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If you saw a class of pupils leaning from side to side emulating a bobsleigh race on youtube you might think they were messing about.
But fun activities that incorporate movement are a great way to improve their learning skills, says PE consultant Kevin Barton.
Talking to a group of teachers at an event arranged by the Wellington College Teaching Alliance, he advocated regular movement breaks as a way of preventing mental health problems developing in the classroom.
They included the activity where pupils watch a go-pro film of a bobsleigh race or ski slalom and bend their bodies to pretend they are in the race.
Other ideas discussed included a skipping challenge or asking children to choose their lunch options in the morning by going to different corners of the classroom rather than just telling the teacher at their desk.
Julie Pethiyagoda from Ranelagh school was among 16 teachers from eight state schools around the area who attended the event at Wellington College.
She said: “I got some practical and positive activities that are easy to implement into classroom practice, including getting students out of their seats.”
The course, held on 26 September, was aimed at teachers, middle and senior leaders with responsibility for wellbeing.
Reduced from £100 to £10 for members of the WCTA, it explored the connections between lifestyle, mental health and achievement in young people; and interventions in the classroom and across the whole school that can support young people in managing stress more effectively.
Phil Sherwood, head of Sonning C of E Primary School, said: “We found the link between mental health and physical activity, particularly in these post-Covid times, really impactful.
“It was a really practical session and we will think about how to implement it in our school.”
He added: “The fact that the WCTA subsidised the course for its members is also really helpful as it meant I could come along with my colleague Hannah.
“That support for CPD from the WCTA is really important.”
The delegates also spent time planning how to implement a mental health project in their school, perhaps combining smaller projects into a wider strategy.
WTCA co-ordinator Lindsay Gowland said: “There is help out there for mental health after the problems start, but this was about preventing problems in the first place.
“Kevin shared some great ideas to help improve the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of students including using fundamental movement skills that lead to an improved readiness to learn.”
For more information about becoming a member school contact WCTA@wellingtoncollege.org.uk.
