Hi, I’m Ade and it’s time for us all to connect by spending some time being together.
Look at your hands.
We use our hands everyday to connect with people to wave hello, to hug, to shake hands or even to help someone.
Can you connect to someone now?
Wave and say hello.
Hello! Hey! Hello, yes you! Hello.
Now can you think of something you've done that was really great?
Maybe you've helped your grown-up with the cleaning.
Or perhaps you've been concentrating hard and working hard at school this week.
Whatever it is, give yourself a clap.
Bravo. Well Done.
Yes, awesome. You're great.
You're all great.
Spending time together and connecting with people who we know and trust is really important.
It can help us feel that we are not on our own.
We are going to use this time to connect together even more using our hands by creating our own hand clapping routine.
Let’s start our routine by clapping our hands together four times.
Are you ready? Here we go.
One, two, three, four.
Brilliant work.
Next, we’re going to repeat our four claps and then add four more claps on our thighs.
Are you ready?
Clap, two, three, four and thighs, two, three, four.
Great!
Did you remember what to do?
Don’t worry if you didn't, we'll repeat it, but first let’s add a bit more.
This time, we are going do our four claps, then the four on our thighs and then we’re going to cross our arms over like this and clap four times.
Are you ready to do it all together?
Okay, let's go.
Clap, two, three, four.
Thighs, two, three, four.
And shoulders, two, three, four.
Boom! You guys smashed it.
And to finish we're going to reach out and give our classmates next to us four high fives.
Or if you aren't next to anyone, copy me like this.
One, two, three, four!
Now to put it all together.
Let me talk it through with you:
Are you ready?
Clap, two, three, four.
Thighs, two, three, four.
Shoulders, two, three, four.
High fives, two, three, four.
Did you manage to keep up with each other?
I found that hard, but it was easier doing it knowing I was working with you all at the same time.
We are going to go again.
But this time let’s go super fast!
Super fast. You ready?
Go! Claps, two, three, four.
Thighs, two, three, four.
Shoulders, two, three, four.
High fives, two, three, four.
You were all brilliant!
Much better than me.
When I feel lonely and miss somebody, I remember that I am still connected to them even if they are not here.
I find connecting with others really helps me know that I'm not on my own.
It was really good fun connecting with you today and being all together.
Now let’s say, “We are together.”
Are you ready?
“We are together!”
See you soon. Take care.
TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan uses a series of different hand clapping routines to encourage everyone in the class to connect with each other.
Pupils are encouraged to concentrate and carry out the instructed arm and hand actions to connect with classmates, helping them to combat any feelings of loneliness.
This video can help pupils build trust with one another and realise that they are not alone.
Feeling connected to the people and places around us is a fundamental part of what it means to be human.
Teacher Notes
- Phase and setting most suitable for: KS1. Whole class movement.
- When to use: Boost class morale / Start of the day / Before breaktimes.
See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas.
- Curriculum/topic/SEMH links: Achievements / Inclusion / Music – keeping the beat
- Visit the Teacher Guide for more information and support.
Enrichment activities
- Hands of Kindness
- Children trace their own hand on paper.
- Inside the hand outline, they write or draw things they can do with their hands to help others (e.g., wave hello, high-five a friend, help tidy up).
- "We Are Together" Poster
- Children create colorful posters with the words “We Are Together” and decorate them with pictures of helping hands, smiling faces, or heart shapes.
- "Proud Share" Circle
- In a circle, children each share one thing they did this week that they’re proud of.
- After each share, the group gives a big clap or cheer.
- "Clap Routine Challenge"
- See if the children can lead the class through the full hand-clapping sequence without help!
- Bonus: Challenge them to invent a NEW move to add to the routine (like tapping their knees, doing a spin, or adding a fun sound).
More from Connect:
Copy Me. video
Rhys Stephenson and George Webster ask pupils to copy each other’s movements to validate how they feel and create a sense of importance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
