would you come with me?
Now, you might feel a bit frightened.
That's okay.
You'll soon see there's nothing to worry about by the time we've finished.
So copy me by quietly walking on the spot.
Oh, look, there are some low branches.
Everyone duck to miss them.
Good ducking. Oh, and watch out for the fallen logs on the ground.
Ready? Jump.
Good work.
Now, if you hear a ghostly noise, everybody freeze.
We made it to the haunted house.
Well done everyone.
Did you feel a bit nervous then?
In case we were heard?
I know I had to really concentrate on being quiet whilst managing my nerves and excitement. Right.
Time to investigate.
But if we see any bats flap your arms like this.
Good flapping.
Is teacher flapping?
Okay, great.
If you hear a creaking sound, hide.
Hide like this.
Excellent. Good hiding everyone.
And of course, if you hear that ghost, don't forget to freeze.
Really? Still quiet.
Let's go inside.
Okay. Oh Good.
Everyone come on, let's creep up the stairs through the hall.
Oh, there's flapping bats.
Quick, watch out.
Okay. Keep creeping all the way upstairs.
Okay. I think it's safe to keep going.
Keep creeping and look - a ghost!
Did you hear that?
Good freezing, everyone.
Come on.
Oh, no - more bats!
Quick flap, flap everyone!
Flap!
That's some good flapping.
Nice. Flap harder.
Okay, slow down. Cool.
Oh, lots of bats that time.
We must be near the ghost's lair.
Let's keep creeping.
Oh, hide!
Good hiding.
I like that.
Oh, ghost. Freeze!
That's a funny position your teacher's in. Okay.
Oh, no, I think it's woken up.
Quick. Everybody run.
Oh.
Oh.
Think we got away. Now we're out of the haunted house, what a relief be out of there.
Did you get scared?
I know I did when I heard all those noises.
And then the ghost chased us out.
Oh, freeze.
Wait a second.
It's just a spooky sound effect.
We're not actually in a haunted house.
I mean, deep down, I knew there's nothing to be scared about.
But it was just my imagination getting carried away.
Our imagination is great, it can take us to places.
And if we're scared, we can also use our imagination to take us somewhere we feel safe.
Now, say out loud, I'm not scared.
Ready? I'm not scared.
See you again soon.
And watch out for any flapping bats. Bye!
CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson takes pupils on a fun haunted house adventure where they use their imaginations to bravely overcome a variety of spooky obstacles along the way.
This activity reminds children of the power of imagination and that we can imagine our way out of situations where we may be feeling nervous.
At the end of the video pupils realise there is nothing really to be scared, nervous or worried about, and that they're able to overcome their fears when they need to.
Being able to use our imagination is a powerful tool to help us see alternative possibilities.
Teacher Notes
- Phase and setting most suitable for: KS1 and lower KS2. Whole class movement.
- When to use: Start of the day/Movement break between lessons .
See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas.
- Curriculum/topic/SEMH links: Worries, nerves and fears/Emotional regulation/Halloween.
- Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and support.
Enrichment activities
- Safe Place Imagination Drawing
- After talking about using imagination to feel safe, children draw their “safe place” (a beach, treehouse, magical castle, etc.).
- Magic Safe Portal Guided Imagination
- Calm everyone at the end by saying: "Close your eyes and imagine stepping through a magic portal to your favourite safe place. Feel the warm sun, hear the happy sounds…"
- A great way to end on a calm, brave note.
More from Imagine:
Let's Be Heroes. video
TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan asks pupils to act as superheroes in this classroom activity promoting feelings of being brave and strong.
Proud Peacocks. video
Bethany Shriever leads this classroom activity using animal-inspired movements to help pupils regain control over their emotional state.
Show Time. video
Amy Dowden asks pupils to use their imagination to perform in a spectacular cabaret show to help celebrate their uniqueness and show courage.
We Are Champions. video
Olympic gold medallist Bethany Shriever encourages children to try out a variety of dance styles which represent the ups and downs of being a champion.
Future Thinkers. video
CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson steps into a time machine and encourages children to dream big and imagine future job roles in this classroom activity.
Classroom Sleepwalking. video
Evie Pickerill leads this fun activity where she uses sleepwalk role play to remind pupils they are ultimately in control of their own emotions.
Space Dreamers. video
Dr Ranj uses dream-like visualisations alongside dynamic and slower mindful movements to encourage a feeling of calm in this space adventure activity.
Life is a Rollercoaster. video
Ade Adepitan gets pupils to imagine they’re on a rollercoaster to symbolise the ups and downs of life and remind them they can control different feelings.
Signature Moves. video
Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden guides a classroom activity featuring a dance routine that encourages and empowers children to be themselves.
More from Moodboosters:
Connect. collection
Fun, movement-based activities for children centring on relationships and how to recognise emotions in others through empathy.
Recharge. collection
Activities to help children become aware of the importance of self-care, whilst building resilience and recognising what makes them special.
Boost. collection
Energetic, movement-based activities promoting self-confidence in children by encouraging them to use movement and positive thinking to build self-esteem.
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.
