Oh hi, I’m Evie and sometimes I feel like I’m half awake and half asleep.
A bit like sleepwalking!
It’s time to imagine that you are in this half asleep, half awake zone too.
By thinking about a different world to the one we're in now, Slumberland.
It can be fun just to escape somewhere else, knowing we can always return back to our old world whenever we want to.
Right, show me your best sleepwalk pose.
Put your arms out in front of you, like this and give yourself a really floppy body.
And don't forget the facial expression.
Great!
Do you ever feel like you can’t be bothered, a bit like you're half asleep? That’s ok but it’s good to know we can always change our outward character whenever we want to.
Okay, let’s head to Slumberland!
Get in your sleepwalk pose.
Okay, good. Walk on the spot slowly and when you hear the alarm clock snap out of your slumber and back to your ‘normal’ self.
Okay?
Go.
Very good!
Okay, let's go again and this time when you hear the alarm clock, jump back to being you! Like this.
Okay, ready?
Let's go.
I can see you.
Ah, brilliant! It was amazing to see how quickly you went from sleepwalking back to you again.
Okay, we're going to do this again but when you hear the alarm this time, can you jump and clap as you return to your normal self?
Like this:
Jump, clap.
Ready?
Let's go!
Nice sleepwalking teacher!
Very good.
Oh, look at that.
Well done!
Okay, last time.
When you hear the alarm we're going to jump, clap and dance our way back to being awake. Like this:
Jump, clap, dance.
Nice!
Okay, are we ready to go?
Let's do this!
Good sleepwalking.
You all look brilliant!
Did you notice how you turned your sleepy feeling into a fun, fully awake dance party at the end?
You have shown me, and each other, how you can change from one feeling to another really quickly, and whenever you want to.
Now say out loud - “I can change my feelings”.
Let's say it again:
“I can change my feelings”.
I hope to see you again soon.
Bye.
Join an unusually tired CBeebies presenter Evie Pickerill as she sleepwalks and dances her way in and out of Slumber Land.
By snapping in and out of sleepwalk role play to the intermittent sound of a siren, pupils are reminded they are ultimately in control of their own emotions.
This video can be used to demonstrate that we have the ability to change how we feel, along with our outward character and appearance, whenever we choose.
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 KS2. Whole class movement.
- When to use: Start of the day wake-up/Movement break between lessons .
See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas.
- Curriculum/topic/SEMH links: Emotional regulation
- Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and support.
Enrichment activities
- Feelings Switch Chart
- Create a two-column chart:
- Column 1: "When I feel…" (e.g., sleepy, grumpy, sad)
- Column 2: "I can…" (ideas to switch feelings, like dance, laugh, hug a teddy).
- My Wake-Up Move Poster
- Children design a poster showing their special move to wake themselves up from "sleepwalking mode" — jump, clap, spin, or anything creative.
- Wake-Up Chant
- Lead a class chant: You say: "When I feel sleepy, what do I do?"
- Class shout: "Wake up and move through!"
- Repeat with faster energy each time!
- I Can Change My Feelings Circle
- In a circle, each child says one way they can "change their feelings" when they feel sleepy, sad, or stuck.
- End with everyone saying together: "I can change my feelings."
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.
Haunted House. video
CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson leads a fun haunted house activity where children use their imagination to overcome spooky obstacles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
