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PSHE KS1 / KS2: Imagine – Life is a Rollercoaster with Ade Adepitan

Strap yourselves in and take a ride with TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan as he gets pupils to imagine the highs and lows, twists and turns and nervous excitement of being on a rollercoaster through a series of moves and actions.

Used to symbolise the ups and downs of life, the rollercoaster ride reminds pupils that it is ok and entirely normal to have different feelings, and that they can control them.

This high octane classroom activity can be used to reassure pupils that life is full of ups and downs for everyone, and that sometimes it’s okay to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Teacher Notes

  • Phase and setting most suitable for: KS1 and lower KS2. Whole class movement.
  • When to use: Release emotion after breaktimes.

See our Moodboosters School Timetable for more ideas.

Enrichment activities

  1. My Feelings Rollercoaster Drawing
  • Children draw a rollercoaster with different feelings at different points along the track.
  • Example: Going up = nervous, Going down = happy, Big bend = uncertain.
  1. My Rollercoaster Story
  • Children write a short story describing a day when their feelings went up and down like a rollercoaster.
  • Prompt: “First I felt ____, then I felt ____, and finally I felt ____.”
  1. Feeling Freeze Game
  • Call out a feeling (nervous, excited, bored, surprised) and children freeze showing that facial expression.
  • Bonus: Add a body movement too, like swinging arms for "happy" or huddling small for "worried."
  1. Feelings Switch Discussion
  • Sit in a circle and have each child share: "One time I felt nervous and then felt happy afterwards was when…"
  • Focus on showing how feelings can change, just like on a rollercoaster.

More from Imagine:

Bethany Shriever leads this classroom activity using animal-inspired movements to help pupils regain control over their emotional state.

Proud Peacocks

Amy Dowden asks pupils to use their imagination to perform in a spectacular cabaret show to help celebrate their uniqueness and show courage.

Show Time

CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson steps into a time machine and encourages children to dream big and imagine future job roles in this classroom activity.

Future Thinkers

CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson leads a fun haunted house activity where children use their imagination to overcome spooky obstacles.

Haunted House

TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan asks pupils to act as superheroes in this classroom activity promoting feelings of being brave and strong.

Let's Be Heroes

Evie Pickerill leads this fun activity where she uses sleepwalk role play to remind pupils they are ultimately in control of their own emotions.

Classroom Sleepwalking

Dr Ranj uses dream-like visualisations alongside dynamic and slower mindful movements to encourage a feeling of calm in this space adventure activity.

Space Dreamers

Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden guides a classroom activity featuring a dance routine that encourages and empowers children to be themselves.

Signature Moves

More from Moodboosters:

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

Connect

Activities to help children become aware of the importance of self-care, whilst building resilience and recognising what makes them special.

Recharge

Energetic, movement-based activities promoting self-confidence in children by encouraging them to use movement and positive thinking to build self-esteem.

Boost

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 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